Transporters – Formula 1 DHL logistics

Formula 1 is a worldwide brand and is growing every single year, this is shown by the expansion in flyaway races, with China, Bahrain and Malaysia among others finding a place on the calendar in recent years. Of course, this poses a huge logistical problem, and a partnership with DHL has been the answer.

Each team on the Formula 1 grid must travel over 100,000 miles / 160,000 KM to get to every test session and race through one season, with not just the cars but all of the equipment as well, this will include hospitality units, three chassis, tools, IT systems and tool kits so it needs a serious plane. The Boeing fleet is just that, and that is what Formula One Management charter from DHL. The planes are in cargo specification and need to be able to carry enough kit for multiple Grand Prix at the start and end of the season, when there is not enough time to go back to base between races.

It is these flyaway problems that really present the logistical problem, as for the European dates the teams can simply load all of their gear onto 40 tonne articulated lorries and drive to their destination in little more than a day, although DHL provide special air support for these races.

The teams must meet DHL at the airport, from which the logistics giant will take over proceedings. DHL is the third largest transport company in the world, visiting over 150 destinations so Formula One’s needs are easily met. Only FedEx and UPS are bigger.

DHL made the commitment to Formula 1 in 2006, and the agreement included the transportation of up to 300 tonnes of equipment. If this was to be managed by the teams themselves they would need to charter around 100 trucks. DHL then committed to providing a mobile logistics centre to provide a 24 hour service for the teams, covering good that teams need shipping out after crashes or other issues to everyday items like parcels, documents and temperature sensitive items.

It is worth pointing out that Formula 1 is not only about the teams. The sport is driven by money today, and the entertainment of guests is one of the keys. DHL also committed to transporting the paddock club and the VIP on the 100,000 mile trip around the globe. If that is not enough DHL is also entrusted with transporting nearly 30,000 Pirelli tyres around the globe each year.

DHL use the link-up with Formula 1 to boost its own credentials as a fast and precise transporter of goods too. DHL has started its ‘Fastest Lap Award’ – for the driver who gets the largest number of fastest laps in a season and they say the parallels do not end there.

The logistical process that surrounds getting the paddock around the world is the perfect opportunity for DHL to showcase what it can do. DHL aims to transport any type of material, part or even a chassis by express flight anywhere in the world within 24 hours. The pieces are accompanied by an on-board courier who accompanies urgent packages through customs and then takes a part by helicopter to the paddock.

This operation is evidence of how far Formula 1 has come in recent years, with ever larger financial incentives coming into play and more technology to operate the infrastructure surrounding Formula One has to become more advanced too. Let us hope that DHL apply the same level of care to our own packages.