Rakuten announces initiatives for “One Delivery” end-to-end logistics service

Japanese e-commerce company Rakuten, one of the world’s largest, is launching a number of initiatives to fulfil its vision of “One Delivery” end-to-end logistics.

Through its “One Delivery” scheme, Rakuten “aims to further accelerate the expansion of its comprehensive logistics services for merchants on the Rakuten Ichiba marketplace, from storage to delivery, and ensure a smooth process for the customer, from placing an order on the online marketplace through to receiving the product.”

Rakuten said it hopes to address domestic logistics industry issues such as staff shortages, a growing number of redeliveries, rising delivery fees, and restrictions on the total amount of deliveries made.

The Rakuten Super Logistics distribution service will be opening new fulfilment centres in Ichikawa, Chiba, and Kawanishi, Hyogo, expanding its network throughout Japan and aiming to reduce parcel delivery times and warehouse and shipping costs. It will be improving efficiency through the use of automation, AI technology and big data.

Credit: Ivan Zhou

The company will also be expanding its Rakuten Express coverage to all major cities of Japan, as well as improving the marketplace user experience with more delivery options, and collaborating with external partners.

“Through these measures, Rakuten is striving to restore the sustainability of e-commerce logistics, together with delivery companies and partner firms,” the company said. “Specifically, it will promote work-sharing with the delivery companies and operate large-scale logistics hubs, concentrating shipment volumes and sorting by destination.”

(Source: Rakuten)