Specialized handling ensures that servers, power modules, and network systems are transported under strictly controlled conditions to prevent damage that could lead to costly delays. Rack configuration services move critical integration and testing out of the active construction zone to secure warehouse environments, reducing on-site complexity and minimizing the risk of installation delays. Specialized transport from warehouse to site addresses the practical challenges of moving oversized or sensitive components through congested metropolitan areas, active construction zones, or remote, undeveloped locations.
By moving critical work to controlled logistics centers, operators can maintain construction speed and protect high-value infrastructure programs. This expansion comes as data center operators face tight construction schedules, complex build sequences, and global supply chains spanning manufacturing hubs in Asia and deployment markets in North America, Europe, and other regions.
DHL Supply Chain in North America is also supporting critical construction logistics for new mega-campuses, helping customers manage the precision and speed required for current projects. “Hyperscalers are building the digital backbone of the AI era, and they’re doing it at an extraordinary pace,” said Hendrik Venter, Global CEO of DHL Supply Chain. “Our expanded presence in North America is specifically designed to keep pace with that speed: from high-security warehousing and configuration services to white-glove handling and 24/7 service logistics readiness. Combined with deep integration across DHL divisions, we offer a single responsible partner that connects global supply flows with precise execution on the ground. That’s what keeps large-scale data center projects on schedule and resilient. And this marks just the beginning of our group-wide expansion in this rapidly growing sector. North America—home to more than 40% of the world’s data centers—is a key first step, with other regions already slated for future capacity expansions.”
The announcement follows an independently commissioned survey of data center decision-makers, which shows that 85% prefer a single, end-to-end, comprehensive logistics partner, while only 43% believe they currently have one. At the same time, around 70% rely on external logistics providers only for specific tasks, such as specialized deliveries or reverse logistics, highlighting the existing fragmentation. Furthermore, 89% rated having a single account manager as “very important,” underscoring the demand for unified leadership even when services span multiple providers. This expansion by DHL integrates seamlessly with the DHL Global Forwarding network, ensuring essential multimodal transport, customs expertise, and heavy/oversized load capabilities, given that high-value IT equipment and energy-efficient cooling systems are often sourced overseas.
In Latin America, increased investment is driving demand for bonded warehousing, secure server transport, and multimodal routes to meet demanding deployment schedules. Dedicated charter flights are increasingly used in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, within Asia-Pacific, and along the Asia-Pacific–US corridors. “Data center logistics crosses oceans, borders, and regulatory frameworks,” said Oscar de Bok, Global CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, Freight. “Whether it’s graphics processing units (GPUs)—the high-performance processors powering modern AI models—shipped by air, power modules by sea, or oversized components transported via custom-engineered road transport solutions to remote sites, customers rely on synchronized, secure, and time-critical execution. With our Industrial Projects experts, dedicated charter capacity, and multimodal routes, we keep these high-value shipments on schedule from end to end.” The combination of scale, sensitivity and speed makes this one of the most demanding global supply chains, and it is precisely there that the close coordination between DHL's different business areas becomes a real advantage for customers looking to launch new capacity .
As hyperscalers grow globally, DHL's worldwide network and extensive multimodal capabilities offer customers a single, trusted partner across borders, integrating international supply flows with precise local execution to keep projects on schedule and infrastructure operational.
