CEVA Logistics Sends Formula One Cargo by Rail Intermodal

• Companies team up to use new intermodal transport method for race equipment as part of sustainability push
• Rail being used between Montreal, Austin, Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix races
• Emission reductions of 90% compared to air, 32% to trucking

AUSTIN – Oct. 18, 2023 – CEVA Logistics engineered a rail transport solution in North America for Scuderia Ferrari’s F1 racing team. In a first for Formula 1, Ferrari equipment is traveling by rail between three of the North American F1 grand prix races in an effort by the two companies to reduce carbon emissions.

CEVA has been transforming the Scuderia Ferrari logistics program since the beginning of their partnership in 2022. The flow of the six separate 45-ton equipment kits that traverse the globe has transitioned away from air freight to a primary combination of ocean and road freight as CEVA ensures the equipment reaches each of the 23 Grand Prix racing venues on time.

CEVA combines road transport from rail terminal points with rail transport for Scuderia Ferrari in North America.

For the 2023 season, the global logistics player proposed a new solution—to transport the equipment kit by train in North America to reduce the transport’s carbon emissions.

Packed in six 53-foot containers, the race equipment traveled approximately 2,000 miles from Montreal, Canada, to Austin, Texas, and will travel another nearly 2,000 miles from Austin to Las Vegas, Nevada.

CEVA’s project team calculated that the solution incorporating rail segments between the three F1 races reduced carbon emissions by 90% compared to the equivalent journey by air and 32% versus an all-road, trucking solution.

Intermodal Solves an Intricate Logistics Puzzle 

Finding the right routing to connect the various kits between races is an intricate logistics puzzle, but the extensive rail network across the United States makes the solution possible. CEVA’s project team is working closely with rail companies to synchronize the rail transport precisely with the Formula 1 Grand Prix schedule.

Specialized handling, coordination, and contingency planning are needed to ensure the equipment arrives on time.

The rail transport for Scuderia Ferrari in North America is being combined with road transport from the rail terminal points. Coordination between these different modes requires strict management to ensure the smooth transition of goods from one mode to another.

Moving equipment by train also calls for specialized handling, coordination, and proactive contingency planning on the part of CEVA’s project team to ensure that everything arrives on time.

For example, the equipment traveling from Montreal to Las Vegas via Austin required storage and road transport between CEVA’s Dallas hub location and the Austin Grand Prix venue and will require the same treatment between CEVA’s Los Angeles facility and the Las Vegas Grand Prix racetrack.

Traversing more than 130,000 miles in 2023

As Scuderia Ferrari’s logistics provider since 2022, CEVA expects the various F1 equipment kits to travel more than 130,000 miles in 2023.

Choosing more sustainable transport options means CEVA is supporting Ferrari’s emission reduction efforts and promoting more sustainable business practices. As part of the CMA CGM Group, CEVA is committed to reaching net zero by 2050. Ferrari aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2030.

About CEVA Logistics

CEVA Logistics provides global supply chain solutions to connect people, products, and providers around the world. Headquartered in Marseille, France, CEVA Logistics offers a range of end-to-end, customized solutions in contract logistics and air, ocean, ground, and finished vehicle transport in 170 countries worldwide with approximately 110,000 employees at more than 1,300 facilities. CEVA Logistics is part of the CMA CGM Group. www.cevalogistics.com