Project Logistics Spotlight: Heavy Lifting, Sensitive Cargo
From ensuring safe delivery of rare or injured animals to transporting oversized machinery, project logistics requirements are unique and complex. Here’s how DHL, FedEx, Lufthansa Cargo, and other transportation providers tackle unique, high-value shipments with precision, care, and efficiency during every leg of the journey.
DHL’s Wildest Deliveries: Chimpanzees, 007 Relics, and a Flying Hospital
From a disabled chimp’s life-changing journey to James Bond’s legendary Aston Martin and a floating heart clinic for children, DHL’s out-of-the-ordinary shipments prove that no project is too big, too small, or too unusual.
Chocolat Finds a New Home
In August 2024, DHL transported Chocolat, a disabled chimpanzee, from Kenya to the Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre in Dorset, UK. Rescued as an infant after surviving the illegal bushmeat trade in Congo, Chocolat sustained injuries that left her with a paralyzed hand and foot. After more than two decades in Kenya, she required a permanent home with specialized care.
DHL handled her journey as a high-priority transport. Chocolat traveled in a custom-built crate stocked with fruit and sweet potatoes for comfort. Her trip began with a flight from Nairobi to East Midlands Airport in the UK, followed by a carefully managed road transfer to Dorset. A dedicated team of animal experts accompanied her throughout, ensuring her safety and well-being.
License to Deliver: James Bond Artifacts
This iconic Aston Martin DB5 was one of 130 pieces of James Bond memorabilia transported from Prague to Vienna.
In August 2024, DHL transported more than 130 pieces of James Bond memorabilia on a 205-mile journey from Prague to Vienna for the “007 Action” display. The shipment included 27 cars, eight motorcycles, costumes, and props, with standout items like the iconic Aston Martin DB5 and the high-speed ice dragster from Die Another Day.
DHL ensured the artifacts’ safety using 22 trucks, including enclosed car carriers with hydraulic lifts for secure loading and transport. The logistics team meticulously handled each piece, guaranteeing maximum protection throughout the journey.
Wings in Transit
DHL’s transport of 163 vultures marked the largest relocation project ever undertaken and completed safely.
When DHL transported 163 critically endangered Cape and African White-backed vultures more than 620 miles from a rehabilitation facility near Pretoria to the Shamwari wildlife reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, it marked the largest vulture relocation project ever undertaken.
DHL ensured a smooth 18-hour journey using two 34-ton trucks and five support and security vehicles. More than 50 volunteers carefully loaded the birds in just three hours. The operation prioritized the vultures’ safety, providing them with a secure environment to support their long-term conservation.
A Logistical Symphony
Transporting 60 valuable instruments for The London Philharmonic required meticulous planning.
The London Philharmonic Orchestra’s tour of Japan in September 2024 was not only a celebration of music but also a complex logistical endeavor. DHL transported approximately 60 valuable instruments, including double basses, cellos, timpani, and a harp, from the UK to the Hamamatsu Act City Concert Hall in Japan.
The operation required meticulous planning, covering roughly 6,000 miles by air and road. For instance, DHL had to maintain a constant temperature between 17 and 21 degrees Celsius to prevent wooden instruments from warping or cracking. Additionally, custom-built, shock-absorbing cases were used.
Despite a tight schedule, all instruments arrived on time and in perfect condition. The tour began in Hamamatsu, then proceeded to Nagoya, Osaka, and concluded in Tokyo.
11 Containers of Hope – Shipping a Mobile Heart Clinic
DHL delivered the world’s first mobile heart clinic across oceans, covering over 9,000 kilometers from Bremen, Germany, to Zacamil, El Salvador.
Transporting a hospital? Yes, that’s possible.
In February 2024, DHL delivered the world’s first mobile heart clinic across oceans, covering more than 5,500 miles from Bremen, Germany, to Zacamil, El Salvador.
Developed by the German non-profit organization Kinderherzen, the clinic provides lifesaving surgery for children with congenital heart defects in areas that lack specialized facilities.
The shipment consisted of 11 containers, transported by sea and road. After a 15-day setup, international heart surgeons began offering free treatments to the country’s young patients. The clinic remained in El Salvador until May 2024, before DHL transferred it to Burundi, East Africa, where it continued its mission.
Manatees Return to Home Waters
Transporting five orphaned manatees more than 1,000 miles to Florida marked a major mile stone in marine conservation.
In a carefully coordinated effort, DHL Express transported five orphaned manatees more than 1,000 miles to their temporary homes in Florida, marking a major milestone in marine conservation. The journey was the final leg of a multi-year rehabilitation effort by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, and SeaWorld Orlando.
The operation began with the manatees being placed in custom-built travel containers designed for their safety and comfort. From Cincinnati, they were driven to the DHL Express Global Hub at Cincinnati International Airport, where they were loaded onto a specially scheduled DHL cargo plane.
DHL ensured that the flight conditions were optimized for the well-being of the animals. The custom-built containers, secured on pallets attached to the plane’s floor for stability, featured thick foam bedding to cushion the manatees. Wool and space blankets helped maintain their body temperature, while care specialists monitored them throughout the flight using laser thermometers. To prevent dehydration, the manatees were misted with water under their blankets at regular intervals.
Onboard, a Columbus Zoo Animal Care curator accompanied the animals, ensuring they remained stable throughout the flight. The attention to detail ensured that each manatee arrived in good health, ready to complete the final phase of rehabilitation before returning to their natural habitat.
Upon landing in Florida, the manatees were transported to their respective rehabilitation facilities. Two males, Nighthawk and Mr. Dobak, originally rescued as orphaned calves in Charlotte County, Florida, were sent to SeaWorld Orlando. Having undergone initial rehabilitation at the Columbus Zoo, they continued their care at SeaWorld before their expected release in early 2025.
Meanwhile, three female manatees—Nolia, Amethyst, and Waffles—were transferred from Cincinnati Zoo to ZooTampa’s David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center. Rescued in early 2023, they initially received intensive care at ZooTampa before moving to Cincinnati Zoo’s Manatee Springs for continued rehabilitation. Now, they are back in Florida to complete their recovery.
Pandas Take a High-Flying Global Journey
FedEx Corporation transported six giant pandas between the United States and China on two separate flights. The round-trip journey departed Atlanta, arrived in Chengdu, China, where it delivered four pandas and then returned to Washington, D.C. with two pandas. The pandas traveled aboard a FedEx Boeing 777-F, known as the “FedEx Panda Express.”
Pandas travel aboard a FedEx Boeing 777-F, known as the “FedEx Panda Express.”
Departing Atlanta, FedEx transported four giant pandas from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. The FedEx Panda Express departed on October 12, 2024 and arrived in Chengdu on October 13.
The four pandas aboard included 27-year-old female Lun Lun and 27-year-old male Yang Yang, who have resided at Zoo Atlanta since 1999, and their twin female offspring, Ya Lun and Xi Lun, born at Zoo Atlanta in 2016. They safely arrived at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
On the return flight, FedEx transported two pandas from CTU to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, D.C. The FedEx Panda Express departed Chengdu on October 14 and arrived at Dulles International Airport on October 15. From there, the pandas were taken by truck to NZCBI.
The two pandas aboard included two-year-old male Bao Li and two-year-old female Qing Bao. Bao Li is the grandcub of Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, whom FedEx transported to China, along with their cub, Xiao Qi Ji, in November 2023.
Animal care experts from Zoo Atlanta and NZCBI were on board the flights. The animals were the only cargo on both flights, aside from supplies including bamboo, water, and the pandas’ favorite treats. Before their trips, the animals spent time getting familiar with their enclosures to ensure they were safe and comfortable during their journeys.
Upon arrival in Chengdu, Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Ya Lun, and Xi Lun were met by their new keepers on the tarmac before moving to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Once they arrived in Washington, D.C.,
Bao Li and Qing Bao began their quarantine ahead of their public debut in January 2025.
Turbines, Tigers, and Treasures: Lufthansa Cargo’s High-Flying Missions
Whether transporting a 12-ton aircraft engine, endangered animals, or priceless works of art, Lufthansa Cargo masters precision logistics across the globe.
Heavyweights on Board
A 65-ton automotive load, one of the heaviest ever transported by Lufthansa Cargo, journeyed across multiple flights as split shipments to accommodate its size and weight.
One of the heaviest shipments of 2024 for Lufthansa Cargo involved a 65-ton automotive load. The cargo journeyed from Viracopos, Brazil, to Frankfurt and then to Malmö, Sweden, split across multiple flights to accommodate its size and weight.
Another major transport was the General Electric aircraft turbine, flown from Beijing to Frankfurt in November 2024. Weighing 12 tons and measuring over 5 meters long and 3 meters high, the turbine’s transportation required precise handling. Time was of the essence, as quick delivery was needed to equip an aircraft and avoid costly delays.
Lufthansa Cargo’s Boeing 777 freighter was specially loaded with the turbine in Beijing, a process that required meticulous coordination. Only one hour was allotted for loading, with the turbine and additional cargo being loaded simultaneously.
Due to the size of the turbine and limited cargo compartment space, careful millimeter work was necessary, especially during the loading process through the cargo door. Lufthansa Cargo’s loadmasters, trained for such specialized tasks, ensured the turbine was loaded swiftly and securely.
To protect the sensitive turbine during the flight, approximately 50 tension belts were used to secure it directly to the aircraft’s structure. This was crucial in preventing vibrations and movements that could have damaged the multi-million-dollar turbine. The turbine reached its destination in optimal condition.
Wild Rides: Transporting Rare Animals
In 2024, Lufthansa Cargo played a vital role in transporting more than 80 million animals, ensuring safe and efficient travel for a variety of species.
One significant mission involved transporting two Siberian tigers from Frankfurt to Almaty in September 2024. These endangered big cats flew on a Lufthansa Cargo freighter before being released into the wild in Kazakhstan under WWF’s supervision. The journey required meticulous planning, with secure enclosures designed to keep the tigers calm and comfortable throughout the flight.
Another complex operation involved the transfer of two pygmy hippos from Madrid to Mumbai via Frankfurt in April 2024. Specially designed wooden crates lined with hay and equipped with water buckets ensured the animals’ well-being. Zookeepers followed strict dietary and environmental guidelines to minimize stress during the long journey.
One of the rarest passengers Lufthansa Cargo transported in 2024 was a highly endangered red panda. The animal, moved between zoos in May, required a climate-controlled chamber to maintain optimal temperatures and reduce stress. A custom-built enclosure with two levels provided space for the agile climber to move comfortably.
Lufthansa Cargo’s expertise in live animal transport ensures that all species travel under optimal conditions. The Frankfurt Animal Lounge, an advanced animal transit facility, provides 24/7 care by trained professionals.
Masterpieces on a Journey
Lufthansa Cargo’s expertise in art transportation ensures these irreplaceable treasures travel with the highest level of care.
In March 2024, Lufthansa Cargo played a crucial role in transporting a special exhibition, “The Culture,” from Chicago to Frankfurt. The exhibition, organized by the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Saint Louis Art Museum, was flown on a Lufthansa B777F, which carried 62 packages and 14,640 kg of art from the heart of the United States to Europe.
Lufthansa Cargo used its Sustainable Choice add-on service, reducing CO2 emissions through the use of sustainable aviation fuel and supporting climate protection projects.
Transporting priceless works of art requires careful planning and expertise. The Lufthansa Cargo team handled the artwork with care, ensuring that each piece was protected during the journey.
Once the art arrived in Frankfurt, it was stored in the ARTcube at the Lufthansa Cargo Center. This secure, climate-controlled space is tailored to the specific needs of valuable artworks. The exhibition was then transported to the Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt for display.
Another significant art transport for Lufthansa Cargo was the Berggruen exhibition in August 2024. The collection, which includes works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Klee, Giacometti, and Matisse, has traveled the world as part of a global tour. The works, once belonging to art dealer Heinz Berggruen, were transported in 42 custom-made, climate-controlled crates. The largest pieces flew on the B777 freighter, while smaller works were carried on Lufthansa passenger planes.
Over five flights, a total of 91 artworks were moved across continents.
The specialized handling and climate-controlled solutions, along with a commitment to sustainability, ensured the artwork arrived in pristine condition at its final destination.
Life-Saving Vaccinations
In November 2024, Lufthansa Cargo played a critical role in transporting 100,000 Mpox vaccines from Brussels to Kinshasa, marking a vital step in the global effort to combat the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The shipment, carried on flight SN357, was a key component in containing the virus and safeguarding public health in the region. This mission was made possible through seamless collaboration with key stakeholders, including the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid, the German Embassy in Brussels, Brussels Airport, Swissport, and World Courier.
Lufthansa Cargo’s expertise in transporting sensitive shipments ensured the vaccines arrived on time and in optimal condition.
Galveston Catches the Wind
Wind turbine shipments are picking up at the Port of Galveston, with hundreds of imported blades and tower pieces bound for a $5 billion wind farm being built in New Mexico.
Blades as long as 248.4 feet are the largest wind pieces to come across Galveston docks since the port began handling wind turbine pieces in the early 2000s.
Through October 2024, the port had imported 979 wind pieces totaling more than 32,000 tons, with eight more ships scheduled through the end of the year. Activity is expected to remain strong through 2025.
The blades are being transported largely by rail, with some by truck, to the SunZia Wind project. It will be the largest wind farm in the United States, with 900 turbines across Lincoln, San Miguel and Torrance counties in central New Mexico.
Waterfront workers are moving blades as long as 248.4 feet, the largest wind pieces to come across Galveston docks since the port began handling wind turbine pieces in the early 2000s.
The port worked with the city of Galveston and the Texas Department of Transportation to modify the turn onto the Interstate 45 feeder road to accommodate trucks carrying the larger blades.