Electronic commerce or e-commerce refers to the buying and selling of goods and services via the Internet. Large scale e-commerce began in 1991 when the Internet became available to the general public. By 2021, this multi-trillion industry will account for almost 18 % of all retail trade in the world. In turn, e-commerce logistics is responsible for shipping, processing and delivering goods ordered online to the doorsteps of merchants and end consumers.
Cross-border e-commerce created new opportunities for the entire supply chain, particularly airlines, freight forwarders, handling companies, and traditional national postal services. It also gave birth to an entirely new breed of company which provides end-to-end delivery options for packets and parcels to virtually any place on earth.
But e-commerce also created challenges for each member of the supply chain. With volumes constantly rising, demand shifting and consumers more knowledgeable than ever, ensuring speedy and on-time delivery of e-commerce goods has become a challenging task in logistics, and, at the same time, has brought disruptions to the air cargo sector. In fact, it is not simply on-time delivery that matters in logistics but the ability to ensure that functions like tracking, return and damage claim processing occur seamlessly.
The Qstep e-commerce logistics platform tackles all these critical elements of the delivery process starting from route optimization to dispatching the parcel from country of origin to last-mile delivery options, as well as sorting, re-labeling, tracking and EDI message protocols with airlines. To reduce risks and human error, we have built our platform as transparently and automated as possible.
We are particularly proud of the fact that for export consolidators´ partners such as traditional postal companies or new postal service providers, Qstep eCommerce logistics software platform provides full visibility from transit airport hubs through linehaul to last-mile i.e. doorstep and parcel terminals.
Whether you are a postal company or a new enterprise engaged in e-commerce logistics, Qstep offers a one-stop-shop solution to create a reliable and informed supply chain network able to service the most demanding of clients across the globe. Whatever the trade route, volume or complexity of your e-commerce handling needs are, Qstep can provide the backbone for success.