Blog – SHAOKE

From centralized hub models to distributed multi-hub networks

For decades, many logistics networks in Europe have relied on a single-hub model, with goods entering and clearing primarily through the Netherlands, Belgium, or Germany. This approach made sense in an era of relatively stable trade flows and predictable customs rules, offering efficiencies of scale and simplified operations. However, this model is becoming increasingly risky […]

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Summer logistics: Sunshine, shortages, and shifting volumes

Blog / Shaoke

When most people think of summer, they imagine holidays, beaches, and ice cream. But in logistics, summer brings a very different kind of heat. From staffing gaps due to vacations, to rising fuel costs, to the impact of high temperatures on sensitive cargo, logistics operations in July and August look quite different from the rest

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Rising returns? Smarter logistics can cut costs

Blog / Shaoke

In the past, logistics mainly focused on getting products out the door — but today, what’s coming back is just as critical. Return rates have surged, particularly in e-commerce, where average return rates are now around 20-30%, compared to less than 10% for brick-and-mortar stores (National Retail Federation, 2024). For some categories like apparel, it’s

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The human-tech equation in logistics

Blog, Blogs / Shaoke

The shift toward warehouse automation is accelerating. According to McKinsey, the global warehouse automation market is expected to grow from $15 billion in 2019 to over $30 billion by 2026. In e-commerce, where speed and accuracy are critical, technologies like autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), and AI-driven warehouse management systems

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Navigating 2025: E-comm logistics in the U.S. vs. Europe

Blog / Shaoke

In 2025, cross-border e-commerce logistics in the U.S. and Europe isn’t about who has it easier. It’s about navigating two very different sets of challenges. Both markets are under pressure from tariffs and policy changes, but the way these pressures show up on the ground -and in your bottom line- couldn’t be more different. In

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Ecommerce in Germany: What’s next?

Blog, Blogs / Shaoke

Germany’s e–commerce landscape: Current status and 2025 outlook Germany’s e-commerce sector has long been a powerhouse within Europe, and while it faced challenges in recent years, the outlook for 2025 remains cautiously optimistic. In 2024, Germany’s online retail market reached €80.6 billion, showing a modest increase of 1.1% from the previous year. This growth, although

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The real cost of failed deliveries – and how to fix it

Blog / Shaoke

Failed deliveries are more than just an inconvenience – they carry significant financial and environmental costs that affect businesses, consumers, and logistics providers. In the e-commerce sector, 5-10% of deliveries fail on the first attempt, leading to increased operational expenses, higher emissions, and dissatisfied customers. While factors like incorrect addresses, absent recipients, and access restrictions

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How to choose the right 3PL

Blog / Shaoke

Choosing the right third-party logistics provider (3PL) is crucial for e-commerce companies looking to scale efficiently. With the right 3PL, businesses can streamline order fulfillment, shipping, and inventory management. However, not all 3PLs are created equal, and selecting the right partner requires careful consideration. Here are five key factors to help e-commerce businesses make an

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Addressing security risks in the logistics industry

Blog / Shaoke

Security risks are a major concern for the logistics industry. With the constant movement of goods across various regions and borders, there are numerous opportunities for theft, damage, and loss. Criminal activities such as cargo theft, unauthorized access, and fraud can have serious consequences for businesses, leading to financial losses, delays, and damage to reputation.

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Cutting shipping costs for ecommerce businesses

Blog / Shaoke

Reducing shipping costs is a crucial aspect of managing an online retail business. Not only does it help maintain competitive pricing, but it also plays a significant role in ensuring customer satisfaction. One key strategy is to negotiate better rates with carriers. By leveraging the volume of shipments, retailers can often secure discounted rates. Carriers

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