Cross-Border Last-Mile Logistics Services Between China and the US

In recent years, the logistics providing end-stage services in the U.S.-China context has become an important component of the cross-border e-commerce sector. With the acceleration of globalization and the diversification of consumer demands, the importance of end-stage delivery, as the final link in the logistics chain, becomes increasingly prominent. It not only concerns whether goods can be delivered to consumers on time and safely but also directly affects the shopping experience of consumers and the market reputation of brands.

In U.S.-China cross-border logistics, end-stage services mainly refer to the process from when international freight reaches the destination country until it is finally delivered to the consumer. This process typically involves local warehousing, sorting, and delivery stages. Due to differences in geography, culture, and consumption habits between the two countries, end-stage services need to pay special attention to flexibility and adaptability. For example, in the United States, consumers generally expect fast delivery and are willing to pay extra fees for same-day or next-day delivery services; whereas in China's e-commerce market, there is more emphasis on cost-effectiveness and diversified choices, including multiple delivery time windows and methods.

To meet these needs, many logistics companies have begun to adopt advanced technological means to optimize end-stage services. For instance, using big data analysis to predict demand peaks and reasonably allocate resources; optimizing delivery routes through intelligent algorithms to reduce costs and improve efficiency; and introducing automated equipment to enhance the speed and accuracy of warehouse operations. To cope with the growing volume of cross-border orders, some companies collaborate with local courier companies to jointly build a wider and faster response delivery network.

It is worth noting that the rapid development of China's cross-border e-commerce in recent years has put higher demands on end-stage services. According to data from the General Administration of Customs, the retail import value of China's cross-border e-commerce increased by more than 20% in the first half of 2025. In the face of such a vast market demand, ensuring that every order can smoothly enter the end-stage process is particularly important. Therefore, many logistics companies have increased their investment and strengthened infrastructure construction while exploring innovative service models. For example, Cainiao Network's overseas warehouse + local warehouse model, which stores goods in warehouses in target markets in advance, significantly shortens the time interval from placing an order to receiving the goods, greatly enhancing customer satisfaction.

At the same time, trade frictions between the U.S. and China have prompted related enterprises to reassess their supply chain layouts. Against the backdrop of globalization, any policy changes in a single country or region may affect the entire industrial chain. More and more companies are considering diversified strategies, such as setting up alternative supplier lists in multiple countries or establishing regional distribution centers to mitigate potential risks.

Despite significant progress, end-stage services still face numerous challenges. The first is the cost pressure of last-mile delivery. Since the last mile is often the hardest to control and most expensive part, balancing service quality with operational costs has become a major challenge. The second is the issue of insufficient end facilities. Especially in some remote areas, the coverage rate of existing courier outlets is low, leading to some consumers being unable to enjoy convenient and efficient delivery services. Lastly, there are security considerations regarding information. As the scale of e-commerce transactions continues to expand, personal information leakage incidents occur frequently, which not only infringes on the rights of consumers but also exposes merchants to legal risks.

In conclusion, the end-stage services provided between the U.S. and China are of great significance in promoting economic and trade exchanges between the two places. In the future, with technological advancements and changes in the socio-economic environment, this field will see more development opportunities. We look forward to seeing more innovative solutions emerge, allowing every consumer to enjoy a more high-quality, efficient, and secure logistics experience.