Cross-border Shared Warehouse Billing Model Based on Actual Order Volume in Comprehensive Bonded Zones

📌 Background

In 2026, cross-border import e-commerce continued to grow, driving strong demand for bonded warehousing for categories like direct-imported milk powder and fresh produce. However, small and medium-sized merchants faced high costs for self-built warehouses and significant idle capacity during off-seasons. According to the Wenzhou Comprehensive Bonded Zone, a cross-border shared warehouse platform was launched in May 2026, utilizing nearly 10,000 square meters in its first phase. The first batch of over 50,000 cans of directly imported milk powder was successfully warehoused, with participation from channels like Cainiao and Kuaishou. By replacing traditional fixed warehouse rent with service fees based on actual order volume, the barrier to entry for small and medium-sized merchants was lowered.

👤 Target Customers

Small and medium-sized cross-border e-commerce merchants and import traders engaged in direct overseas procurement (e.g., milk powder, beauty products, fresh produce)

💰 Revenue Streams

1) Charging storage and operational service fees based on the merchant's actual order volume; 2) Additional fees for value-added services such as customs declaration, labeling, and quality inspection; 3) Revenue sharing from supply chain finance enabled by accumulated in-warehouse data.

🧮 Cost Structure

Investment in bonded warehouse construction and renovation, integration with customs supervision systems, warehouse sorting and operational personnel, and maintenance of the information platform.

🛡️ Moat

Policy qualifications of the Comprehensive Bonded Zone and integration with customs supervision create entry barriers; the pay-per-order model aligns with the growth path of merchants, while accumulated order data strengthens service stickiness.

🔑 Keys to Success

• Efficiency of customs supervision system integration and customs clearance timeliness
• Control of unit order operational costs within the warehouse

⚠️ Risks

• Insufficient order volume leading to idle warehouse assets and losses
• Policy changes impacting the bonded business model

🏢 Cases

• The cross-border shared warehouse platform launched by the Wenzhou Comprehensive Bonded Zone in 2026, which charges service fees based on actual order volume and supports categories like direct-imported milk powder
• Shared pallet business operated by cold chain alliances leveraging their cold chain resources

📊 SWOT Analysis