
The rapid listings of SF Express and the "Tongda" trio (ZTO, STO and YTO) have intensified competition in China's delivery sector, forcing smaller players to carve out specialized niches. YouSu Express, traditionally focused on small parcels, has announced a strategic overhaul to dominate the large-package market, expanding its weight range from 3-50kg to 2-100kg for door-to-door service—a move that will pit it directly against freight forwarders.
This pivot follows measurable success since last August's initial large-parcel push. YouSu reports 60% volume growth in 3-50kg shipments with improved profitability . To enhance service, the company introduced "350 Timely Delivery"—guaranteeing 48-hour transit on designated routes with 150 yuan ($21) compensation for delays. The program maintains 92% on-time delivery since its launch six months ago and will soon expand as "2100 Timely Delivery," promising sub-100kg parcels delivered by 9pm.
China's courier industry continues its expansion despite homogenized competition. Analysts predict capital markets will drive consolidation within 12 months, with some firms exiting entirely. As barriers to entry rise, differentiation becomes critical for survival.
"This upgrade responds dynamically to market evolution," a YouSu executive stated. Rivals are pursuing similar specialization: Deppon Logistics' "e-Home" targets bulky e-commerce items with installation services, while ZJS Express experiments with food delivery via partnerships. Such cross-sector moves aim to unlock new revenue streams.
Logistics networks now serve dual purposes—operational advantages and market moats. YouSu's expansion to 100kg shipments requires resource integration to stabilize operations while attracting furniture and appliance merchants. Industry boundaries blur as express and freight firms encroach on each other's turf, with capital accelerating transformation. YouSu secured 300 million yuan ($42 million) in Series A funding this June, signaling aggressive positioning during this restructuring phase.