Cainiao Smart Logistics Network, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group Holding Limited, has ramped up its global logistics operations to cope with the record number of parcel shipments as a result of the Singles Day shopping event today (November 11).
According to the company, it will reduce the delivery time of more than half of cross-border parcels by 60% through smart order consolidation and the operation of 700 charter flights, which will deliver 90% of its parcels outside China during Alibaba’s 11.11 Global Shopping Festival. Customers in key European cities such as Madrid, Paris, Berlin and Warsaw will receive their parcels in as little as three days, the company said.
The latest figures for the Global Shopping Festival reveal that the order rate hit a peak of 583,000 orders per second with the gross merchandise volume (GMV) standing at US$56.3bn, already surpassing last year’s total GMV of US$38.3bn.
James Zhao, general manager of Cainiao Global Supply Chain, said technology plays a key role in ensuring the successful delivery of billions of e-commerce parcels worldwide: “Today, 90% of our parcels are tagged with electronic shipping labels and this has fast become a de facto industry standard to achieve full visibility. IoT technology has also accelerated the automation of every aspect of the value chain, from sortation facilities, warehousing to customs clearance and last-mile delivery, significantly boosting operations efficiency and transforming the industry.
“This year, we will be marrying cutting-edge technology with a world-class logistics network to create a truly global infrastructure that can bolster the e-commerce boom.”
The 11.11 Global Shopping Festival began in 2009 with participation from just 27 merchants as an event for merchants and consumers to raise awareness about the value of online shopping. More than 250,000 brands are participating in this year’s event.