Cross-border e-commerce logistics challenges and solutions: from the first mile to the last mile

The first difficulty in cross-border e-commerce imports lies in the stability of the upstream overseas supply chain. Whether importing or exporting, the characteristics and value of the commodity itself determine its logistics needs. For example, there are differences in supply chain management between standardized goods and non-standardized goods. However, when goods need to cross national borders, cross-border logistics becomes the key link connecting goods and markets in various countries. For companies, mastering every detail of this process, especially overseas delivery, is the key to successfully expanding the international market. the basis of.

The first mile problem overseas

In the early days, some overseas Chinese tried to purchase, package and mail the goods directly to Chinese consumers through local Chinese express companies. Although this method has the advantage of flexibility, it is difficult to ensure the overall quality and efficiency of logistics due to the impact of pickup efficiency, customs processing and domestic express service quality. In addition, it is particularly important for consumers to confirm whether the goods truly come from overseas origin, and the international direct mail service provides fully traceable cross-border logistics tracking inquiries.

Breaking through the last mile of international trade

Master the key points of customs clearance

The first major challenge in cross-border logistics is customs clearance. Familiarity with the relevant regulations, tariff policies and embargo lists of the target country is crucial to ensuring that goods pass customs smoothly. Using advanced electronic customs clearance systems or professional services can effectively improve efficiency.

Choose the appropriate shipping method

Enterprises need to choose the most appropriate transportation method based on product characteristics, timeliness requirements and cost budget. For example, sea freight is suitable for bulk cargo, while air freight is more suitable for destinations that need to be reached quickly. Intermodal transport offers a more flexible option.

Integrating information technology

By integrating logistics information management systems, companies can achieve real-time monitoring and management of global supply chains, thereby improving inventory accuracy and tracking cargo dynamics, reducing uncertainty.

Establish a global logistics network

Building a global network including overseas warehouses, strategic partners and logistics centers can help reduce costs and improve response speed, while enhancing the company’s adaptability in the international market.

Practice green logistics

As the concept of sustainable development becomes increasingly popular, implementing environmental protection measures such as choosing low-carbon transportation methods and using green packaging materials has become part of corporate social responsibility.

The last mile capability of international express delivery is blank

Uncertainty of customer arrival

In some cases, especially for high value items, the recipient’s autograph is required. If the recipient is not present, subsequent delivery plans may be affected.

Uneven distribution of buyers

If the buyers in the destination area are dispersed, the courier will need to spend more time and cost to complete the delivery task even if all recipients are at home.

Household threshold restrictions

For safety reasons, some residential areas or office spaces do not allow couriers to enter the internal area, which also creates obstacles for direct door-to-door delivery.

To sum up, from the first mile to the last mile, cross-border e-commerce logistics faces many challenges. Drawing on domestic experience, such as the Cainiao Station model, may provide some reference for solving these problems. In the context of globalization, in-depth understanding and proper handling of these problems will be one of the key strategies for enterprises to move towards internationalization.