Global Ecommerce: How the Role of Government in Ecommerce is Helping Reshape Logistics Operations

International ecommerce is beginning to disrupt traditional markets, supply chains and even governments. As governments try to close the import revenue gap, they will change how global and local ecommerce participants, trading partners and logistics services providers act, leaving clear opportunities for logistics services companies to take on a broader role. Failure to capitalize on these changes can leave many companies at a competitive disadvantage and keep governments from getting their fair share of the international trade pie.

In my latest Talking Logistics blog post, “How Disruptive is Global E-Commerce? More Than You Think,” I examine one such disruption within the French customs authority, provide an analysis of the impact of the disruption, and examine six likely changes that we should watch for as global ecommerce continues to evolve.

How Will the Role of Government Change Operations?

  1. Governments will go after every missed cent and alter how global e-commerce operates.
  2. E-commerce companies will be coerced into providing the import information that governments will require to help collect duties on all shipments. 
  3. Logistics services providers will be required to enforce new government policies. 
  4. Logistics services providers will expand their global trade management capabilities.
  5. Traditional freight forwarders will have to adapt their operations to participate in the “parcel chain.” 
  6. Local retailers and distributors will need to excel at “drop-ship” operations with their overseas suppliers. 

Read the blog: How Disruptive is Global E-Commerce? More Than You Think

Written by Chris Jones

Executive Vice President of Industry and Services

Descartes Systems Group