Logistics apps enable users to shop from the comfort of their homes and have items delivered directly to their doorstep, saving time and effort, JUSTICE OKAMGBA writes
Shopping on international e-commerce platforms like Amazon, AliExpress, Taobao, Pinduoduo, and 1688 has opened up a world of possibilities for Nigerians, offering access to products that may not be available locally.
However, navigating the logistics of getting these items delivered to Nigeria can be a daunting task. Thanks to a growing number of innovative logistics apps and services, the process is becoming easier, faster, and more reliable. Some of these app are discussed below:
Meest China
Meest China is transforming the way Nigerians shop from Chinese e-commerce platforms such as Taobao, 1688, and Pinduoduo. The service offers air delivery to Nigeria within nine to twelve days and provides additional features like parcel insurance, thorough inspection, photo reporting, and parcel consolidation to minimize shipping costs.
Established in 2014, Meest China has emerged as a leading provider of delivery services from China to Ukraine. The company specializes in duty-free postal parcel deliveries for personal use and commercial goods transportation for business clients.
With representative offices in China, Uzbekistan, Poland, and Ukraine and dedicated warehouses in both Ukraine and China, Meest China ensures efficient logistics solutions.
The company currently facilitates cargo delivery from China to approximately 30 countries, including Korea and Japan, and offers freight services for global shipments.
“Each new country is a new challenge for us, and here is a whole new continent,” said CEO and Managing Partner of Meest China, Mykhailo Lymar, stated. We’ve been preparing for the launch for more than a year, so we are excited for rapid development in sunny Africa.”
Users can register with Meest China to receive a unique warehouse address in China, which they can use when shopping online. After their goods arrive at the warehouse, customers can track their parcels and schedule delivery to Nigeria, making global shopping hassle-free.
Connecteam
For those managing logistics at scale, Connecteam offers a comprehensive solution. The app streamlines operations with features like task assignment, real-time communication, and progress tracking.
A former project manager, Mike Davis, emphasised its efficiency, “With Connecteam, I can assign tasks to team members, track their progress, and communicate updates seamlessly, all within one platform. It’s been instrumental in streamlining logistics and project management processes.”
Its mobile-friendly interface ensures that businesses can manage logistics anytime, anywhere, making it a favorite for professionals in logistics.
Starshipit
According to Product Marketing Manager at Starshipit, David Renwick, the app is an excellent choice for businesses starting their logistics journey.
“StarshipIt is a really good option if you’re just starting out! It’s designed to streamline every step of the fulfillment process with automation. This means things like shipping rules, integrations with carriers and platforms, etc. It also has free onboarding, training, and support,” Renwick shared.
StarshipIt is particularly useful for automating fulfillment processes, allowing businesses to optimise their shipping operations with minimal manual effort.
Shipstation, Easyship, and Freightos
In his review, Samia Adnan recommended platforms like ShipStation, Easyship, and Freightos for small businesses venturing into international logistics.
“These platforms offer features for order fulfillment, shipping management, and customs compliance to streamline your logistics processes,” he noted.
These platforms cater to businesses looking for simplified ways to handle the complexities of international shipping, offering integrations with multiple carriers and e-commerce platforms.
Custom Logistics Solutions
Another user on Quora, Sagey Guzenk, highlighted the need for custom solutions for businesses with unique logistics requirements.
“Unfortunately, there’s no one universal system that handles all logistics tasks. The best solution in this case would be a custom one. Yes, the price seems higher than using a subscription-based tool, but in reality, it pays off within one to two years from implementation,” he explained.
Guzenko added that custom software allows businesses to automate specific processes, collect relevant data, and maximize their budgets more effectively than prepackaged solutions.
RoadTyre
Rose Allam praised RoadTyre as an all-in-one logistics solution. The cloud-based platform helps businesses manage inventory, orders, and shipping from a single dashboard.
“RoadTyre is the ‘best’ solution because it fits my business needs perfectly,” Allam shared. Customers have applauded its user-friendly interface, affordable pricing, excellent customer support, fast shipping times, and real-time tracking updates.
Shipsy
A content writer, Sarika Puri, highlighted the benefits of SaaS-based logistics solutions, recommending Shipsy as a standout choice.
“As per my opinion and considering the latest trends, you should go for SaaS-based software. A company that offers SaaS-based logistics software to startups and enterprises of all sizes and types is Shipsy.
“It offers easy-to-customize logistics management software with features like auto order allocation, rider and vehicle selection, AWB generation, route optimization, real-time order tracking, driver app, and more.
“These features automate all the logistics management tasks and reduce the dependency on human resources. It also cuts down on the overall logistics cost. To schedule a free demo, reach out to Shipsy.”
Conclusion
From Meest China’s tailored delivery solutions to RoadTyre’s comprehensive fulfillment platform, Nigerians now have access to tools that simplify the complexities of international shopping.
Whether you’re an individual buyer or a small business owner, these logistics apps provide options to make global shopping seamless, reliable, and cost-effective.
With these innovative solutions, the world of international e-commerce is no longer intimidating—it’s just a click away, with a clear path leading straight to your doorstep.