The express delivery industry has experienced rapid growth driven by e-commerce, yet it faces declining profits and intense competition. The State Post Bureau will implement measures to support healthy industry development, while express delivery companies are actively expanding into international markets and seeking new profit models.
This article explores the increasing demand for air cargo within the express industry against the backdrop of rapid e-commerce growth. As the express business flourishes, air cargo has become a vital method for enhancing logistics efficiency. It is anticipated that in the next 20 years, air freight volume will maintain an annual growth rate of 4.7%. The shortage of pilots is an urgent issue that needs addressing, leading to an intensified competition for talent in the industry.
The express delivery and logistics industries are experiencing a reversal in pricing strategies. JD has attempted to increase delivery prices to promote door-to-door services, while logistics companies like Aneng and Baishi are lowering end fees to gain market share. This phenomenon highlights the intense market competition and the flexible response of companies to changing strategies.
The express delivery industry leverages big data and information technology to enhance efficiency. The use of electronic waybills and smart routing significantly shortens the order-splitting time and optimizes management processes.
India Post has partnered with DHL to launch the 'World Network Express' service, connecting 220 countries and enhancing the efficiency of international parcel and document delivery. This service allows customers to send urgent items within 4 days and offers real-time tracking features, catering to the demands of the global market for efficient logistics.
The entry of STO Express has triggered a price war in the express industry, putting existing players in a dilemma. Although express companies are responding to competition through capital investment and cost leadership strategies, the rapid market growth and the impact of new entrants make it difficult for traditional business models to endure. In the future, service differentiation will be a key direction for the express industry to return to reasonable profits.
The establishment of ZTO Airlines in Changsha marks an upgrade in the express industry towards a comprehensive logistics system, filling the gap in Hunan's air cargo market. Despite facing intense industry competition and high barriers to entry, ZTO Airlines demonstrates growth potential through international market expansion and an integrated operational model. In the future, it is expected to enhance overall service capabilities, triggering a new wave of transformation in the express delivery market.
With the rapid growth of e-commerce, the express industry faces numerous challenges, particularly regarding service quality issues stemming from the franchise model. Consumers frequently experience delays, misdeliveries, and lost packages, with many express deliveries being returned due to the closure of regional outlets. While the franchise system has promoted industry development, it has also led to service disruptions as franchisees prioritize their own interests. Moving forward, the express industry needs to transition towards a self-operated model to enhance service quality and overall efficiency.
The private express delivery industry has experienced significant growth over the past 30 years, becoming a major player in the market. The latest draft of the "Private Economy Promotion Law" emphasizes fair competition and supports private enterprises. Although there is some competition with China Post, there is potential for cooperation in areas like express services.
SF Airlines has introduced new Boeing freighters to enhance its express air transport capabilities, leading to a three-way competition among SF Express, YTO Express, and China Post. Despite the massive potential of the air express market, development is hampered by inadequate infrastructure and tight aviation resources. The intensifying competition in the express delivery sector is prompting companies to seek high-value-added services and emphasize the importance of air transport. The future express delivery market will prioritize speed and service quality, making the improvement of overall capacity a core task for enterprises.
