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Need For More Cross-Border Logistics In India Cross-border business constitutes, in many ways, the most crucial aspect of any enterprise, serving as a catalyst for worldwide growth and achievement

By Zaiba Sarang

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

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With more than 2 billion online customers worldwide, e-commerce is one of the fastest-growing commercial sectors worldwide. The e-commerce industry produced more than $4.2 trillion in sales in 2020. By 2024, global e-commerce sales are expected to reach $6.4 trillion. Globally, nations are collaborating to provide a smooth and efficient economic environment, both inside and beyond national borders. Such measures facilitate the simplification of trade procedures and ensure that processes are error-free and export-friendly. Streamlining international e-commerce will be significantly imperative as it is going to be a very crucial component of global supply chains, enhancing economic development possibilities.

The need for cross-border logistics

Cross-border business constitutes, in many ways, the most crucial aspect of any enterprise, serving as a catalyst for worldwide growth and achievement. The same may be said about e-commerce. Without cross-border trade, a retailer's products are locally isolated and have limited growth potential and worldwide success prospects. With the proper international strategy in place, the whole globe becomes accessible. Anyone may transmit anything from any site to any area without any hassles or hindrances. This new method of connecting transcends the international commerce of the past; it transcends point-to-point, country-to-country traffic. Today, cross-border e-commerce enables brands and merchants to access countries with potentially difficult local operating restrictions. By using e-commerce to grow worldwide, merchants may broaden the reach of their brand, creating more consumer relationships and eventually generating income.

Marquee and the major: The landscape of Indian international shipping

Historically, cross-border logistics in India was a monopolized market in the hands of a few of the largest and most prominent logistics enterprises. Due to restricted options, the vendors were compelled to choose one or the other. Therefore, the Indian merchant chose not to expand internationally. Now that the e-commerce and direct-to-consumer markets are growing in India, it is time for new players to join this market and develop e-commerce-centric solutions. We're becoming accustomed to same-day and within-a-few-hours delivery in the domestic market, but if you want to send anything internationally, the quickest TAT is of two-three days, and for that, you also need to pay a premium. There needs to be a service provider that can provide a solution that makes the quicker delivery seamless and obligatory.

Additionally, in today's society, e-commerce retailers consider international shipping too cumbersome. There must be a contributor who seeks to improve the approach. With the globe becoming so technologically evolved, it has been made possible to track your shipment with real-time updates. More cross-border competitors will inspire Indian companies to increase their operations and seek new markets, therefore bolstering the Indian economy.

Ambitious patrons propel international shipping

The need for cross-border e-commerce is fueled by the increasing number of patrons who are able to make online transactions. Technological and financial empowerment, as well as the opportunity to get affordable rates on items that may not even be accessible locally, are attracting a growing number of new clients. In regions where possibilities were before quite restricted, extraordinary levels of variety are now present. Online shoppers are not merely searching for the same commodities they currently have access to, but rather for imported goods that were previously exclusively accessible to a select few.

Companions who are eliminating the complexities

Cross-border transportation is not limited to the simple movement of goods from one location to another. In addition to this fundamental activity, there are a number of other factors that are just as significant, including tariffs, border crossing hours, track record, and correct transit documents. The amount of possible barriers or unanticipated events encountered depends on the destination and duration of a shipment's journey. You must keep in mind that requirements vary from nation to country.

The intricacy of such procedures will be a problem for all those who are new to them. As an extension of the aforementioned needs, a well-prepared logistics partner may supply internal and external freight, servicing of most if not all product categories (such as the sensitive ones), and perhaps well-located distribution facilities. Upon realizing how extensive a technical and commercial background is necessary for international shipping, it becomes evident that a reliable provider should be considered. A partner that has a sufficient fleet and works with reputable shippers on both sides of the border may contribute to the growth of a firm via proper planning and logistics process optimisation.

Vantage view: The Indian e-commerce industry is ready to fly

The majority of prospective e-commerce businesses have difficulties making their presence felt internationally and in certain other locations since they do not sufficiently explore the new markets. In light of the current boom in online shopping, cross-border shipping is a fantastic company expansion strategy for e-commerce firms.

Increased Internet penetration and the emergence of a tech-savvy middle class portend a global boom for e-commerce businesses. Having a trustworthy cross-shipping partner enables you to develop a worldwide brand rapidly and inexpensively. It enhances your capacity to grow operations and capitalize on developing global possibilities. In India, some of the leading SaaS-based shipping platforms are looking to support the growth ambitions of Indian e-commerce sellers by building a strong international service leveraging its AI and machine learning powered technologies. Their International shipping arms also provides e-commerce sellers with integration with all major marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and others.

This would allow e-commerce sellers to download orders, push tracking ID and finally connect sellers with the best service options available to them in order to fulfill these international orders.

Zaiba Sarang

Co-founder, iThink Logistics

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