DHL completes first rail freight pilot in Formula 1 logistics on Miami–Montreal route

DHL Group has completed its first use of rail freight in Formula 1 logistics, moving race equipment from Miami to Montreal in a pilot program aimed at reducing emissions while maintaining strict delivery timelines.

The logistics provider and official Formula 1 partner transported approximately 50 containers, including 46 forty-foot high-cube units and four 20-foot containers, over nearly 2,000 kilometres by rail during the 2026 season.

About 68 per cent of freight that would typically move by road on this leg was instead shifted to rail, which DHL says reduced reliance on more carbon-intensive transport methods.

“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,” said Paul Fowler, head of global motorsports logistics at DHL Global Forwarding. “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.”

The containers were fitted with tracking devices and shock sensors to monitor handling, transit times and cargo integrity during the journey. DHL says the data collected will be used to assess operational performance and sustainability metrics as it works with Formula 1 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The rail pilot forms part of a broader decarbonization strategy between DHL and Formula 1, which includes the use of sustainable aviation fuel in selected air freight operations, biofuel-powered trucks in European road transport and optimized route planning tied to the sport’s regionalized calendar.

DHL and Formula 1 said the Miami–Montreal trial could pave the way for expanded rail use in North America from the 2027 season, depending on operational results, calendar structure and feasibility assessments.