Lufthansa Cargo launches GlobeCross for cross-border logistics
GlobeCross has been designed to support customers shipping goods across borders by integrating transportation, customs clearance and last-mile delivery into a single platform.
Lufthansa Cargo has launched GlobeCross GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary formed through the merger of heyworld GmbH and CB Customs Broker GmbH, as the air cargo carrier expands its cross-border logistics and customs services portfolio for e-commerce customers. The merger was formally completed on May 6.
The company said GlobeCross will combine digital eCommerce logistics services with customs expertise to provide integrated cross-border solutions in a trade environment marked by regulatory complexity and rising compliance requirements. The business will operate from Frankfurt Airport and focus on digital customs processes, end-to-end logistics execution and scalable delivery services for international shipments.
According to Lufthansa Cargo, GlobeCross has been designed to support customers shipping goods across borders by integrating transportation, customs clearance and last-mile delivery into a single platform. The company said the new subsidiary will focus on transparency, compliance and operational visibility through digital systems and software-driven processes.
Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo, said the launch marks a move beyond the company’s traditional airport-to-airport transport business.
“With GlobeCross, we are significantly expanding our cross-border logistics capabilities and taking a decisive step in offering our customers solutions beyond traditional airport-to-airport transport," said Bhat. “By bringing together deep customs expertise and digital e-commerce solutions, and by combining the complementary strengths of CB Customs Broker and heyworld, we are creating a unique, fully integrated platform for cross-border parcel logistics. This strengthens our market position and enables us to deliver faster, more compliant, and fully transparent processes – creating greater value and precision for our customers.”
The company stated that day-to-day operations for existing customers of heyworld and CB Customs Broker will remain unchanged, with contracts, service structures and customer contacts continuing without disruption. Lufthansa Cargo said customers will gain from a consolidated structure that reduces operational interfaces and shortens implementation timelines for customised logistics solutions.
Nikola Todic, Managing Director of GlobeCross, said the merger is aimed at simplifying cross-border logistics execution.
“The merger of heyworld and CB Customs Broker represents our next step in making cross-border logistics simpler, faster and more reliable for our customers," said Todic. “By combining eCommerce logistics with customs expertise into one integrated solution, we eliminate interfaces, reduce delays at borders and enable scalable, end-to-end execution from origin to door.”
GlobeCross said its operations will be built around three service areas. The first covers end-to-end eCommerce logistics, integrating transportation, customs clearance and final delivery services into a single workflow. The second focuses on eCommerce import terminals located at air cargo hubs and supported by handling and customs software systems. The third area includes digital and tailored customs clearance services for import and export shipments across industries, supported by more than 20 years of customs expertise and AEO C/S certification.
Murat Odabas, Managing Director of GlobeCross, said the company’s approach is focused on reducing friction in cross-border trade through information management and software integration.
“Our focus is delivering reliability and predictability, especially in today’s environment," said Odabas. “By organising information flows and embedding regulatory requirements into our software and solutions, we reduce complexity, minimise delays at borders and remove friction from cross-border logistics.”
The company said GlobeCross will follow an asset-light operating model that prioritises software, expertise and process management over physical infrastructure investments. Lufthansa Cargo stated that this structure is intended to support flexibility and faster scaling of services while enabling rapid deployment of new logistics solutions. GlobeCross will operate independently while remaining connected to the Lufthansa Group logistics network.
According to the company, the GlobeCross name was selected through a participatory process and reflects the business focus on connecting markets, partners and systems across international trade routes through digital and automated logistics services.
