Teamsters working at DHL Express recently ratified their first national agreement.

The labor contract was approved by 82 percent of the more than 7,000 union members who voted. It’s the union’s second new national agreement in the last 30 days after workers at UPS Freight accepted a contract that covers 10,700 new members. The two national pacts are the first major agreements negotiated by the Teamsters Union in more than 30 years.

The contract boosts wages and benefits, improves working conditions and strengthens job security for drivers, freight handlers, warehouse workers, clerical workers and call center representatives at dozens of DHL Express locations across the U.S., the union said. The five-year contract expires on March 31, 2013.

Following a year in which DHL lost $900 million on its U.S. operations, the Teamsters said they wanted to be sure their contract did not threaten the company’s business.

“Not only were we able to negotiate significant economic gains for members, this agreement provides job security by allowing DHL to better compete in this tough industry,” said Brad Slawson, co-chair of the Teamsters national negotiating committee.