Dive Brief:
- Walmart’s ocean shipping service is now generally available to all Walmart Fulfillment Services sellers, according to a Thursday LinkedIn post from Scott Humanek, senior director of the retailer’s global inbound program.
- Walmart Marketplace sellers can now use the retailer’s cross border ocean shipping solution to transport China-made goods to the company’s U.S. fulfillment center network.
- “Our pilot exceeded our expectations in terms of feedback and volumes, and we are excited to the let the world know that [Walmart Cross Border] is ready to help all [Walmart Fulfillment Services e-commerce] sellers grow your business in the [Walmart Marketplace],” Humanek said.
Dive Insight:
Walmart Cross Border is a port-to-door, full container load freight service from China to the U.S., according to the Walmart Marketplace website.
The international inbound transportation service is only available to Walmart Fulfillment Services sellers that source or manufacture goods in China, and all cargo must be shipped from Yantian, Shanghai or Ningbo ports. Cargo imported into the U.S. is then directly transported to a Walmart fulfillment center.
Walmart Fulfillment Services is a third-party marketplace for sellers that initially rolled out in 2020 to boost revenue through existing e-commerce infrastructure, which has since added an inventory-focused offering.
The seller marketplace is part of Walmart’s larger strategy to expand its services beyond those of a typical retailer.
Earlier this year, for instance, Walmart began selling its artificial intelligence-powered optimization technology that aims to reduce logistics costs. Walmart had already been using the technology to lower its own transportation expenses and emissions. The retailer has also been growing its local delivery service platform, called GoLocal, which now handles big and bulky items and fulfillment orders.
