WCA, Alibaba tie-up opens China to SME forwarders

Freight forwarding network WCA is set to collaborate with China’s Alibaba.com on cross-border e-commerce shipments in a tie-up that expands Alibaba’s international reach through an additional 6,300 logistics offices on the global roster of  WCA’s small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) members. In return, WCA forwarders gain access to the Alibaba logistics platform for cross-border e-commerce shipments and a serious foothold in China. WCA also will vet and approve international logistics providers for quality and efficiency in logistics services for the customers of Alibaba. Approved providers will have full access to compete for logistics orders generated on the Alibaba.com platform.

After launching a dedicated e-commerce logistics network in mid-October last year, WCA saw more than 100 logistics companies apply for membership within the first month, indicating the level of interest in e-commerce among its forwarders. Referred to as “WCA eCommerce,” the new network allows member companies to trade directly with each other, build volumes and strengthen business ties.

This year, WCA eCommerce plans to add benefits, including e-commerce shipment insurance, e-commerce-specific IT solutions, preferred rates on global and domestic last-mile and courier services, and regional e-commerce consolidation programs.