J&T Express Singapore highlights two factors crucial in improving parcel delivery

This was discussed by its head of operations, Martin Tan, at the Retail Asia Summit.

As omnichannel strategies and cross border shipping are on the rise, there are two things online businesses can focus on to improve the delivery of their products and meet the demands of their customers—convenience and traceability.

Martin Tan, head of operations at J&T Express Singapore, said at the Retail Asia Summit that convenience can influence purchases and this could be addressed by providing more delivery options to customers.

“Service points and parcel lockers provide efficiency and convenience for both businesses and consumers,” he said.

As consumers want visibility in the delivery of their parcels, businesses can address this by providing them real-time tracking, as well as delivery notification to manage customer expectations, Tan said. 

“Without both, customers can't get any visibility into the entire supply chain,” he said.

Alice Yeung, head of sales at J&T Express Singapore, said consumers are now seeking a customised shopping experience. 

On top of this, they are also demanding a higher standard of services as they expect their parcels to be delivered in good condition, as well as parcel tracking, she said.

Yeung said that since the Lion City aims to become a significant regional hub for its strategic location and network in the region, industry players can support brands with their online sales and e-commerce strategies for businesses to benefit from Singapore’s thriving e-commerce landscape.

As cross-border e-commerce is set to be the “next frontier” with more customers now shopping globally, e-commerce sellers can leverage the network of international logistics companies, which have established robust cross-border shipping capabilities and trustworthy shipping lanes. 

J&T Express Singapore has been advancing their offerings and providing international shipping to over 220 countries and regions for its customers to sell beyond Singapore.

“We will allow the cross border e-commerce to be more efficient and seamless,” Yeung said, adding that international transactions entail more complex processes.

J&T Express Singapore is a one-stop e-commerce specialist that offers four core services which are last-mile delivery, international shipping, fulfilment, and sales channel management “to provide a seamless and efficient e-commerce experience” to their customers, Yeung said.

Automation

Tan said technologies and automation are key tools in achieving greater efficiencies, noting that technology is one of J&T Express Singapore’s priorities.

One of the technologies they use is the automated sorting system which they recently upgraded. They are also optimising their delivery routes to increase efficiency and shift manpower to more skilled areas.

“We leverage technology to provide the most efficient service. Building a local dedicated tech team and the (research and development) centres in China we strive to enhance our transportation management system,” Tan said.

He added that big data and internet-of-things continue to help the company to reduce inefficiencies and “make better-informed decisions.”

“As a tech-driven logistic company, we believe in continuous innovation to solve challenges and stay at the forefront of the industry,” Yeung said.

Sustainability efforts

J&T Express Singapore is also contributing to sustainability by adopting environmentally friendly practices by recycling huge warehouse materials like carton boxes, wooden pallets, and reusable boxes. 

The company also upgraded its warehouse lighting from halogen bulbs to LED bulbs to save electricity and reduce heat.

“Moving forward for green logistics to grow greater collaboration across the industry will be required to truly achieve sustainability,” he said.