DHL boosts North America data center logistics capacity amid AI demand surge

(WO) - DHL is expanding its North America data center logistics (DCL) footprint with 10 new dedicated facilities totaling more than 7 million sq ft, as hyperscale operators accelerate infrastructure buildouts to meet surging AI-driven demand.

The expansion is designed to support the increasingly complex supply chains behind large-scale data center development, where compressed construction timelines, global sourcing and high-value equipment handling are placing new demands on logistics providers.

The new sites will provide specialized services including white-glove handling of sensitive equipment, rack pre-configuration and testing, and dedicated transport solutions for oversized or high-value components. By shifting integration and staging work into controlled warehouse environments, operators can reduce on-site congestion, limit installation risk and maintain project schedules.

DHL said the facilities will be integrated with its broader global forwarding network, enabling coordinated multimodal transport of critical equipment such as servers, GPUs, power modules and cooling systems from manufacturing hubs—primarily in Asia—to deployment sites across North America.

The buildout comes as data center construction scales rapidly to support AI and cloud computing growth. North America accounts for more than 40% of global data center capacity, with operators racing to deploy new hyperscale and colocation facilities. These projects require tightly synchronized logistics across international supply chains, including air, ocean and specialized heavy-lift transport.

According to DHL, demand is also increasing for end-to-end logistics solutions, as operators seek to reduce fragmentation across multiple service providers. An independently commissioned survey found that 85% of data center operators prefer a single logistics partner, while fewer than half currently have one.

Beyond warehousing, logistics providers are playing a growing role in managing mission-critical construction flows, including last-mile delivery into active construction zones and remote greenfield sites. The ability to handle out-of-gauge components and navigate complex permitting and routing requirements has become a key differentiator.

Globally, the expansion reflects a broader shift in energy and infrastructure supply chains, where digital infrastructure—particularly data centers—is emerging as a major driver of power demand and capital investment.

As hyperscale development continues, logistics capacity and coordination are expected to remain critical factors in keeping projects on schedule, particularly as supply chains span multiple regions and regulatory environments.