Cainiao Smart Logistics Network, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group Holdings Limited, has announced the launch of its 2021 open tender for logistics services to strengthen its global logistics network.
Valued at RMB500m (US$76.4m), the global open tender encompasses all key markets including North Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand, and the USA. The deadline for submission is December 15, 2020.
The open tender is segmented into B2C and B2B logistics services and will also be used to expand its network of Cainiao-certified third-party logistics (3PL) partners.
In the B2C area, Cainiao will be curating a list of Cainiao-certified 3PL partners to provide full suite end-to-end logistics services for merchants, spanning overseas parcel collection, international line-haul, import customs clearance and last-mile delivery. It is also looking to select partners for its global fulfillment warehouse network to support overseas warehouse management (storage and inventory management), quality inspection, picking and packing; and its global consolidation warehouse network for consolidation of B2C parcels. The goal is to reinforce resources across the entire value chain to deliver greater stability and efficiency to support cross-border e-commerce businesses for both Alibaba (Taobao, Tmall and Kaola) and non-Alibaba merchants.
In the B2B area, Cainiao will be strengthening its warehouse and trucking network to support businesses’ import and export needs. These overseas warehouses will have to be located near to ports to facilitate efficient transportation, and are able to provide services for pre-stocking and storage, and serve as a container freight station (CFS). Partners supporting the trucking network will also have to be well equipped with resources such as lorries and container trucks to handle transportation of goods between warehouses and to ports.
