Global ecommerce is expanding at an extraordinary pace. According to SellersCommerce, in 2024 2.71 billion people shopped online and by the end of this year, that number is expected to hit 2.77 billion. Yet while consumer appetite for speed and convenience keeps climbing, the economics of delivery are becoming more challenging by the day.
For retailers, the question isn’t just how to keep up with demand—it’s how to do so profitably.
At ITD Global, as an international logistics and ecommerce management and delivery specialist, we believe the answer may lie in a smarter approach: parcel consolidation. It’s not a marginal tweak to the supply chain; it’s a strategic lever that can transform cost structures, efficiency, and sustainability.
Parcel consolidation enables businesses to import and export goods at a lower cost by combining multiple smaller shipments into a single, larger consignment, as-well as improving efficiencies, and reducing the environmental impact of deliveries. Fewer shipments mean less packaging waste and lower emissions from transportation, contributing to a more sustainable operation, enabling businesses to reduce their carbon footprint.
The pros and cons of consolidation
Parcel consolidation is particularly advantageous for companies with high import volumes, and those that experience peak shipping periods throughout the year. Instead of tracking and managing numerous packages, they only need to monitor a single, consolidated consignment, simplifying their logistics process and lowering the risk of lost or delayed packages. With fewer, larger shipments, businesses can better predict delivery schedules, which in turn improves overall supply chain efficiency.
However, as with any logistics strategy there can be challenges associated with consolidating orders from multiple suppliers. The process can be complex, time consuming and require a great deal of planning. In some cases, consolidation can hinder the speed of transportation of urgent items, as the cargo needs to be completely consolidated to move forward. Different products may require different handling and storage conditions, and with multiple items combined, there are potential chances of damage or even loss of items.
But, by partnering with a delivery expert who has the experience, knowledge and technology to manage the process, customers can achieve greater profitability and reach, whether importing or exporting goods samples, or fulfilling confirmed orders from one corner of the globe to another.
Importing from China
At ITD Global we have the networks, technology, and processes to turn consolidation from a logistical puzzle into a competitive advantage.
With extensive experience in parcel consolidation, we offer a reliable systematic approach to managing our client’s shipments. For example, through our offices in China, we deal directly with our customers' suppliers, allowing us to provide confidence, flexibility, and visibility into their shipments. From receiving parcels to airfreighting consolidated shipments, every step is meticulously managed and documented.
Throughout the week (Monday to Friday), cartons and packages are received at our Shenzhen Warehouse allowing for a continuous flow of goods into the consolidation process. Cartons are accepted into the warehouse up to midday every Friday. This cut-off time ensures that all parcels can be processed and prepared for consolidation in a timely manner. Once received, cartons are counted and colour-coded. This approach ensures that all packages are accounted for and organised efficiently.
The consolidated consignment is then shipped to its destination, via air or sea freight, depending on the location and urgency. Because of how express couriers work, larger shipments generally cost less per unit of weight, making this a more economical way to manage shipping expenses. In most cases, our clients save up to 20% compared to standard shipping rates.
Reducing sample costs
The cost of product sampling can be a significant investment for businesses, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By using parcel consolidation, we can offer our clients annual savings upwards of 30% by collecting samples from a range of suppliers across China, consolidating them throughout the week in our Shenzhen warehouse and then moving them as one larger ‘sample shipment’ into the UK. This means our customers can then distribute their samples throughout the UK at a much lower cost making the whole process much more efficient and cost effective.
Conclusion
Parcel consolidation is more than a logistics tactic. It’s a business strategy for profitability, resilience, and sustainability. The retailers and brands who embrace it will not only reduce costs—they will build businesses that are fit for the future.