Global-e Operational Models
Introduction
Global-e supports multiple operational models to provide merchants with the flexibility to choose the option that best fits their logistics and business needs. Merchants may ship through the Global-e hub, manage fulfillment from their own facilities, use a combination of both, or retain their existing carriers under the Work Your Own Logistics (WYOL) model.
Global-e Hub
In the Global-e Hub model, the merchant ships orders to the nearest Global-e cross-dock facility. The process includes the following steps:
Orders are shipped by the merchant to the nearest Global-e hub. The frequency of shipments is determined by the merchant, ranging from daily to less frequent consolidation methods. The merchant is responsible for the cost of getting goods to the hub.
Upon arrival, parcels are scanned, which updates their status. Deliveries are signed for and monitored by CCTV. Each parcel must have a scannable barcode linked to an order in Global-e Admin.
Parcels are cross-docked: relabeled with the final carrier label and accompanied by the necessary export documentation. Parcels are not opened or repacked.
Processing details:
Single-parcel orders or non-consolidated carriers: processed the same day if they arrive before the cut-off time.
Multi-parcel consolidated carrier shipments: held until all parcels for the order arrive, then processed together.
The following table shows delivery cutoff times for same-day dispatch at each Global-e hub:
Hub | Delivery Cutoff Time |
|---|---|
UK – East Midlands (EMA) | 12:00 |
UK – Heathrow (LHR) | 17:00 |
FR – Roissy (CDG) | 13:00 |
NL – Schiphol | 12:00 |
Note
Hubs operate under a 'clean floor' policy, so parcels do not stay overnight. Exceptions may occur if parcels arrive after the cut-off, if shipping labels cannot be created, or if customer contact is required. Global-e applies a three-day rule for unresolved issues, after which parcels may be returned to the merchant.
Merchant Hub
In the Merchant Hub model, merchants manage fulfillment directly from their warehouse, while Global-e provides the final carrier labels and export documentation. The process includes:
After the merchant completes their standard pick-and-pack process, the Global-e system generates the final carrier labels and export documentation, which are printed and applied in the merchant’s warehouse.
Global-e arranges for collection by the relevant carriers (such as DHL or DPD), depending on merchant volume. Not all merchants qualify for daily collections. Merchants with lower volumes may need to arrange ad-hoc collections directly:
DHL has no minimum volume requirement.
DPD requires at least 100 parcels per week and prior approval. Non-compliance may lead to delays.
Merchants must notify their Customer Success Manager (CSM) if they change warehouse locations within the same country. The logistics team will coordinate updated pickup details with carriers. Failure to update information may result in missed collections.
Hybrid Model
The Hybrid model allows merchants to use a combination of approaches: for example, shipping some orders directly from their warehouse (such as express shipments) while forwarding others (such as tracked post) to the nearest Global-e hub for processing.
Choosing the Right Model
When deciding which model to use, merchants should consider factors such as shipping volumes, operational capacity, preferred level of control, and desired shipping methods. For example:
Global-e Hub: Best for outsourcing logistics to Global-e with cross-docking.
Merchant Hub: Best for merchants with established logistics capacity and infrastructure.
Hybrid Model: Best for merchants who want flexibility across different shipping types.
WYOL: Best for merchants who prefer to continue using their own carriers.
For tailored recommendations, merchants should contact their Global-e Account Manager.