LIFE IN THE FAST LANE: DHL REVS UP FOR F1

Logistics Insight Asia, 1/9/2008

From cars for the track to espresso machines for the hospitality suite, the Formula One (F1) season represents a huge logistical challenge. With each race taking place in a venue which may be thousands of miles away from the previous Sunday’s, the task to transport the myriad equipment around the world is a huge responsibility, explained Dan McHugh, CEO, DHL Express – Asia Pacific, at a press conference to mark the first ever Grand Prix held in Singapore, in September.

“Logistics for Formula 1 is living life in the fast lane. Even when the race is on, engineers are constantly working on improvements and parts need to be available at a moment’s notice. Any delay in the transportation can have severe consequences for the team’s results,” said McHugh.

Three 747s carrying some 300 tons of airfreight and fifty 40 foot containers arrived in Singapore for the Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix. As the official logistics partner for F1, each season, DHL works with the F1 teams to transport equipment across four continents and between 17 countries to a tightly controlled timetable.

A mobile DHL logistics center at the racetrack also offers a round-theclock service for urgent shipments, with deliveries to and from the track being made within 24 hours by express flights.

“A well-engineered logistics support that is fast, precise and yet flexible to deal with changing circumstances is the backbone of the world’s fastest performance car race,” said McHugh. “DHL is proud to be the official F1 logistics provider for the race followed by 300 million people over the world.”