Analysis on Main Problems of Cross-Border E-Commerce Logistics

Analysis of Major Issues in Cross-border E-commerce Logistics

With the rapid development of Internet technology and the deepening of globalization, cross-border e-commerce has gradually become an important part of international trade. More and more enterprises and individuals are conducting commodity transactions through cross-border e-commerce platforms, which not only promotes the development of the global economy but also provides consumers with more choices. However, as a key link connecting buyers and sellers, cross-border logistics is facing numerous challenges. This article will analyze the main problems existing in cross-border logistics from multiple perspectives and explore possible solutions based on relevant reports.

Firstly, the long time and low efficiency of cross-border logistics are currently one of the most prominent issues. According to statistics from a certain e-commerce platform, it takes an average of 7-15 days for each order from placing an order to delivery, far exceeding the speed of domestic courier services. This delay mainly stems from the complexity of the international transportation chain, cumbersome customs clearance procedures, and insufficient infrastructure in remote areas. For example, recent media reports indicate that due to the impact of the pandemic, some ports in certain countries and regions have experienced severe congestion, resulting in a significant increase in cargo detention time. Differences in policies between different countries also make the customs clearance process extremely difficult, increasing the overall operational difficulty.

Secondly, high costs are another major obstacle restricting the industry's development. Cross-border e-commerce companies generally report that logistics costs account for a relatively high proportion of total costs, especially for small-batch and multi-batch goods. For instance, in air freight, rising fuel surcharges and market demand fluctuations have led to continuous increases in international air freight rates in recent years. At the same time, to meet customers' demand for fast delivery, many merchants have no choice but to use air transport to ship goods, further driving up logistics expenses. The China Daily once pointed out that how to reduce cross-border logistics costs has become an urgent problem to be solved.

Moreover, frequent occurrences of lost or damaged packages are troubling both consumers and merchants. According to a market survey result, over 30% of respondents reported encountering such situations. The reasons lie partly in the lack of effective supervision mechanisms during international transportation, and partly in some logistics companies prioritizing profit maximization at the expense of service quality. Last year, a well-known cross-border e-commerce platform faced user complaints due to multiple incidents of package loss and was eventually forced to compensate affected customers and improve internal management measures.

In response to these various difficulties, the industry is actively exploring new countermeasures. On one hand, by utilizing big data analysis technology to optimize route planning and improve delivery efficiency; on the other hand, by establishing overseas warehouse systems to shorten delivery cycles. For example, Cainiao Network, under Alibaba Group, has established hundreds of warehousing nodes worldwide, implementing a localized shipping model that greatly enhances user experience. Meanwhile, it is also actively introducing supportive policies to promote industry development, such as simplifying export tax rebate procedures and relaxing foreign exchange controls, creating a more relaxed and convenient business environment for enterprises.

In summary, despite the many challenges faced by cross-border e-commerce logistics, as long as all parties work together, they can overcome difficulties and achieve sustainable development. In the future, with technological advancements and changes in social needs, this industry is expected to even broader prospects for development.