German Freight Giants Sport Different Logistics Sponsorships

WORLDWIDE – Brand reinforcement is of the utmost importance to all the multinational freight and logistics companies and experience shows there is no better way to hammer your name home than sponsoring a prestigious sporting event (except possibly an ad campaign with us). This week two German giants of the shipping world have announced their support for two high profile series but in different countries and very different mediums.

DHL will be official logistics partner of the Dunlop 24H Dubai race series for the third year in a row. The race takes place in Dubai from 12th to 14th January 2012 with DHL's specialist motor sports team responsible for transportation of the cars and each team's equipment. DHL has developed customized transportation concepts for each team to ensure that everything is ready for the race on time.

Meanwhile DB Schenker Logistics will support all key events over next three years, including World Championships held by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF). Schenker Limited, the UK arm of the global logistics services provider DB Schenker, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to become official supplier to the ISAF as its provider of shipping and logistics services until 2014.

Both companies have a history in the provision of services to the sporting world. DB Schenker has been involved in many prestigious events with worldwide TV audiences such as the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa where DB Schenker was involved as a service provider. DHL are regular supporters of motor and other sports events around the world including support for the Manchester United football team as official training kit sponsors and logistics suppliers at a reported cost of £40 million.

DB Schenker Logistics recently assisted the ISAF with logistics services for the 2011 ISAF Annual Conference in Puerto Rico and is also the supporting sponsor to the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships which sees over 1,000 sailors from more than 70 nations fight for world championship glory and Olympic qualification spots in mid-December. More than 120 containers full of sailing equipment have already been moved to Western Australian capital in time for the event.

Alongside supporting key ISAF events such as the Youth Sailing World Championship, which heads to Dublin, Ireland next year, and the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships, DB Schenker will be offering ISAF members expert advice on all aspects of shipping and logistics. ISAF Secretary General, Jerome Pels, said:

“Sailing is a global sport and the transport of equipment plays a major part in what we do, so to be working with one of the World’s leading shipping and logistics companies is a significant benefit for us. I am also pleased that our partnership with DB Schenker will give our members the opportunity to take advantage of the company's experience and expertise.”

For their part DHL will transport a total of seventy 40 foot high line containers to Dubai from Europe, Asia and Australia and back by ocean freight whilst air freight will be used for express deliveries. The majority of vehicles and equipment will be assembled and packed into containers in Antwerp. Further shipments will leave Australia and Asia. DHL is also responsible for the handling of all customs formalities and preparation of the shipping documents for export. When the containers arrive in the port of Dubai, DHL experts will be on hand to ensure smooth customs clearance and to organize onward transportation by truck to the 5.39 km long Dubai Autodrome grand prix circuit. Christina Splettstösser of DHL Logistics & Motorsport Events commented:

"During the race weekend, the DHL team will be at the disposal of the racing teams and the organizers around the clock. We have more than 20 years' experience of motor racing logistics and with our global network we ensure that teams and drivers have everything they need in the right place and on time."