Cloud-Native Microservice Architecture for Inclusive Cross-Border Logistics: Real-Time Tracking and Automated Customs Clearance for SMEs

Abstract

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face high barriers to efficient cross-border logistics due to fragmented tracking, complex customs regulations, and costly legacy systems. This paper proposes a cloud-native microservice platform for cross-border logistics that integrates real-time shipment tracking and automated customs clearance to lower these barriers. The architecture employs containerized microservices orchestrated in the cloud, with a lightweight API gateway enabling multi-tenant operation and tenant-specific data isolation. Key components include a real-time tracking service (aggregating live shipment data from carriers and IoT devices) and a rule-driven customs clearance service (automating tariff calculation and document compliance checks). We leverage an open-source business rules engine for customs compliance, allowing rapid updates to regulatory rules without changing core code. Experiments on a prototype deployment demonstrate near-linear scalability – throughput increases from ~50 requests/s with 1 instance to over 5400 requests/s with 100 instances – and low latency under load. Automated customs processing on the platform reduces clearance times dramatically (e.g. from 2–3 days manually to <24 hours) through digital workflow automation. Compared to existing logistics platforms (e.g. project44 for enterprise visibility, or FlavorCloud for e-commerce shipping), our solution is distinguished by its open, multi-tenant architecture and focus on SME inclusivity. SME customers can adopt the platform with minimal upfront cost, benefiting from pay-per-use pricing and modular integration into their supply chain. The results demonstrate that our approach can significantly streamline global trade operations for SMEs, lowering costs and delays while improving supply chain transparency. We conclude that a cloud-native microservice architecture is a promising foundation for inclusive digital trade infrastructure supporting SME globalization.