Unmanned Delivery Vehicles Revolutionize Rural Logistics in China

Since last summer, unmanned delivery vehicles have been transforming the lives of rural residents in Lulian village, Gansu province. These futuristic vehicles have significantly improved delivery efficiency and accessibility, solving the long-standing "last mile" delivery challenge in remote areas.

Previously, delivery personnel relied on small trucks, facing difficult road conditions and high transportation costs. The unmanned vehicles, however, can navigate various weather conditions and deliver parcels from the distribution center to Lulian in just 50 minutes to an hour.

These driverless cars resemble small vans with large cameras and a streamlined exterior. They operate at speeds up to 40 km/hour, requiring no driver or safety personnel onboard. This reduces labor costs and increases delivery efficiency, according to Cheng Jie, manager of the ZTO Express Longnan branch.

The success of the unmanned vehicle program in Lulian has prompted the company to expand its fleet. This initiative aligns with a national campaign launched in 2014 to promote parcel deliveries in rural areas, establishing a nationwide rural delivery network.

Today, nearly 98% of townships across China have delivery stations, providing millions of rural residents with faster and more accessible delivery services. The State Post Bureau of China has focused on strengthening rural delivery infrastructure and accelerating the application of innovative technologies like unmanned vehicles.

While the initial arrival of unmanned vehicles in Lulian caused some apprehension among villagers, they have quickly become accustomed to the new technology. Jayang, who manages the village's parcel delivery station, appreciates the time saved and improved efficiency. Unmanned vehicles have also created opportunities for local farmers to expand their market reach by delivering their products to distribution centers on the same day.

The unmanned vehicle delivery service in Lulian is a shining example of how technology can improve rural logistics and empower local communities. As the program expands, it promises to further bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, bringing the benefits of e-commerce and efficient delivery services to even the most remote corners of China.