As e-commerce continues to reshape the retail landscape, Global CFS has positioned itself as a leader in providing innovative logistics solutions for the rapidly growing online marketplace. With over five decades of experience in the freight forwarding industry, Global CFS has adapted its services to meet the unique challenges posed by the surge in e-commerce shipments.
The e-commerce sector has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. Its U.S. online sales are projected to reach $1.22 trillion by the end of 2024. This growth has led to a significant increase in the volume of shipments entering the country. In 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processed an astounding 1 billion de minimis shipments, a 53% increase from the previous year. By mid-2024, CBP had already processed an estimated 705 million such shipments, indicating a continued upward trend.
Global CFS’s expertise in handling e-commerce cargo is evident in their specialized Type 86 (“T-86”) e-commerce product services. They have been managing this since 2019. This service is tailored to meet the specific needs of freight forwarders and online retailers. They are shipping individually consigned packages of already purchased merchandise to their customers from overseas.Â
Streamlining E-Commerce Logistics with Precision and Speed
Steve Panzarella, President of Chicago-based Global CFS, shares that the company’s strength in this area is, “Our ability to provide sub-segregation by mail carrier. In particular, this service ensures that packages are sorted and organized according to the final delivery provider, streamlining the last-mile delivery process. Furthermore, Global CFS offers dumping to gaylords which is a crucial step in efficiently processing large volumes of small packages typical in e-commerce shipments.”
Meanwhile, e-commerce companies demand visibility and ruthlessly track Key Performance Indicators or KPIs. Notably, each company in the supply chain has a limited amount of time in which to execute their responsibility. No matter if it is an airline, freight forwarder, final mile carrier, or Global CFS, whose responsibility is to recover planeside, break down, sort, and send for delivery. Moreover, the company’s technology integration is integral to providing real-time tracking, updates, transparency, and peace of mind for both retailers and end consumers.Â
As the e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, with sales expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.99% between 2024 and 2029, Global CFS knows it needs to remain in a cycle of growth, advancement, and investment to remain the leading choice in the market.Â
Powering E-Commerce Logistics with Scale, Speed, and Compliance
Operating 24/7/365, Global CFS’s fully bonded facilities are equipped to handle the round-the-clock nature of e-commerce operations.
They process approximately 8.5 million kilograms of air cargo monthly. This demonstrates their capacity to manage the high volumes associated with e-commerce shipments.
The U.S. government is implementing new measures to address the challenges posed by the influx of de minimis shipments. Global CFS operates one of Chicago’s Centralized Examination Sites (CES) and was the nation’s first. It provides single-source solutions for recovery, resolution, breakdown, and forward movement to freight forwarders, e-commerce retailers, and platforms shipping in the Type 86 environment.
The explosive growth of e-commerce shows no signs of lessening. With U.S. online sales expected to reach $1.88 trillion by 2029. With these volumes as a backdrop, Global CFS continues to be the service provider of choice for companies needing e-commerce package handling services from the first moments after arrival.