Cainiao’s direct import shipping service is available in 15 countries and regions. — Xinhua
Beijing: Chinese logistics companies are ramping up efforts to boost delivery efficiency for cross-border parcels and build global logistics networks as part of their broader push to speed up expansion in overseas markets and ensure the stability and security of supply chains, experts say.
Cainiao Group, the logistics arm of Chinese tech heavyweight Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, recently enhanced the efficiency of its direct import shipping logistics services, allowing domestic consumers who buy products from cross-border import eCommerce platforms to receive their goods in just five working days.
Currently, Cainiao’s direct import shipping service is available in 15 countries and regions, such as Singapore, Japan, South Korea, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Italy and Britain.
The company said it focuses on improving digital operating capabilities and optimising end-to-end import logistics systems.
Meanwhile, Cainiao has collaborated with Tmall Global, Alibaba’s cross-border eCommerce platform.
Consumers are now informed of the latest delivery times before placing orders and can claim compensation for late deliveries, which will significantly improve the overall logistics experience for both import merchants and consumers.
The company also said in January that it had entered the consolidated shipping sector in the United States, aiming to offer millions of overseas Chinese and international students who place orders on Chinese eCommerce platforms more convenient delivery.
Its offerings in the US market include both air and sea freight consolidation options, with the shortest delivery time being five days. The minimum shipping fees are just 12 yuan per person, Cainiao said.
Consolidated shipping services involve cross-border logistics combining orders from multiple eCommerce platforms or online stores into one shipment, which will be transported to consolidated warehouses before being delivered to individuals overseas.
JD Logistics, an arm of Chinese eCommerce giant JD, announced in December the launch of its international express delivery service.
Currently, the express delivery service is available for individuals in Shenzhen and Guangzhou in Guangdong province, and will initially cover 23 countries across North America and Europe.
Customers can book doorstep pickups through the JD Express mini programme on social media platform WeChat and expect one-hour pickups by couriers. Looking ahead, JD Logistics plans to extend the reach of this service across the nation.
JD is also actively expanding its international supply chain and logistics capabilities.
It has inked a strategic partnership with France-based Geopost, Europe’s largest international parcel delivery network.
This collaboration enables prompt local delivery from JD’s overseas warehouses, with one-day delivery possible in countries such as Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, France, Britain and Spain.
It is also accelerating the construction of a global logistics infrastructure, with plans to build more overseas warehouses in the Americas, Europe, South-East Asia, Australia and the Middle East, where Chinese enterprises are expanding their business volume with eCommerce penetration rates continuing to rise. — China Daily/ANN