Zhejiang Cainiao Supply Chain Management

Zhejiang Cainiao Supply Chain Management, operating as Cainiao, was established in 2013 by Alibaba Group and a consortium of partners to support the logistical demands of Alibaba's e-commerce platforms. The initiative was championed by Alibaba's founder, Jack Ma, who envisioned a network capable of delivering packages anywhere in China within 24 hours and globally within 72 hours. The company is currently led by CEO Lin Wan, who previously served as Director of Global Logistics for Amazon and holds a Doctorate in Operational Research from the University of Texas at Austin. In March 2024, Alibaba, already a majority shareholder, announced its intention to acquire all remaining shares of Cainiao, canceling a planned IPO in Hong Kong to better integrate the logistics arm with its core e-commerce businesses like Taobao and Tmall.

Cainiao functions as a fourth-party logistics (4PL) provider, managing a collaborative network of over 3,000 logistics partners rather than owning the delivery assets itself. Its business model centers on a technology-driven platform that connects merchants, third-party logistics companies, and consumers to optimize the entire supply chain. Revenue is generated from its comprehensive suite of services, including cross-border fulfillment solutions, which have become its largest growth driver. The company serves a diverse client base, from small and medium-sized enterprises on Alibaba's marketplaces to external clients like JD.com, providing them with end-to-end logistics solutions.

The firm offers three core service categories: global express, global supply chain, and logistics technology. A key product is its cross-border e-commerce logistics, where it operates one of the world's largest warehouse networks dedicated to e-commerce. Services like its "5-Day Global Delivery" aim to deliver parcels 30% faster than the industry standard by optimizing workflows from first-mile pickup to last-mile delivery. In China, Cainiao has established a vast network of "Cainiao Post" stations for convenient package pickup and drop-off and has rolled out Cainiao Express, a premium service featuring half-day delivery. The company heavily leverages technology, offering solutions in automation, digital supply chain management, and IoT to its partners, and deploys unmanned vehicles for last-mile deliveries.

Keywords: e-commerce logistics, supply chain management, cross-border delivery, 4PL provider, logistics technology, smart warehousing, last-mile delivery, global fulfillment, digital supply chain, reverse logistics