As e-commerce continues its rapid expansion and consumer demand for fresh fruit grows, the timeliness of agricultural production and transportation has become increasingly crucial. In this context, J&T Express has tapped into market needs by introducing an innovative "air transport" solution using advanced drone technology for Fengjie navel oranges, a specialty product from Chongqing.
Overcoming Geographic Challenges
Traditional transportation methods in the mountainous Fengjie region have long posed significant difficulties for local fruit farmers. Complex terrain and poor road conditions typically lead to increased shipping costs and higher rates of product damage. While conventional truck-based transport works adequately in flat urban and rural areas, it proves inefficient in Fengjie's rugged landscape.
J&T's drone solution directly addresses these challenges. The unmanned aerial vehicles can navigate remote mountain orchards and traverse steep valleys with ease, delivering fresh oranges quickly and safely to collection points or directly to consumers.
Substantial Efficiency Gains
According to Li Dongmin, head of J&T Express's Fengjie branch, the company now handles an impressive 20,000 kilograms of oranges daily through drone delivery. This dramatic efficiency improvement has brought tangible benefits to local farmers.
"With drones, our transportation costs have decreased significantly while product loss during transit has dropped noticeably," said Ye Hongjun, a representative local farmer. "The freshness of our fruit is now better guaranteed."
Optimizing the Supply Chain
Beyond the drone delivery system itself, J&T has implemented comprehensive optimizations throughout the logistics chain. The company established specialized orange transfer stations that enable efficient sorting and distribution. A dedicated green channel ensures priority shipping for the perishable fruit, allowing consumers to receive the freshest possible produce.
The drones used in the operation boast impressive specifications: 50 kg maximum payload capacity , 72 km/h cruising speed , and 4,000 meter flight ceiling with strong wind resistance—features specifically selected for Fengjie's challenging geography.
Weather-Proof Logistics
Anticipating seasonal weather challenges, J&T has developed detailed contingency plans. The company's intelligent dispatch system monitors real-time traffic and weather conditions to optimize routes dynamically, ensuring uninterrupted service even during snowstorms or heavy rains.
This forward-thinking approach not only demonstrates responsibility toward farmers and consumers but also enhances J&T's brand reputation. The successful model could potentially be replicated for other agricultural products nationwide.
Data-Driven Future
The drone operations generate valuable logistics data that J&T is leveraging to refine its services. Future plans include using artificial intelligence to analyze user behavior patterns, optimize flight paths, and expand drone applications to other product categories—potentially transforming China's entire express delivery industry.
J&T Express's innovative approach has broken traditional logistics barriers, improved farmers' incomes, and opened new possibilities for agricultural product distribution. As drone technology continues advancing, the company aims to explore additional transportation applications while contributing to rural development initiatives across China.