DHL has successfully completed its first-ever use of rail freight in Formula 1 racing logistics, describing it as “a milestone pilot programme in North America” during the 2026 season.
DHL moved approximately 50 containers of race equipment, including 46 forty‑foot high‑cube units and four 20‑foot containers, by rail from Miami (Florida) to Montreal (Canada) covering nearly 2,000 kilometres.
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.
“Introducing rail into our race‑to‑race logistics mix shows how established transport modes can be applied in new ways to support sustainability in a highly time-critical environment”, explained Paul Fowler, Head of Global Motorsports Logistics at DHL Global Forwarding.
Reducing championship’s environmental footprint
“The successful delivery of all freight in this pilot demonstrates that rail can reliably support Formula 1’s demanding schedule while contributing to lower emissions. This reflects how DHL and Formula 1 continue to evolve logistics solutions to reduce the championship’s environmental footprint, while laying the groundwork to scale new approaches.”
Throughout the journey, containers were equipped with tracking devices and shock sensors to monitor handling, transit times, and freight integrity, ensuring the safe and punctual delivery of race equipment.
The collected data is now being used to assess key operational criteria and sustainability performance as DHL and Formula 1 explore opportunities to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the series.
Complementing multimodal logistics strategy
DHL said rail now complements its broader multimodal logistics strategy, alongside other emissions-reduced solutions deployed across the Formula 1 calendar, including the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for selected air freight operations; the operation of more than 50 biofuel-powered trucks supporting European road transport; and optimised route planning based on F1’s increased regionalisation of race logistics,
The Miami–Montreal rail pilot has successfully demonstrated the potential of rail freight as part of Formula 1’s logistics network and represents a foundation for future expansion, the company noted.
DHL and Formula 1 are now jointly evaluating opportunities to scale rail usage in North America from the 2027 season onward, subject to calendar structure, operational feasibility, and performance results from the 2026 trial.
The Montreal F1 Grand Prix takes place on 24 May.