Alibaba tracking

Online commerce platform and global logistics network

Alibaba, primarily known for its online commerce platforms (such as AliExpress and Alibaba.com), also plays a major role in global logistics. In 2013, the group launched its own logistics network called Cainiao (officially Cainiao Smart Logistics Network) to meet the shipping needs of millions of parcels worldwide. Rather than operating as a traditional carrier with its fleet of trucks or planes, Alibaba adopts a coordination model: it relies on an ecosystem of logistics partners and uses technology to orchestrate the delivery of parcels from the seller to the final buyer. This system acts as a "control tower" for the transport chain, ensuring efficient delivery despite the distance and the multiplicity of stakeholders.

Alibaba's role in the transport chain is therefore to be a logistics integrator. Specifically, when an order is placed on one of its platforms, Alibaba takes care of its shipment management via Cainiao: generation of the tracking number, choice of the optimal route, and relay between the different carriers involved. Alibaba thus ensures the traceability of the parcel and compliance with estimated deadlines by monitoring each step. This collaborative approach allows Alibaba to deliver customers in more than 200 countries without having physical infrastructures in each of them. Alibaba acts as a guarantor of the quality of the transport service by negotiating agreements with carriers and using advanced computer systems to optimize routes and shipment consolidation. The ultimate goal is to offer sellers and buyers a reliable, fast, and transparent logistics experience, strengthening trust in Alibaba's e-commerce ecosystem.

Logistics partnerships and carriers

To deliver parcels worldwide, Alibaba relies on a vast network of logistics partners. Cainiao collaborates with many transport companies, whether national postal services or specialized international courier companies. For example, for express and priority deliveries, Alibaba frequently works with renowned carriers such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, or TNT. These partners ensure fast and reliable deliveries over long distances and in the shortest timeframes. For standard or economical shipments, Alibaba often relies on postal services, particularly the Chinese postal network (China Post) and its equivalents at the destination. Organizations like EMS (the international express mail service attached to national posts) or local posts in each country (La Poste, USPS, Royal Mail, Correos, etc.) are integrated into the Cainiao network to ensure the last mile of delivery.

These logistics partnerships allow Alibaba to combine the advantages of each carrier. Private courier companies offer speed and detailed tracking for urgent parcels, while postal networks provide very extensive geographic coverage and economies of scale for mass shipments. Cainiao serves as a link between these players: it automatically selects the appropriate shipping mode and carrier based on the service chosen by the customer, the weight/volume of the parcel, and the destination. Alibaba also maintains agreements with airlines and cargo operators for the international transport of parcel bags between logistics sorting centers. By combining the infrastructure of its partners and its own management systems, Alibaba can efficiently ship goods worldwide without directly managing each step. This collaborative model, driven by solid contracts and real-time data exchange, ensures efficient delivery while controlling costs.

Shipping options offered

On Alibaba's platforms (notably AliExpress), several shipping methods are offered to customers at the time of order. Each of these options corresponds to a different level of logistics service, with its advantages in terms of time and cost. Three main categories of shipping can generally be distinguished:

• Economical delivery: This is the slowest option but often the least expensive (sometimes free for the buyer). Alibaba uses services such as Cainiao Super Economy or standard postal shipments (small international packages) for this. These low-cost shipments are suitable for low-value items or when the time frame is not crucial. Transit can take several weeks. Parcel tracking is often limited: there may only be a departure record from China and sometimes an arrival confirmation, without detailed updates in between.
• Standard delivery: This is the default shipping mode on AliExpress for many products, often referred to as AliExpress Standard Shipping (managed by Cainiao). This option offers a balance between speed and cost. Typical delivery times range from a few weeks to about a month depending on the destination, which is faster than economical. The parcel usually takes a combination of enhanced postal routing and optimized air freight. A tracking number is provided, and status updates are available at most important stages (pickup, departure from the country, arrival in the destination country, etc.). Final delivery is handled by the local carrier (for example, La Poste in France) once the parcel arrives in the country.
• Express delivery: For customers wishing to receive their order very quickly, Alibaba offers express solutions, sometimes called Premium Shipping on AliExpress. This service is generally paid and more expensive, but it significantly reduces the time frame (a few business days for most destinations). Express parcels are handled by international companies like DHL, FedEx, UPS, or equivalent express lines as soon as they leave the seller's warehouse. Transport is mostly by air with priority processing. Tracking is complete from departure to arrival, with frequent notifications, and delivery is usually made to the home against signature. This mode is suitable for valuable or urgent items, for which the customer is willing to pay a premium to speed up receipt.

The choice of shipping option is made when ordering online. Alibaba displays an estimated delivery time for each method (in the form of a date range, without absolute guarantee) to inform the customer. The associated cost is also indicated, ranging from free (for economical on certain items) to a high rate for express. Note that not all options are available for every order: it depends on the seller's shipping location, the buyer's country, and the size/weight of the parcel. By offering this range of logistics options, Alibaba allows each buyer to tailor the delivery according to their needs: prioritize economy or speed - while benefiting from an established and managed transport infrastructure by the group.

Sorting centers and parcel routing

Once the order is ready to be shipped by the seller, the parcel enters Alibaba's physical network, which relies on large-scale sorting centers and logistics warehouses. In China, Cainiao operates several mega-logistics centers strategically placed near transport sorting centers (major cities and international airports). As soon as the parcel is collected from the seller, it is sent to one of these centers where it will be sorted according to its final destination. Alibaba uses state-of-the-art automated sorting systems: high-speed conveyor belts, barcode/QR scanners, and even mobile robots that transport parcels to the corresponding dispatch bins. These innovations allow massive volumes of packages to be processed daily, efficiently grouping shipments by destination region.

Parcel sorting follows a consolidation logic. Parcels destined for the same geographic area or taking a common route are grouped together to be shipped in bulk. For example, several small packages destined for France or other European countries can be gathered in the same bag or container, then transported on the same flight to Europe. This logistical grouping improves transport efficiency (reducing unit costs and optimizing aircraft loading). Upon arrival on the destination continent, the batch will be sorted and disbanded again to distribute each parcel to its country and final delivery service.

In addition to sorting centers in China, Alibaba is also developing international logistics sorting centers. These sorting centers serve as advanced distribution platforms near key markets. A notable example is the Cainiao European sorting center located in Liège, Belgium, which is used as an entry point for many AliExpress parcels in Europe. Once parcels arrive at this type of regional center, they are cleared on-site and then injected into local transport networks. Subsequently, local sorting centers (often those of partner carriers) take over to dispatch packages at the national or local level. Thanks to these global infrastructures, Alibaba reduces friction points and accelerates the transit of orders across borders.

Finally, Alibaba implements specific solutions to improve parcel routing when possible. For example, if the same buyer orders multiple items shipped via the Cainiao network in a close period, the system may opt for a combined delivery. In this case, the customer's different products will be consolidated into a single parcel or grouped shipments at the sorting center to be delivered together. This reduces the number of separate parcels to process and can speed up receipt while simplifying tracking for the customer. Thus, from initial sorting in the warehouse to final distribution, Alibaba relies on a smooth chain of logistics centers and automated processes, ensuring that each parcel takes the most optimized route possible to its recipient.

Geographical areas served

Alibaba's transport network extends globally. Thanks to its multiple partnerships and logistics infrastructure, Alibaba can deliver parcels to more than 200 countries and regions worldwide. Platforms like AliExpress offer delivery to almost all countries in Europe, Asia, North and South America, Oceania, as well as a large part of Africa and the Middle East. This extremely wide geographic reach makes Alibaba a leading logistics player in international e-commerce. Delivery times and terms naturally vary depending on the destination, but the principle remains that even a customer located in a remote country or poorly served by traditional commerce can receive a parcel shipped from China or another selling country via the Alibaba system.

To cover so many areas, Alibaba adapts its routing according to regional specificities. In very large countries or those with isolated rural areas, Alibaba relies on national postal services that have experience with the "last mile" in these regions. In major urban centers or countries with modern logistics infrastructures, Alibaba can rely more on private courier partners or its own advanced sorting centers. For example, in Russia and Spain, Alibaba has established local warehouses allowing certain products to be shipped directly from these countries, reducing transport time for local customers. Similarly, in Southeast Asia, regional distribution centers facilitate delivery between neighboring countries.

There are a few exceptions to the areas served, generally due to legal or logistical restrictions. Some embargoed countries, conflict zones, or very isolated territories may not be eligible for Alibaba's standard delivery. However, these cases remain rare. As a general rule, if a customer can select their country when ordering on AliExpress/Alibaba.com, it means delivery is supported there. Alibaba continues to expand its logistics footprint through investments and partnerships in new regions, with the ambition of making international delivery as accessible as online ordering itself, regardless of where the buyer is located.

Order processing procedure

When an order is placed on Alibaba/AliExpress, it follows a multi-step logistics journey before reaching the customer. Here is the typical routing process of a parcel:

• Order confirmation and preparation: Once the payment is validated online, the seller receives the order and prepares it. The item is carefully packaged for shipment. At this stage, a shipping label and tracking number are generated via Alibaba's platform, but the parcel has not yet left the seller.
• Initial pickup by a carrier: Alibaba dispatches a local carrier to collect the parcel from the seller (or the seller drops off the parcel at an approved postal/relay point). This step marks the effective start of transit. A first tracking scan is recorded, often indicated by the status "Picked up by the carrier". The parcel then leaves the seller's possession and enters the shipping network.
• Sorting and consolidation at the logistics center: The parcel is routed to a regional Cainiao sorting center. Upon arrival, it is scanned and then integrated into the batch of parcels departing for the same general destination. Alibaba's automated systems sort and consolidate shipments: the parcel may be grouped with others in a container or bag destined for a common flight or route. During this phase, tracking may indicate steps such as "Arrived at sorting center" then "Left sorting center" once grouping is completed.
• Export and departure from the country of origin: After sorting, the parcel is shipped out of the country of origin. It is loaded onto a plane (or possibly another appropriate international transport mode). Tracking generally mentions a status like "Departure from the shipping country" or "Handed over to the airline". From there, the parcel begins its international journey. There may be a period without updates during the flight or transit.
• Arrival in the destination country: The parcel lands in the recipient's country, usually at the main airport of that country or a regional sorting center. It is then handed over to customs authorities for inspection. Tracking often indicates "Arrived in the destination country". This step is crucial as the parcel must pass customs control: verification of documents, calculation of any applicable duties and taxes.
• Customs clearance: Customs process the parcel. If there are no restrictions or taxes to be collected, the parcel is released quickly. In case of applicable import taxes (e.g., VAT, customs duties above a certain value), the recipient will have to pay them for the parcel to be delivered. During this time, the tracking status may display "In customs clearance" or "Held in customs". Once this formality is completed, tracking moves to a message like "Customs clearance completed" meaning the package is ready for the next step.
• Transfer to the local carrier: After clearing customs, the parcel is handed over to a local carrier for final distribution. Often, it is the national postal service (e.g., Canada Post, La Poste, USPS...) or a last-mile delivery partner. Cainiao then transmits the tracking information to the local carrier's system. Sometimes, a new local tracking number is assigned to the parcel at this stage, especially if the international number format is not used by the final carrier. Alibaba tries to automatically associate this new tracking with the order so that the customer can continue to track the parcel without interruption.
• Final delivery to the recipient: The local courier takes charge of the parcel and delivers it to the customer's address. On the day of distribution, tracking may indicate "Out for delivery" (the parcel is on the delivery vehicle) and finally "Delivered" once the recipient has received their package. In some cases, if the recipient is absent, the carrier will leave a delivery notice or drop the parcel at a relay point/mailbox, and tracking will note a failed delivery attempt. In any case, the order is considered complete once this step is reached. The customer can then confirm receipt on the platform and rate their experience.

Shipment tracking and traceability

Alibaba places great importance on parcel traceability throughout their journey. Each shipped parcel is assigned a unique tracking number, which allows real-time or near-real-time status updates to be viewed. The customer can access this information directly from their account (order details on AliExpress/Alibaba) or via Cainiao tracking tools. The advantage of Alibaba's tracking system is that it centralizes data from multiple carriers: the customer generally does not need to visit each delivery company's website, Alibaba aggregates all steps into a unified interface. For example, from the pickup of the parcel by the initial carrier in China to the handover to the local post and delivery, the complete history appears on the order tracking page.

Tracking statuses indicate the progress of the parcel. They go through different mentions, each reflecting a specific step (e.g., "Shipped", "In transit", "Arrived in the destination country", "Delivered", etc.). These statuses are often generated automatically when the parcel is scanned at a checkpoint or updated by a partner. Alibaba strives to translate or clearly formulate these statuses for users. However, it happens that some updates come directly from the carriers' systems and appear in their original language or in English. This can be confusing for the buyer. That's why Alibaba provides standardized and understandable labels, especially in French, for the most common tracking events.

In practice, the level of tracking detail depends on the chosen shipping service. Economical options have a summary tracking: there may be long periods without new information, especially once the parcel is shipped internationally. This does not necessarily mean the parcel is lost, but simply that it is not frequently scanned during transit (for example, during a long flight or grouped transport). Conversely, standard and express shipments provide more regular updates at each key stage. Alibaba recommends customers periodically check online tracking to stay informed. Additionally, notifications can be sent (by email or via the mobile app) when the parcel reaches important milestones, such as arrival in the customer's country or being out for delivery.

Thanks to Cainiao, Alibaba also has the ability to detect certain anomalies in tracking. For example, if a parcel remains stuck on a status without progress for too long ("in transit" for more than a certain number of days), the system can alert the seller and the customer and investigate with the partner carrier. This proactivity is part of Alibaba's constant improvements to its logistics chain to ensure reliable deliveries. The platform also offers a complete tracking history even after delivery, which the customer can consult for reference. Below, a table summarizes the main Alibaba/Cainiao tracking statuses that can be encountered, along with their meaning in French for better understanding.

Complementary logistics services

In addition to pure transport, Alibaba offers various logistics services to enhance the user experience and overall chain efficiency. One of these services is the estimation of shipping costs and times. On the platform, before confirming an order, the buyer can generally calculate the delivery cost and get an estimated time for each available shipping mode to their address. This logistics calculator takes into account the product's weight, destination, and options (standard, express...) and provides a reliable estimate, allowing the customer to make an informed choice.

Alibaba has also invested in local warehouses and advanced distribution centers in certain countries. Thanks to these facilities, some sellers can pre-stock products near key markets. For example, warehouses in Europe (Spain, France, Belgium, etc.), Russia, or the United States allow offering local shipping for popular items. Thus, when a European customer orders an item shipped from a French or Belgian warehouse, the parcel does not have to cross the planet: it is delivered in a few days by a local carrier, while still being managed via the Alibaba system. This decentralized storage strategy reduces delays and customs costs for the customer and demonstrates Alibaba's willingness to adapt its logistics to regional specificities.

Cainiao also offers solutions for merchandise returns when necessary. For example, for certain countries, Alibaba can provide a local return label (via a partner carrier), making it easier to return a defective or non-compliant product without the buyer having to ship the parcel back to China themselves. This service, when available, is part of Alibaba's buyer protection policy.

Finally, Alibaba continuously develops technological innovations for logistics. The use of artificial intelligence and data analysis allows optimizing transport routes and anticipating volumes. For example, during peak periods (such as 11.11 or Black Friday promotions), Alibaba adjusts its logistics resources in advance (additional chartered flights, warehouse staff, etc.) thanks to order forecasts. Moreover, mobile applications and dedicated platforms (such as the Cainiao app) allow users in China to plan shipments, choose Cainiao Station collection points, or precisely track their parcels. All these complementary offers strengthen Alibaba's logistics ecosystem beyond simple transport, providing flexibility, transparency, and support to both customers and sellers.

Managing delivery incidents

Despite a well-established system, delivery incidents can occur (delayed, lost, damaged parcels, etc.). Alibaba has implemented procedures and guarantees to handle these situations professionally. First, each order is covered by Alibaba's Buyer Protection program. This means that if a parcel does not arrive within the allotted time (the maximum delivery time indicated, usually around 60 days for AliExpress if no extension is agreed), the buyer has the right to open a dispute to claim a refund. In practice, the platform offers an "Open a dispute" button once the estimated delivery date is exceeded or if tracking indicates an abnormal problem. Alibaba will then examine the situation and, in most cases of proven non-delivery, proceed with a full refund of the order to the buyer.

If a parcel's tracking seems stuck for a long period (e.g., Shipped / In transit without updates for several weeks), the buyer is advised to contact the seller via the platform's messaging to request clarification. The seller can investigate on their side with the carrier. Alibaba also monitors such cases and can send reminders. If no resolution occurs and the protection period expires, the formal dispute will be the ultimate recourse for obtaining compensation.

In the case of a parcel marked as delivered but not received by the customer, the incident must also be reported. Sometimes, it is a delivery made to a neighbor, a relay point, or a scan error. The customer is encouraged to check with their local post office using the tracking number. If the parcel remains untraceable, Alibaba may request proof of non-receipt (statement from the local carrier) and intervene to refund the buyer. Honest sellers generally cooperate, knowing that Alibaba rules in favor of the customer in case of doubt.

When the parcel arrives but the product is damaged or non-compliant, again the dispute process is provided. The buyer can provide photos as evidence, and Alibaba will decide on a partial, full refund, or a reshipment depending on the circumstances. Logistically, if an item is broken upon arrival, Alibaba can use this information to assess the reliability of the carrier or the seller's packaging and improve things in the future (for example, by encouraging the seller to better protect fragile items).

In case of customs issues, for example, if a parcel is held for an unusual duration, Alibaba advises the buyer to contact the local carrier or customs service to provide missing documents or pay the required fees. If the parcel is returned to the sender due to lack of clearance, the customer can also open a dispute to be refunded, as the order was not received. However, the ideal is to prevent such incidents by ensuring the compliance of the merchandise and the proper provision of customs information (Alibaba and sellers generally ensure this by correctly filling out shipping forms).

Finally, Alibaba has a customer service and a dedicated support unit for logistics issues. In case of difficulty, the buyer can chat via AliExpress's online chat or contact support, which will provide advice on the steps to follow. The company capitalizes on each incident to refine its network: carriers showing delays or high loss rates can be excluded in favor of more reliable partners. Similarly, Cainiao analyzes tracking data to identify bottlenecks (for example, an overloaded sorting center causing delays) and implement solutions (redirect part of the flow to another sorting center, etc.). Overall, incident management at Alibaba is based on two axes: a quick intervention to resolve the customer's immediate problem and continuous improvement of the transport service to prevent such incidents from recurring.