At present, the development of cross-border e-commerce in my country is very rapid, but the development of international logistics that matches it is still relatively slow, and there is a certain gap with the logistics needs of cross-border e-commerce. With the development of cross-border e-commerce, cross-border e-commerce logistics will also undergo changes. In the design of logistics products, factors such as timeliness, cost, safety, and after-sales service will be considered, and even customized logistics services will appear.
1. Postal parcels
Postal parcels are mainly mailed through the Universal Postal Union (EMS). It is sent in the form of personal parcels. The biggest feature of postal parcels is that they are cheap, have a wide coverage, and are convenient for customs clearance. The customs clearance procedures between countries that are members of the Universal Postal Union are much simpler, which is also the main reason why many people choose postal parcels. But now there are almost no price discounts for postal parcels, and various countries have also banned the shipment of items with electricity, powder, liquids, etc. for safety reasons, which makes some products unable to be delivered through postal parcels. At the same time, postal parcels also have the disadvantages of high packet loss rate and unguaranteed timeliness. The delivery cycle of postal parcels is usually 15 to 30 days, but usually more than 80% of the parcels exceed this time. If it is delayed for two or three months during the peak season or peak period, it is possible. However, the convenience of postal parcels is still the main logistics distribution mode currently chosen by cross-border e-commerce, and it will still be the mainstream mode for some time in the future.
Currently, the postal network covers 220 countries around the world, which is more extensive than any other logistics channel network. As long as there is a post office in a country, it can be delivered by post. Therefore, the postal logistics channel is the most frequently used delivery method for most cross-border e-commerce sellers.
2. International Express
International express companies include well-known DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, etc. They are characterized by high timeliness, strong professionalism, low packet loss rate, but relatively high prices. The biggest difference between commercial express and postal logistics channels is the billing standard and timeliness. Through its own cargo aircraft team and localized delivery services, it provides buyers and sellers with a good user experience. However, the high-quality service experience is accompanied by high freight costs.
Currently, the competition in cross-border e-commerce is mainly based on price. Therefore, unless the customer requires it, few merchants will choose express delivery. Moreover, the express delivery channels of international express delivery have high requirements for products. Some special products such as counterfeit brands and products containing electricity cannot be delivered through express delivery channels. Therefore, international express delivery only occupies a small market share in the cross-border e-commerce logistics industry. Price is still its shortcoming. However, the timeliness and professionalism of express delivery channels have great advantages. If the price of international express delivery can be reduced, it will have a greater impact on postal parcels.