Smart technology-aided delivery aiding China’s online shoppers

China is leveraging cutting-edge smart technology to address one of the most persistent challenges in the logistics sector: the ‘last mile’ of package delivery. This critical phase, which involves transporting goods from local distribution centers to consumers’ doorsteps, has been significantly streamlined through innovations such as smart parcel lockers and neighborhood service stations. According to a report unveiled at a national delivery industry conference in Beijing, these smart solutions now account for over 55 percent of all deliveries in the country. The findings are based on a comprehensive survey of more than 35,000 individuals across the delivery ecosystem. Zhang Ping, the lead researcher, emphasized that the focus is on meeting customer needs, whether in urban apartments or rural villages. Companies like Fengchao have installed electronic lockers in residential communities nationwide, expanding their services beyond package delivery to include offerings like laundry collection. Rural areas have also seen remarkable progress, with 78 percent of villages now equipped with package service stations, ensuring equal convenience for rural residents. Liao Jinrong, deputy head of the State Post Bureau of China, highlighted the growing use of drones and delivery robots, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. China’s delivery industry, already one of the most advanced globally, continues to innovate, driven by the annual ‘last mile’ conference that has been held since 2015. This event brings together experts to explore new ways to enhance efficiency for the nation’s vast online shopping population.