DHL continues as the Official Logistics Partner of the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC). A new, multi-year agreement extends a partnership that began in 2012.
The Asian Le Mans Series is now part of the collaboration as well. Thus, in addition to the WEC and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, DHL is taking on the logistics for another international racing series. For a sport spanning multiple continents and measured in minutes and millimetres, reliable logistics are a crucial behind-the-scenes factor.
What Does the Extended Partnership Entail?
The agreement reinforces DHL’s position as Official Logistics Partner for several years, covering the WEC, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and, from now on, the Asian Le Mans Series.
What Does DHL Transport for the FIA WEC?
DHL coordinates the transport of vehicles and technical equipment across all the races. This includes spare parts, garage infrastructure, broadcast equipment, and even large volumes of alternative fuels.
Shipments for multiple manufacturers and teams are being consolidated. This allows for more efficient use of capacity and ensures that all components arrive at the next venue on time, despite the tight time frames and intercontinental transfers involved.
Why Is the Logistical Effort Increasing?
The FIA WEC has been experiencing rapid growth for years, driven by the introduction of the Hypercar category and an increasing number of manufacturers.
Automotive brands such as BMW, Ferrari, Porsche, Toyota, Aston Martin and Peugeot are now competing against each other. The championship covers Europe, North and South America, Asia and the Middle East.
The demands on a precisely coordinated logistics chain increase with every additional team and every new racetrack.
What Is the Scale of the Logistics Behind a WEC Season?
The numbers from a typical season illustrate the dimensions of the operation. With a starting grid of 36 vehicles, DHL successfully transports materials across several continents in a predictable and timely manner.
Here’s what DHL moves each season:
- 36 vehicles: the full starting grid for all races
- Approximately 120 containers: cars, spare parts, and infrastructure
- Up to seven aircraft: chartered specifically for each intercontinental leg
- Thousands of race tires: on schedule at every venue
- Specialized team: teams of motorsport logistics specialists are on site at each venue
With the strong growth of the FIA World Endurance Championship and the increasing number of manufacturers involved, precise and scalable logistics are becoming ever-more critical. Our partnership demonstrates how we jointly create the conditions for peak performance, both on and off-track.
– Felix Heger, CEO DHL Global Forwarding Germany & Switzerland
How Does DHL Promote Lower-Emission Motorsports Logistics?
DHL combines air and ocean freight solutions tailored to the race calendar. This reduces empty runs and makes transports more efficient. The company uses a variety of measures, including trucks powered by biofuel and low-emission ocean freight options. Furthermore, DHL promotes the use of alternative fuels throughout the racing season.
The goal is to make a traditionally carbon-intensive sport more sustainable and future-ready through innovation in technology, processes, and behavior. This ambition is shared by DHL and FIA WEC.
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We are delighted to extend our successful relationship with DHL. As the FIA World Endurance Championship continues to grow, we count on the support of our trusted partners more than ever and DHL is truly an industry leader in logistics. Not only that, but as a global series, we have a duty to minimize our carbon footprint, and DHL wholeheartedly shares our commitment towards a more sustainable future. We look forward to continuing to work together closely over the years to come.
– Frédéric Lequien, CEO of the FIA World Endurance Championship
DHL Sustainable Endurance Award
The DHL Sustainable Endurance Award is part of the expanded partnership. The award is presented annually.
It recognizes FIA WEC teams that demonstrate progress in environmental management, social responsibility, and innovation. By highlighting tangible initiatives, the award encourages the entire starting grid to share best practices.
Logistics for the Pole Position
World-class motorsport extends beyond the pit lane. The outcome of the race is affected by whether vehicles, spare parts, or fuel arrive on time at the next venue.
With the renewal of the agreement and its expansion to include the Asian Le Mans Series, DHL is further strengthening its presence in the world of international motorsports. The FIA WEC can count on DHL’s expertise in making complex global transportation operations predictable.
