Report: Amazon set to offer Chinese sellers air cargo shipment option

Amazon is making its next global logistics move.



The online retailer plans to enable its Chinese sellers to fly their goods internationally as air cargo, according to MarketWatch.



Part of its “Amazon Logistics” operation, the retailer’s cross-border service is currently available to sellers listing on the Amazon platform. However, Amazon continues to develop its air freight solutions and services, and plans “to quickly introduce it to a large number of our sellers,” according to the Amazon Logistics website.



The air cargo service is the latest step in Amazon’s quest to add more logistics options, giving carriers like UPS and DHL a run for their money. For example, the retailer dipped its toe into the freight forwarder waters in January, a move that allows Amazon to control shipments between manufacturers and distribution points.



This was also the program of choice for merchandise being shipped from China to U.S.-based warehouses, MarketWatch reported.



These options illustrate the retailer’s increasing commitment to expand its logistics operations. Earlier this year, Amazon announced it would build an air cargo hub in Kentucky, which will be home base for its leased air fleet of 40 Boeing cargo jets — a program it calls Prime Air.



In November 2015, the company purchased thousands of trailers pulled by tractor trucks provided through partnerships with third-party transportation firms. These vehicles shuttle inventory throughout the supply chain.



The company is also in the midst of testing delivery drones for local deliveries.