Cainiao Network, (Cainiao), the logistics arm of Alibaba Group, has announced that it has enhanced the cross-border logistics efficiency of e-commerce firm, Lazada, by 50% with the launch of various logistics facilities to support local export SMEs.

Three-day delivery

In a statement, it said using the accelerated logistics channel, customers in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines are now able to receive parcels in as fast as three days after placing an order on Lazada’s e-commerce platform.

Cainiao noted that this was achieved with the launch of distribution centers in China’s export-focused cities of Yiwu, Shenzhen and Quanzhou, offering doorstep pickup, distribution and cross-border shipping services to support merchants’ needs.

It said the shipment status will be synced in real-time through Cainiao’s parcel tracking system.

Prior to this, merchants had to deliver the goods to warehouses on their own, which involved time-consuming activities such as queuing and scanning products.

Cainiao noted that this process will help merchants to save up to 10 hours for the first mile delivery, and avoid up to three days of delay during peak shopping seasons such as Double 11.

Additionally, Cainiao has also introduced community-based parcel consolidation stations in April to support 11,500 SMEs in 20 cities. The initiative allows local SMEs to deliver goods to the nearby stations where the consolidated parcels would then be transported by Cainiao to one of its distribution centers. 

“Today, consumers have greater expectations when it comes to logistics efficiency, especially for trendy products popularized by social media and influencers,” said Shawn Louis, executive general manager for Cainiao and Chief LazGlobal logistics officer.

“This year, we have commenced trial operations for cross-border express delivery services in Southeast Asia, with a focus on Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia, to enable consumers to receive their parcels in as fast as three days. We believe that efficient and comprehensive logistics network is key to facilitating global trade and supporting small businesses and online merchants to tap on a booming Southeast Asian market.”

In March 2021, Cainiao partnered with Hong Kong Air Cargo to launch cargo flights to Southeast Asia.

The new logistics route shaves off delivery time by 60%, 28% and 42% for goods shipped to the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand respectively, shortening the time that Lazada customers in these countries take to receive parcels from Mainland China.

Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Singapore, Lazada is an e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and has been the Southeast Asia flagship platform of Alibaba Group since 2016.

The company has operations in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.