International postal logistics: full analysis from dedicated line to direct mail

As cross-border e-commerce is booming today, logistics, as an important link to support its operation, is not only related to whether goods can reach consumers smoothly, but also directly affects the operating costs and efficiency of merchants. This article aims to discuss the two main cross-border logistics methods, international dedicated line logistics and postal logistics, to help readers better understand and choose the logistics solution that suits them.

Detailed explanation of international dedicated line logistics

International dedicated line logistics is an efficient cross-border transportation method. It integrates leading aviation resources to achieve full logistics services from domestic warehouses to destination airports. Under this model, the logistics provider is responsible for sorting, packing, and arranging the take-off of the goods. After arriving at the destination, the local distribution service provider completes the final delivery task. Specifically, dedicated line logistics can be divided into two major categories:

• Special Line Large Packet: Applicable to goods weighing between 2kg and 30kg per ticket;
• Special Line Small Package: For small items weighing no more than 2 kilograms per ticket.

Last leg delivery

Last-mile delivery is usually completed using local postal services or third-party logistics companies with mature delivery networks. According to the characteristics of different countries and regions, it is crucial to choose the appropriate distribution channel. For example, USPS and FEDX in the United States, RM and YODEL in the United Kingdom, DHL in Germany, Colisimo in France, Coreos in Spain, and GLS in Italy are all common last-mile delivery service providers.

Delivery process

The delivery process of international dedicated parcels is roughly as follows:

1. System registration and order processing: On days 1-2, sellers need to complete system registration, order pushing and goods preparation;
2. Goods processing and delivery: On the third day, the parcels are measured and entered into the system, and sorted and packed according to the flow direction;
3. Transportation and customs clearance: On days 4-5, the goods will arrive at the destination port via scheduled flights and commercial customs clearance will be completed locally;
4. Local delivery: On days 6-8, the goods are delivered to the last-mile distributor until they are finally delivered to the consumer.

Analysis of advantages of postal logistics

Postal logistics also occupies an important position in the field of cross-border e-commerce. It not only covers a wide range of areas, but also has certain flexibility and economy. Postal logistics mainly includes the following aspects:

• Postal parcel: It is mainly divided into three types: air parcel, air and surface parcel (SAL) and surface and land parcel, which are suitable for different types of commodity transportation needs;
• International Express Mail EMS: Provides fast shipping services and supports multiple query methods;
• Border Parcel Service: Facilitates cross-border transactions within a specific area.

The advantages of postal logistics are:

• Developed Internet: Most countries and regions around the world have joined the Universal Postal Union (UPU), which means that almost all countries can enjoy postal services;
• Simple customs declaration: Postal customs declaration procedures are simpler than commercial express delivery. You only need to provide the necessary documents to complete bulk customs clearance;
• Lower costs: Shipping costs for postal parcels are generally lower than other commercial logistics.

Although postal logistics has many advantages, there are also some challenges, such as limited processing capacity that may lead to delays during peak periods.

To sum up, whether choosing international dedicated lines or postal logistics, merchants need to make reasonable decisions based on their own business needs and the actual conditions of the target market to ensure that goods can be delivered to customers efficiently and safely.