Parcel volume hits historic peak in China as shopping season drives demand

China's parcel delivery industry hit a record milestone this week, with 729 million parcels collected on Tuesday, the highest daily collection volume ever recorded, the State Post Bureau said Thursday.

The peak season for parcel deliveries, which began Monday, coincides with China's annual online shopping sprees and is expected to last until late January, just before the Spring Festival.

From Monday to Wednesday, 1.92 billion parcels were collected, a 48.7 percent increase year-on-year. During the same period, nearly 1.66 billion parcels were delivered, marking a 29.5 percent rise from last year.

Tuesday's record collection of 729 million parcels reflected a 74 percent surge compared to the same day last year, highlighting the rapid growth of the industry. This expansion demonstrates the logistics sector's resilience and ability to meet rising demand for personalized, diverse, and high-quality services, the State Post Bureau noted.

China's vast consumer market remains a driving force behind the logistics boom, supported by policies aimed at boosting domestic demand. The surge in parcel volume underscores the market's potential and reinforces the logistics industry's critical role in China's economic development.

To manage the demand, courier companies are being urged to collaborate closely with e-commerce platforms, staggering delivery schedules to ensure smooth operations. Efforts to optimize warehouse management, improve resource allocation, and integrate smart technologies — such as unmanned vehicles and drones — are being employed to enhance efficiency and last-mile delivery. These innovations aim to maintain high service quality and operational stability during the busiest times.

As the peak season progresses, China's logistics industry, a key economic indicator, remains focused on providing smooth, secure, and reliable services for consumers and businesses nationwide.