Five major challenges faced by cross-border e-commerce logistics

In recent years, the rapid growth of cross-border e-commerce has made it an emerging market in the field of e-commerce. However, this development has also put forward higher requirements for the logistics system. Although postal parcels account for 70% of the market share, logistics issues are still one of the bottlenecks in the development of cross-border e-commerce.

1. Delivery time is too long

Taking AliExpress as an example, the delivery time to Russia has been adjusted since May 2013, extending from the original 6 days to 90 days. This means that Russian buyers may have to wait up to three months to receive their goods. When using China Post Small Parcel or Hong Kong Small Parcel to deliver to some countries, such as Russia and Brazil, it usually takes 40 to 90 days, but using dedicated line logistics can be shortened to 16 to 35 days. This long delivery time not only tests the patience of overseas consumers, but also hinders the development of cross-border e-commerce.

2. Lack of full tracking of logistics packages

Although e-commerce logistics achieves real-time tracking within China, most cross-border packages cannot be effectively tracked after leaving the country. In countries with developed logistics, buyers can check the status of goods on relevant websites through the tracking number. However, in countries with small languages ​​or relatively lagging logistics development, it may not be possible to check even if there is a tracking number. This problem requires improving the informatization level of overseas logistics and connecting it with the domestic information system to achieve more full-process tracking.

3. Customs clearance obstacles

Cross-border logistics involves two customs levels: the customs of the exporting country and the customs of the destination country. In this process, inspection by the customs of the destination country has become an important link. Once the goods are withheld, the seller may face three consequences: confiscation, return, or request for supplementary documents, which will cause time delays and financial losses. The main reasons for customs clearance obstacles are the seller’s contempt for the regulatory system of the importing country and the trade barriers of the customs of the destination country, such as Brazilian customs’ strict inspection of packages.

4. Package damage and loss

Packages are often damaged or lost during cross-border logistics. Since the shipping process involves multiple transfers, this can easily lead to package insecurity. Such incidents not only affect customers’ shopping experience, but also mean that sellers need to bear potential financial losses.

5. Unsupported returns and exchanges

In cross-border e-commerce, the implementation of returns and exchanges has become quite complicated. Firstly, the time factor of logistics prolongs the return and exchange cycle; secondly, the high cost of reverse logistics also puts pressure on merchants; finally, the import behavior of returns and exchanges may encounter inspections by Chinese customs and even require the payment of additional tariffs, which has a negative impact on It is a huge burden for merchants.

Although cross-border logistics faces many challenges, as the industry continues to develop, including measures such as the establishment of overseas warehouses by major brands overseas, delivery times may be effectively shortened and customer experience improved. In the future, cross-border logistics service forms may become more abundant, helping to promote the rapid development of export cross-border e-commerce.