Freight News, Logistics, Rail

Racing along the rails

[ May 20, 2026   //   Chris Lewis ]

DHL Group has completed its first-ever use of rail freight in Formula 1 logistics with a pilot program in North America during the 2026 season. DHL moved approximately 50 containers, including 46 forty‑foot high‑cube units and four 20‑foot containers, of race equipment by rail from Miami, Florida, to Montreal, Canada, nearly 2,000 kilometers. Around 68% of the F1 freight handled by DHL for this leg that would typically be transported by road was instead moved by rail, reducing reliance on more carbon‑intensive transport while meeting Formula 1’s strict timelines.

Containers were equipped with tracking devices and shock sensors to monitor handling, transit times, and cargo integrity, ensuring the safe and punctual delivery of race equipment. The collected data is now being used to explore opportunities to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the series.

DHL and Formula 1 are now jointly evaluating opportunities to scale rail usage in North America from the 2027 season onward.

Tags: DHL