1. DSV Acquires DB Schenker for $15.4 Billion

On September 13, it was announced that, after a lengthy, multi-round bidding process, Danish logistics giant DSV has won the competition to acquire the rail logistics division of Deutsche Bahn's DB Schenker. The industry-shaking deal, worth approximately €14 billion (equivalent to $15.43 billion), is expected to have its initial contract signed in the coming days. The deal must be approved by DB's supervisory board, which is mainly composed of government, parliamentary, and labor union representatives.  

Source: Reuters

2. USPS Ends Rate Discounts for Shipping Partners  

On September 13, the USPS announced it will terminate rate discounts for shipping partners such as UPS and DHL as part of its "Delivering for America" transformation plan. This move aims to incentivize carriers like DHL and OSM to deliver shipments to postal facilities earlier and reduce bypassing the postal network. These partners handle about 2 billion parcels annually through USPS, accounting for about a quarter of its total parcel volume. This change is expected to increase postal revenue and efficiency while encouraging shippers to utilize postal services such as Ground Advantage.  

Source: USPS

3. Zongteng Group Listed Again Among China’s Top 500 Service Enterprises  

On September 13, the China Enterprise Confederation and China Entrepreneur Association announced the 2024 list of China's Top 500 Service Enterprises. Zongteng Group was once again honored, ranking 259th, marking its fourth consecutive appearance on the list, with its ranking jumping 49 places from 2023 and 57 places from 2022.  

Source: Zongteng Group

4. AliExpress Implements Dual-Track "Self-Operation + Managed" Strategy  

On September 13, it was revealed that AliExpress is adjusting its cross-border category solutions, significantly enhancing the position of the POP (merchant self-operation) model. Multiple AliExpress representatives have disclosed that the platform has clearly defined the "POP + managed" dual-track strategy, providing clear operational directions for different product categories. Recent announcements echo this shift: for example, relaxing POP shipping time requirements, upgrading the gold and silver tier systems for POP merchants, stratified management of Choice products, and enhanced warehouse rights.  

Source: AMZ123

5. Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment in the U.S. Officially Upgraded  

On September 13, Amazon’s Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) service in the U.S. officially sped up its order fulfillment times. This upgrade is expected to better serve Chinese sellers' warehousing and delivery needs in the U.S. Standard delivery speed will now be 3 business days (previously 5 days), with no rate change. Expedited delivery will be 2 business days (previously 3 days), with no rate change. The Priority delivery option (previously 2 business days) has been discontinued. Orders placed after September 4, 2024, under the Priority delivery speed, will be charged at Expedited rates.  

Source: Amazon Global Selling

6. Ozon Launches Global Official Partner Resource Library

On September 13, Ozon launched its global official partner resource library. Ozon has categorized its partners into four major service categories: payment/financial services, logistics and warehousing services, operational support services, and ERP software services. Sellers can choose the appropriate professional services based on their specific needs.  

Source: Ozon Global

7. DHgate Adjusts Dispute Logistics Timeframe Rules  

On September 13, DHgate announced adjustments to its dispute logistics assessment rules, including reviews of logistics orders not updated online for 8 days. In addition, the platform has revised rules regarding disputes over fake tracking numbers and the timing of buyer-initiated disputes. The rule changes, implemented to improve merchant services and the overall user experience, will take effect on September 19, 2024.  

Source: DHgate

8. Etsy Launches New Initiatives

On September 13, Etsy announced a series of new initiatives to seek growth opportunities. One of the new strategies includes a paid subscription service called Etsy Insider, which offers members free shipping. Etsy also launched a "Gift Mode," allowing shoppers to send messages to recipients before the gift arrives, enhancing the platform’s appeal as a gifting destination. Additionally, Etsy plans to increase the proportion of mobile app shoppers from 40% to 75% and implement a quality score system to boost the visibility of high-quality products in search results. A new loyalty program aims to incentivize reward-seeking shoppers to increase purchase frequency.  

Source: Etsy

9. China's First Regular Cargo Route to Katowice, Poland, Now Open

On September 13, it was announced that China’s first regular cargo route to Katowice, Poland, has officially opened, with the first flight carrying 38 tons of apparel and goods departing from Urumqi Diwopu International Airport on September 12. This route, scheduled to operate 4 to 6 times per week after October 1, will significantly improve shipping efficiency with a flight time of only 10 hours.  

Source: China News

10. China’s First Air Cargo Prepositioning Hub Launched

On September 13, the Wuhan Guanggu Super Logistics Center was inaugurated, marking the launch of China’s first air cargo prepositioning hub. This development will accelerate the construction of the Ezhou Huahu International Free Trade Aviation Port and optimize the air logistics supply chain. The center is expected to reduce logistics costs and increase mail and cargo handling efficiency. After normal operation, it is estimated to handle 40,000 tons of annual import-export cargo, with a total cargo value exceeding $1.5 billion.  

Source: Civil Aviation Administration of China

11. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd Announce Two Maritime Service Plans

On September 13, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd jointly unveiled two maritime service plans under the “Gemini” collaboration framework. Due to instability in the Red Sea, they proposed two alternative routes: one through the Suez Canal and another around the Cape of Good Hope. The final route will be decided in October 2024, with operations starting in February 2025. The goal is to achieve 90% on-time performance, with the new network comprising 27 to 29 main routes and 30 shuttle lines, a total capacity of 3.4 to 3.7 million TEUs, and approximately 300 to 340 vessels.  

Source: Maersk

12. Ministry of Commerce Promotes Gradual Opening of Cross-Border Service Trade  

On September 13, at a press conference, Assistant Minister of Commerce Tang Wenhong announced that the Ministry of Commerce would expand autonomous opening and explore “top-down” and “bottom-up” pathways for open trade. Leveraging the pioneering roles of Free Trade Zones and the Hainan Free Trade Port, China aims to steadily promote the gradual opening of cross-border service trade nationwide. It also plans to accelerate the establishment of national service trade innovation demonstration zones, creating platforms for comprehensive reform and high-quality development in service trade.  

Source: Eastmoney.com

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Official Account: Cross-Border E-Commerce Logistics Baixiaosheng