DB Schenker takes a victory lap for another successful move of the IndyCar series.

The Low-Down:

That’s the rallying cry for DB Schenkersportsevents, a division of the global 3PL that specializes in the coordination and execution of logistics services for events such as the FIFA World Cup in South Africa last year, the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, and the IZOD IndyCar Series.

In late April, Schenker moved the IndyCar Series to Brazil for the Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300 race, which was held on May 1.

The project involved chartering two 747-A400 “nose load” aircraft to move all race cars, race vehicles, and team equipment from the U.S. to Brazil. Race tires, fuel tanks, and support equipment were sent by Schenker via ocean freight to Sao Paulo.

In addition, Schenker also transports broadcasting equipment and show cars that are used for IndyCar promotional events. On the ground, the 3PL manages airport hangars and the building/breaking down of airline pallets, customs clearances, and provides on-site personnel at the race site during the entire racing event.

According to Garith “Gary” Garibaldi, Director IndyCar Development for DB Schenker USA: “Speed is the essence of IndyCar and DB Schenker is challenged to consolidate, load, transport, breakdown and move the whole IndyCar ‘circus’ to Sao Paulo track-side within 48 hours, ” and repeat the same process for the return.

“The race dust has hardly settled when the cars are rolled directly from the track to be palletized, loaded and transported to the airport to meet another pair of 747’s that have just landed and sitting ready on the tarmac for the ride home to Indianapolis.”

Garibaldi emphasizes that, “Security is paramount and this project demands the tightest protection. With careers won or lost by hundredths of a second on the track, all opportunities for damage, tampering or even theft of parts, vehicles or spares must be examined. Any lapse in attention could cost someone a title and millions of dollars in potential earnings.” wt



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