Chongqing - The debut of the “air-to-air” logistics model for the famed Chongqing Wushan crisp plums, initiated by the “Post Express” platform, enabling consumers nationwide to enjoy same-day or next-day delivery.
The Wushan crisp plums, utilizing the “air-to-air” logistics model for the first time, can now be delivered nationwide within 24 hours. (Photo/Chen Jiuling)
In a groundbreaking logistics operation, 21 drones carrying over 200 kilograms of Wushan crisp plums took off from Quchi Township, Wushan County, and landed at Wushan Airport in just eight minutes. From there, the plums were flown to Nanjing, Jiangsu, aboard a “Post Express” charter flight, arriving at their destination within 24 hours.
“Post Express” is Chongqing’s innovative logistics platform integrating transportation, postal services, agriculture, supply chain, and commerce. It enhances efficiency and reduces costs, facilitating the nationwide distribution of Chongqing’s agricultural specialties, such as crisp plums, oranges, pickled mustard, Sichuan peppers, and traditional Chinese medicinal materials. By streamlining the “first mile” of farm-to-market logistics and the “last mile” of goods-to-rural delivery, “Post Express” has transformed regional agricultural trade.
Reducing transport time
Previously, transporting Wushan crisp plums was a time-intensive process. Before Wushan Airport’s inauguration, plums endured a nine-hour road journey to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. Even after the airport opened, the plums still required over an hour to traverse rugged mountain roads from orchards to the airport.
The “air-to-air” logistics solution of “Post Express” has changed the game. Equipped with drones capable of carrying 10 kilograms and flying over 70 minutes, the system tackles challenges like unpredictable weather, strong winds, and rain. These drones, supported by advanced digital monitoring and synchronized operations, cut transport times from orchards to the airport to a mere eight minutes. This integration of drones and cargo flights has given Wushan specialties new wings, enabling them to soar beyond mountainous terrain to markets nationwide.
Nationwide coverage and cost efficiency
The benefits of “Post Express” extend beyond Wushan’s famed plums. The system facilitates three key logistics routes.
Firstly, air-to-air logistics for nationwide delivery facilitate crisp plums' reaching cities across China within 24 hours, with transfer efficiency improved by 86.7%. Secondly, cold-chain transport to nearby regions makes deliveries to Chengdu and Wuhan now take just 6–18 hours, halving previous timeframes. Thirdly, a county-to-town delivery system ensures same-day delivery to local townships using fixed routes and schedules.
This tiered logistics model has reduced average transport costs by 28%, significantly improving speed and freshness.
This year, farmers can package their oranges at home and deliver them directly to consumers across the country via logistics services provided by the "Post Express" platform. (Photo/Chen Jiuling)
Reshaping rural logistics
In addition to sending agricultural goods to cities, Post Express also delivers industrial goods to rural areas. Residents in remote places like Dachang Township now receive online orders within two days, drastically improving over the previous week-long delivery times.
Wushan County has established a unified logistics network with streamlined operations by integrating passenger and freight transport resources. This “one vehicle, dual purpose” system combines passenger routes with goods delivery, significantly lowering costs and enhancing efficiency.
The system includes a three-tier logistics network, two central hubs for sorting and distribution, and five key rural logistics routes, ensuring comprehensive coverage across Wushan’s villages and towns. This approach supports rural e-commerce, reduces delivery times, and fosters a mutually beneficial flow of goods between urban and rural areas.
“Post Express” is reshaping rural logistics and promoting rural revitalization in Wushan. By making delivery faster, cheaper, and more accessible, it has boosted farmers’ incomes and opened new markets for local products. With 135 daily trips across five dedicated routes, Wushan’s integrated logistics system has set a benchmark for modern rural logistics, driving economic growth and connecting its people to the world.
(Liu Hanshu, a reporter from Chongqing Daily, contributed to this report's Chinese version.)