CEVA opens automated distribution center in China
CEVA Logistics, a global leader in third-party logistics, has officially inaugurated its new automated distribution center in Alashankou, China, marking a significant expansion of its China–Central Asia–Caucasus–Europe corridor.
The 4,300-square-meter facility is now fully operational, serving as a high-tech consolidation point for Less-than-Truckload (LTL) shipments and integrated International Road Transport (TIR) solutions. CEVA Logistics customers and local government representatives joined CEVA to mark the opening of the new operations.
Located within the Alashankou Free Trade Zone, the facility is situated in Northwest China just 15 minutes from the Kazakhstan-China border. By leveraging streamlined local customs procedures, CEVA can complete cargo consolidation and onward transit within as little as 6 to 12 hours. This speed allows for the efficient movement of goods from Chinese manufacturing centers directly into the heart of Central Asia.
To ensure peak operational efficiency, the distribution center integrates a sophisticated Warehouse Management System (WMS) with RFID and AI-based measurement technologies. The site utilizes electric autonomous forklifts to manage highly automated inbound and outbound flows, while a centralized control platform synchronizes order management with real-time customs status. For end-to-end traceability, all trucks are equipped with GPS and IoT sensors, providing customers with full visibility for cross-border shipments.
Lenovo is among the key customers leveraging the new facility, with CEVA managing regular transport flows between China and Kazakhstan. CEVA has also begun deploying heavy-duty electric trucks to collect cargo from various Chinese manufacturing plants for consolidation at the Alashankou facility before crossing into Kazakhstan. This sustainable logistics model is estimated to reduce CO2 by 46% compared with traditional solutions.
The Alashankou facility also powers CEVA’s newly optimized cross-border LTL solution, which connects Shenzhen and Suzhou, China, to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, for small and medium cargo volumes. The Alashankou facility also powers CEVA’s newly optimized cross-border and domestic LTL solution, which connects Shenzhen and Suzhou, China, to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, for small and medium cargo volumes. By utilizing the facility as a fast-track transit point, CEVA has reduced traditional transit times from 20 days to just 9 to 11 days, helping customers accelerate expansion into Central Asian markets.
During the opening event, CEVA was honored by the local government with the ‘Silk Road Innovation International Cross-border Logistics Excellence Award.’ This recognition highlights CEVA’s long-term commitment to the local market and our reputation for delivering responsive, high-quality logistics solutions.
Kelvin Tang, APAC Ground & Rail Leader, CEVA Logistics, said: “Alashankou is a strategic gateway along the China–Central Asia–Caucasus Region–Europe corridor. In 2025, total throughput across Alashankou exceeded 29 million tons, with ground volumes up 8.6% year-over-year. With our Alashankou logistics hub now operational, we are well positioned to meet rising demand and advance our sustainability commitments through innovative, lower carbon cross-border solutions.”
Wei Wei, Vice Mayor of Alashankou, said: “The official launch of CEVA’s Alashankou hub represents a strong recognition of the city’s strategic location as a key port of entry, open trade platforms, and business-friendly environment. The facility will further enhance cross-border logistics capabilities, drive broader industry growth, deepen connectivity across Asia–Europe trade corridors, and further strengthen Alashankou’s role as a key international logistics gateway.”
