| Cainiao | |
| Foundation: | 2013 |
| Location: | Hangzhou, China |
| Industry: | Logistics |
| Parent: | Alibaba Group |
Cainiao Smart Logistics Network Limited, formerly known as China Smart Logistics Network, is a Chinese logistics company launched by Alibaba Group, jointly with eight other companies, on 28 May 2013.[1] As of May 2018, Cainiao was one of the largest unicorn companies in China, valued at 100 billion yuan.[2] [3]
Cainiao ensures delivery within 24 hours to any region of China. The company also shares resources with other logistics companies.[4]
Cainiao operates a network of courier pick-up points known as Cainiao Stations across the Chinese mainland. These stations are strategically situated in residential neighborhoods and on university campuses, serving functions akin to traditional post offices. When a courier package is destined for a location within a Cainiao Station's service area, it is rerouted to the station and stored there. Recipients are notified to collect their packages, which are organized on numerical shelves and assigned a unique 4-digit code as they enter the station. Customers can locate their package using this code, and after finding it, they scan it at a self-service checkout machine to complete the pickup. Additionally, some Cainiao Stations provide services for sending packages.[5] [6]
Cainiao Express is a courier service. Customers can ship packages and documents by requesting a pickup through the Cainiao app. Cainiao can also be used as one of the shipping methods when selling items on Xianyu, a classified ads and online shopping app for used goods.[7] Cainiao also provides return shipping for items bought on Taobao.