Why is China’s logistics so efficient?

Summary

The 11th Double 11 (Singles Day) shopping spree set a record with 268.4 billion yuan in sales. This surge in transactions demanded efficient logistics, with 535 million parcels delivered nationwide. The growth of China's logistics network has been remarkable, with smart technologies like big data, AI, and automated systems revolutionizing parcel delivery. The introduction of recyclable packaging, smart lockers, and IoT connectivity enhances efficiency and reduces environmental impact. The future of China's logistics looks promising, with high-tech transportation options such as drones and unmanned vehicles becoming increasingly common.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 11th Double 11 shopping event set a record of 268.4 billion yuan in sales, highlighting the immense scale of China’s retail market.
• 😀 The total number of parcels collected on Double 11 was 535 million, with a new record of 100 million parcels shipped out by 8:01 A.M. on the day.
• 😀 China’s express courier industry has grown rapidly, with a 41.5% average annual increase in parcel deliveries since 1988.
• 😀 China now delivers more parcels than the combined total of the United States, Japan, and all of Europe.
• 😀 The national postal and delivery network in China spans 39 million kilometers, 56 times longer than it was in 1949.
• 😀 Technologies such as big data, cloud computing, and AI have driven the digital transformation of the logistics industry in China.
• 😀 Over 200 intelligent distribution centers and more than 5,000 km of automated assembly lines have been set up to increase efficiency.
• 😀 Recyclable bags with tracking chips are being used to improve logistics efficiency and sustainability, with STO Express saving about 100 million non-recyclable bags in 2018.
• 😀 IoT connectivity allows real-time tracking of vehicles and components, while Cainiao’s Sky Eye Program uses cloud-based video monitoring to optimize logistics operations.
• 😀 Smart lockers, like Cainiao’s, have been deployed nationwide, making parcel pickup more convenient and shortening delivery times.
• 😀 On Double 11, around 2.8 billion parcels were created, with each of the 2.1 million delivery workers handling an average of 240 parcels in a single day.

Q & A

What was the sales record for Double 11 (Singles Day) in 2024?

The sales record for Double 11 in 2024 was 268.4 billion yuan (around 38.3 billion USD), set by Alibaba's Tmall platform.

How does the sales figure for Double 11 compare to Black Friday in 2018?

The sales figure for Double 11 in 2024 was more than six times the earnings of Black Friday in 2018.

How many parcels were collected by courier companies in China during Double 11?

Courier companies in China collected a total of 535 million parcels on November 11, 2024.

What milestone was achieved at 8:01 A.M. on November 11, 2024?

At 8:01 A.M. on November 11, 2024, the 100,000,000th parcel of the shopping spree was shipped out, 59 minutes earlier than the previous year.

When was China's first express service launched, and by which organization?

China's first express service was launched in 1984 by China Post.

What is the current growth rate of the express delivery industry in China?

The express delivery industry in China has been growing at an average annual rate of 41.5% since 1988.

How has the postal and delivery network in China improved since 1949?

Since 1949, the total length of China's postal and delivery network has increased to 39 million kilometers, 56 times its original length.

What technologies have contributed to the digital transformation of China's logistics industry?

Technologies such as big data, cloud computing, and AI have contributed to the digital transformation of China's logistics industry.

What is the role of intelligent distribution centers and automated systems in logistics?

Intelligent distribution centers and automated systems, including robots and automated assembly lines, have increased efficiency, saving 70% of manual work.

How have IoT and cloud systems enhanced logistics operations in China?

IoT and cloud systems have allowed for real-time tracking and dynamic interaction between vehicles, distribution centers, and logistics components, improving overall efficiency.

How are smart lockers changing the delivery process in China?

Smart lockers, such as those from Cainiao, allow recipients to pick up their parcels using QR codes or facial recognition technology, shortening delivery times and easing the burden on couriers.

How many smart express lockers were in use by 2024, and what benefits do they offer?

By 2024, over 320,000 smart express lockers were in use, offering greater convenience for recipients and shortening delivery times.

How many parcels did delivery workers need to deliver on Double 11 2024, and what was the success rate of deliveries?

On Double 11 2024, 2.8 billion parcels were created, and each of the 2.1 million delivery workers had to deliver 240 parcels. 78.9% of parcels were delivered within 72 hours.