News / E-commerce giant Alibaba adds WCA network to its list of logistics partners

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Alibaba has added yet another logistics provider to its growing list of partners, with the WCA network to be integrated into the retailer’s platform for cross-border deliveries.

The WCA joins SEKO and Flexport as forwarders picked recently by the Chinese giant to help its suppliers with shipments.

The WCA last year set up an e-commerce network, which more than 120 companies have applied to join.

“Membership is not restricted to forwarders,” said CEO Dan March. “We are also incorporating last-mile delivery, courier, fulfilment and technology companies.

“We also have a dedicated e-tailer programme that allows online retailers to plug directly into a global e-commerce network.”

Alibaba will begin by using the WCA network for B2B shipments to India, the US and UK.

“Plans are then to expand geographically through 2017, and also begin incorporating B2C and C2C shipments,” said Mr March. “We will certify the capabilities of WCA members that are incorporated into the programme.”

WCA is also working with Mall of Africa, a rapidly growing e-tailer concentrating on e-commerce into the African continent.

WCA will provide support to Alibaba in approving logistics providers, and the two have agreed parameters and standards of service. They will also offer participants a protection scheme which will include compensation.

In October, US-based forwarder SEKO Logistics signed a deal with Alibaba.com Hong Kong, one of just four companies to join its OneTouch programme.

OneTouch supports traders with one-stop, end-to-end export services, including customs clearing, tax refunds, foreign exchange and international B2B logistics.

SEKO is offering the services to any Alibaba customer or company registered in Hong Kong or Taiwan, shipping to major e-commerce markets. It also has a private platform for shippers, Global TMS.

“Public platforms will clearly have a place in the future logistics landscape – however, they do not solve a fundamental problem for many shippers presented with an increasingly complex supply chain,” said SEKO’s Michael Christensen.

“The path from source to end consumer is overwhelming, with increasing channels and providers, with corresponding dire consequences on cost, inventories and service promise to the client.”

SEKO’s private platform allows the shipper to manage multi modes, channels, facilities and geographies, with an emphasis on optimising the supply chain. It creates an exception-based tool that allows the user to find the cheapest transport solution that meets the delivery requirement.