CHINA/INTERNATIONAL. Alibaba Group logistics arm Cainiao Network has announced a series of measures to boost its logistics capabilities for the upcoming 11.11 Global Shopping Festival.
The company said its latest initiatives aim to optimise delivery of orders generated via the event by Alibaba’s cross-border ecommerce platforms to consumers around the world.
Cainiao is deploying a multi-pronged approach to facilitate the supply chain logistics journey from merchant to consumer. This, it pointed out, will leverage technology and smart logistics resources to create a more seamless and enjoyable shopping experience during the festival.
“Behind every great shopping festival is great logistics efficiency and reliably meeting great consumer expectations. Our technology will accelerate the automation of every aspect of the delivery journey to create a truly global infrastructure that can bolster the ecommerce boom” – Cainiao Network Chief Strategist and General Manager for Export Logistics William Xiong
In anticipation of surging demand from consumers on AliExpress during 11.11, Cainiao has implemented a series of measures to instil greater stability. These include chartering 300 flights with cargo capacity of over 30,000 tonnes to expedite the delivery of goods outside China.
For fast-growing markets such as South America, chartered flights have more than doubled ahead of 11.11, from three weekly flights last year to seven this year. This number is expected to increase significantly during the duration of the shopping festival.
To aid cross-border shipping efficiency in Europe, Cainiao has launched eight overseas distribution centres in Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Portugal, Russia and Hungary.
Currently, Cainiao’s European trucking network spans 30 countries, with an average of 80 vehicles operating daily. This network is projected by the company to expand to 3,000 vehicles during 11.11.
Strengthening its last mile network, Cainiao has also set up close to 5,000 Cainiao-branded lockers in Europe to provide contactless pickup for consumers.
It is also partnering with local logistics providers to include more third-party self-collection points and lockers to diversify last-mile logistics offerings.
In Southeast and North Asia, Cainiao has secured additional cargo space in over 1,350 flights with a total capacity of 4,500 tonnes, 210 sea freight trips with 1,170 containers, and 150 trucks to support cross-border deliveries for Tmall, Taobao and Lazada consumers for the entire month of November.
Cainiao Network Chief Strategist and General Manager for Export Logistics William Xiong said: “Over the years, 11.11 has showcased the tremendous demand from consumers across the globe. In gearing up for another successful 11.11, technology plays a critical role in the seamless execution and delivery of billions of parcels globally.
“Behind every great shopping festival is great logistics efficiency and reliably meeting great consumer expectations. Our technology will accelerate the automation of every aspect of the delivery journey, from sorting facilities and warehousing to customs clearance and last-mile delivery, to create a truly global infrastructure that can bolster the ecommerce boom.”
Ahead of the 11.11 shopping festival, over 300 million international goods from 87 countries and regions have been pre-stocked in Cainiao’s bonded warehouses in China.
