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Diving certificate:
- Walmart’s ocean freight service is now generally available to all Walmart Fulfillment Services sellers, according to an Aug. 8 LinkedIn post by Scott Humanek, senior director of the retailer’s global inbound program.
- Sellers on Walmart Marketplace can now use the retailer’s cross-border ocean freight solution to transport goods made in China to the company’s U.S. fulfillment center network.
- “Our pilot has exceeded our expectations in terms of feedback and volume, and we are excited to tell the world that WCB is ready to help all WFS #eCommerce sellers grow their business on the #WalmartMarketplace,” said Humanek.
Diving insight:
According to the Walmart Marketplace website, Walmart Cross Border is a port-to-door freight service for full container loads from China to the United States.
International inbound transportation service is only available to WFS sellers who source or manufacture goods in China. All cargo must be shipped from the ports of Yantian, Shanghai, or Ningbo. Cargo imported into the U.S. is then transported directly to a Walmart fulfillment center.
WFS is a third-party marketplace for sellers that was originally launched in 2020 to increase sales through existing e-commerce infrastructure and has since added an inventory-focused offering to the platform.
The seller marketplace is part of Walmart’s broader strategy to expand its service offerings beyond those of a typical retailer.
Earlier this year, for example, Walmart began selling its artificial intelligence-based optimization technology aimed at reducing logistics costs. Walmart had already used the technology to reduce its own transportation costs and emissions. The retailer has also expanded its local delivery service platform called GoLocal, which now handles large and bulky items as well as order fulfillment.
