MAERSK's standalone forwarder Damco's service offers a one-stop, end-to-end management solution for e-commerce logistics in China, says the company's latest press release.

"With 1,500 local staff and 26 locations in China, Damco arranges the delivery to end-consumers in 1,600+ Chinese cities and promises a fast set-up and flexible, scalable implementation of customers' e-commerce solutions," it said.

From inbound goods management to 'final mile' delivery, the China B2C Logistics Programme covers the entire process from inbound goods management and consumer order receipt to final delivery.

First, Damco manages the receiving of both domestic and imported goods into one of their locations across China. This can include quality control, managing customs clearance, and temporary bonded storage, if required.

Via EDI from the seller, Damco receives the orders that are placed online by consumers. Goods are then picked, packed and labelled, and supporting documents produced, carriers booked and waybills printed.

The most suitable available carriers are selected for ¡¥final mile' delivery. Buying consumers can track their orders online, and selling companies are provided with full visibility of all their orders and service performance through online dashboards.

"The large and rapidly growing Chinese market for online shopping is a magnet for both importers and domestic producers," said Damco's Asia supply chain chief Damon Gu.

"Online shopping events such as China Singles Day are already creating world-beating levels of activity for e-retailers locally in China.

"Discerning Chinese consumers in this highly competitive market expect the highest standards of fulfilment," Mr Gu said.

Said the Damco statement: "Our many years in China and our vast spread of offices across the country helped us to develop a state of the art, complete and robust solution to merchants' fulfilment challenges."