Lufthansa Cargo Bets on Customs Tech as GlobeCross Targets Border Delays in eCommerce Surge

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As customs bottlenecks and shifting trade rules continue to slow cross border shipments, Lufthansa Cargo has launched a new subsidiary designed to tighten control over digital customs processing and eCommerce logistics.

The carrier confirmed that GlobeCross GmbH officially began operations on May 6 following the completed merger of heyworld GmbH and CB Customs Broker GmbH. The move signals Lufthansa Cargo’s push beyond traditional airport to airport transport and deeper into the growing market for integrated parcel logistics and customs management.

The pressure on cross border logistics has intensified over the past two years. New customs requirements, rising eCommerce volumes, and increased scrutiny on imports have created friction at major gateways across Europe.

For cargo operators, the challenge resembles a relay race where every handoff risks delay. Lufthansa Cargo now appears focused on reducing those handoffs altogether.

“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 transportations,” said Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo.

The company said GlobeCross combines digital eCommerce logistics capabilities with more than 20 years of customs expertise from CB Customs Broker. The new entity will operate independently while still leveraging Lufthansa Group’s logistics network.

According to Lufthansa Cargo, existing customers of heyworld and CB Customs Broker will not see immediate operational changes. Contracts, services, and contacts remain unchanged.

The larger shift is structural.

GlobeCross is positioning itself as a single integrated provider for customs clearance, transportation coordination, and last mile delivery support. That strategy aims to reduce the number of operational touchpoints that often create delays during cross border movements.

“The merger of heyworld and CB Customs Broker represents our next step making cross border logistics simpler, faster and more reliable for our customers,” said Nikola Todic, Managing Director of GlobeCross.

The company said the integrated setup is expected to shorten decision making processes and accelerate deployment of customized logistics solutions.

GlobeCross has organized its business around three operational segments.

The first is end to end eCommerce logistics, connecting transportation, customs handling, and final delivery visibility under one workflow.

The second focuses on eCommerce import terminals located at key air cargo hubs. These facilities are supported by proprietary customs and handling software designed to speed up processing.

The third pillar centers on digital customs clearance services for EU imports and exports across multiple industries.

For an industry increasingly shaped by data visibility and compliance accuracy, software appears to be the real cargo moving through the system.

“Our focus is delivering reliability and predictability, especially in today’s environment,” said Murat Odabas, Managing Director of GlobeCross. “By organizing information flows and embedding regulatory requirements into our software and solutions, we reduce complexity, minimize delays at borders and remove friction from cross border logistics.”

Unlike traditional logistics operators investing heavily in warehousing or transport fleets, GlobeCross will follow an asset light structure.

The company said its focus will remain on software platforms, process management, and customs expertise rather than physical infrastructure. That approach could allow faster scaling during periods of volatile eCommerce demand and shifting customs regulations.

For Lufthansa Cargo, the timing is notable. As cross border parcel volumes continue rising and customs procedures grow more complex, control over digital compliance workflows may become just as valuable as cargo capacity itself.