FedEx boosts e-commerce capabilities with acquisition of P2P

Today, FedEx announced the acquisition of UK-based P2P Mailing Limited for £92 million, in a move that bolsters the global integrator’s worldwide e-commerce delivery capabilities. P2P facilitates cross-border e-commerce deliveries with an asset-light model that relies on a proprietary IT platform to string together final-mile delivery and customs partners in different regions to deliver e-commerce […]

• Charles Kauffman
• March 27, 2018

Alibaba to invest heavily in logistics over the next five years

In what appears to be a shift away from an asset-light logistics model heavily reliant on third-party partners, China-based Alibaba Group Holding Limited announced plans to invest US $15.2 billion over the next five-years – with the ultimate aim of fulfilling domestic orders within 24 hours, and global orders within 72 hours. Its first major […]

• Charles Kauffman
• September 28, 2017

SF Express Airlines opens new hub at Shanghai Pudong

Following the recent termination of CAAC restrictions which had for months blocked Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) from launching new flights, SF Express Airlines seized the opportunity to bring China’s most populous city into its rapidly expanding air freight network. A new 25,000 sq. meter airside terminal will allow SF to connect its expansive ground […]

• Charles Kauffman
• July 13, 2017

China Eastern to fuel JD.com’s own-operated air freight network?

This week, China Eastern Airlines (CEA) and China’s number-two e-commerce player (after Alibaba’s Taobao), JD.com entered into a strategic partnership to “leverage each other’s resources” to strengthen their joint logistics capabilities. As would be expected, China Eastern Airlines’ key resource on offer is its airlift capacity, while JD’s is its e-commerce platform and last-mile delivery […]

• Charles Kauffman
• June 29, 2017

Cainiao and SF come to blows over data control

Last Thursday, SF Express’ daily parcel volumes reportedly fell by one million units after a spat with Alibaba-affiliated Cainiao resulted in SF becoming temporarily de-listed as a service provider option within Cainiao’s logistics platform. This time around, the operational disruptions were short-lived. Following mediation by China’s Postal Bureau, the two companies resumed business as normal […]

• Charles Kauffman
• June 7, 2017

YTO Express acquires OTEL to use as springboard for international expansion

On 8 May, Shanghai-headquartered courier, YTO Express announced its intention to acquire a 61.87% stake in Hong Kong-based forwarder and logistics specialist, On Time Logistics (OTEL), and establish its international business headquarters in Hong Kong. The acquisition will support YTO’s efforts to go global by leveraging OTEL’s international business expertise, global network of 52 offices […]

• Charles Kauffman
• May 17, 2017

China’s number-two e-tailer launches 3PL division

Last week, Beijing-based JD.com announced it was moving forward with plans to formalize a logistics division, “JD Logistics” in support of the growing demand for express delivery services for its booming e-tailing business. Similar to Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program, the new division will provide third parties access to a wide range of supply […]

• Charles Kauffman
• May 1, 2017

The quiet rise of Chinese express: STO launches Brescia 747F flights

Beginning today, 23 March, an SW Italia 747-400F operated for China-based Shentong Express (STO) will touch down regularly at Brescia Montichiari Airport (VBS), just 100km east of Milan. The new thrice-weekly cargo service connects Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Brescia via Baku (GYD), reportedly carrying express parcels and Chinese exports bound for warehouses and […]

• Charles Kauffman
• March 23, 2017