China Last Mile Delivery Market Research Report, 2030

The last mile delivery market in China has been experiencing rapid growth, driven by the expansion of the e-commerce industry, technological advancements, and an increasingly demanding consumer base. As one of the largest and most dynamic e-commerce markets in the world, China’s demand for efficient and timely last mile delivery solutions has significantly risen in recent years. With the increasing popularity of online shopping platforms like Alibaba’s Taobao and JD.com, logistics companies in China are under pressure to enhance their delivery networks to ensure fast and cost-effective solutions. This growth has led to the widespread use of smart logistics solutions such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and robotics to optimize delivery routes, reduce costs, and increase the speed of deliveries. Delivery services in China are evolving with the incorporation of innovative technologies, such as automated delivery robots and drones, which are beginning to reshape the traditional delivery landscape. Companies such as SF Express and ZTO Express have also invested heavily in expanding their networks, setting up local distribution centers to provide quicker turnaround times for their customers. The rise of local couriers and third-party delivery platforms, including Meituan and Ele.me, has further transformed the landscape, offering on-demand services and enabling consumers to receive their purchases within hours. These platforms provide greater flexibility for customers and have become increasingly popular due to their ability to meet the demand for ultra-fast delivery services. Moreover, the Chinese market has seen the adoption of new delivery models, such as the “crowdshipping” concept, where consumers are encouraged to use their own vehicles or bicycles to deliver packages within their communities, further reducing delivery times and costs. According to the research report, "China Last Mile Delivery Market Research Report, 2030," published by Actual Market Research, the China Last Mile Delivery market is anticipated to grow at more than 8.97% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. Despite the significant advancements in technology and infrastructure, China’s last mile delivery market also faces certain challenges. Urban areas, in particular, suffer from heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, which can hinder delivery times and increase operational costs. To mitigate these issues, delivery companies have turned to alternative delivery methods, such as electric bikes, which offer a more agile and environmentally friendly solution to urban congestion. The development of automated warehousing and distribution centers in key cities is also helping to streamline operations and improve delivery efficiency, ensuring that goods reach their destinations faster and more cost-effectively. Furthermore, consumer expectations in China have shifted, with buyers increasingly demanding faster delivery times, often expecting same-day or even one-hour deliveries. In response to this demand, logistics companies have been investing in advanced technologies like Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled delivery vehicles, AI-powered route planning, and data-driven forecasting tools to predict and manage demand more effectively. In addition, e-commerce players are increasingly focusing on providing a personalized customer experience, offering options such as flexible delivery windows, contactless delivery, and easy returns.

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The last mile delivery market in China is characterized by various service types, each catering to distinct consumer demands. The B2C (Business-to-Consumer) segment is a dominant force, particularly due to the rapid growth of e-commerce in the country. With major players like Alibaba’s Taobao, JD.com, and Pinduoduo leading the charge, the demand for efficient delivery services has skyrocketed. The convenience of online shopping, coupled with the increasing availability of internet access and mobile devices, has driven millions of consumers to opt for e-commerce. These businesses typically deliver goods directly to individual consumers, spanning a wide range of product categories from electronics to groceries. The sheer scale of the B2C market in China has prompted logistics companies to develop robust networks to handle the high volume of shipments. E-commerce platforms and third-party delivery services work together to ensure swift, on-time deliveries, with many offering real-time tracking features to increase transparency and customer satisfaction. Additionally, the B2B (Business-to-Business) segment is growing, as Chinese manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers require reliable delivery services to transport bulk goods to other businesses. This service type is critical for the efficient functioning of supply chains, particularly for industries such as automotive, technology, and consumer goods. The B2B last mile delivery market has seen an increase in demand for warehousing and distribution services, which help streamline the delivery of large shipments to businesses operating in diverse sectors. The third segment, C2C (Customer-to-Customer), is also gaining ground in China, particularly in urban areas where peer-to-peer exchanges are facilitated through online platforms. The technology landscape in China’s last mile delivery market is undergoing a significant transformation, with autonomous delivery technologies playing an increasingly important role. Non-autonomous services, which still dominate the market, are based on traditional methods involving human drivers or couriers. These services rely heavily on motorcycles, bicycles, and trucks to deliver goods to consumers’ doorsteps. The flexibility of human delivery drivers allows for the handling of complicated, urban delivery routes, especially in densely populated cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. In addition to their ability to navigate through traffic and deliver goods directly, human couriers also offer a personal touch that appeals to many customers, especially when handling delicate or high-value items. Drones and autonomous vehicles are being tested and gradually deployed by companies such as JD Logistics, Alibaba, and Meituan. These innovations are designed to reduce delivery times, alleviate traffic congestion, and enhance delivery efficiency by utilizing algorithms for route optimization. Drones, in particular, offer the advantage of bypassing ground traffic, which is a significant issue in many urban areas. However, despite their potential, challenges such as regulatory hurdles, public acceptance, and infrastructure limitations remain. The Chinese government has been testing regulatory frameworks for drones, with specific areas designated for autonomous vehicle trials. As these technologies evolve, autonomous deliveries are expected to revolutionize the last mile delivery sector, particularly for small, lightweight packages, and further reduce costs associated with human labor and traditional delivery methods. In China, e-commerce is the leading application driving the expansion of the last mile delivery market. As the largest e-commerce market globally, China has witnessed an exponential increase in online shopping, leading to heightened demand for efficient and timely delivery solutions. The surge in e-commerce transactions has transformed the retail landscape, with businesses increasingly focusing on optimizing their supply chains to meet consumer expectations for faster deliveries. The ease and convenience of shopping online have led to an uptick in consumer demand for rapid, reliable delivery services. Same-day delivery services are particularly in high demand, as consumers seek immediate gratification, especially for time-sensitive products. In response to this trend, e-commerce giants are building extensive delivery networks and partnering with logistics companies to enhance their last mile capabilities. These services often include real-time tracking, allowing customers to follow their packages from the warehouse to their doorstep. In addition to B2C applications, the FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) sector is also a significant contributor to the growth of last mile delivery services in China. The demand for essential products like groceries, beverages, and personal care items has increased dramatically in recent years. With a rapidly growing middle class, consumers are increasingly relying on online platforms to fulfill their FMCG needs, seeking both convenience and cost-effectiveness. Delivery services in the FMCG sector often need to accommodate perishable items, requiring timely deliveries that ensure product freshness. To meet this challenge, logistics providers are investing in cold chain solutions and advanced packaging technologies to maintain the quality of perishable goods during transit. As online grocery shopping gains traction in China, services like Alibaba’s Freshippo and JD’s 7Fresh are transforming the way consumers access and receive their daily essentials. This shift is significantly influencing the development of the last mile delivery market, pushing for faster, more reliable, and efficient service delivery.

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Nikita Jabrela

Business Development Manager

The last mile delivery market in China is shaped by an increasing demand for rapid and flexible delivery times, with consumers looking for faster turnaround times for a variety of products. Regular delivery, which typically takes several days to a week, remains a staple service for non-urgent items, but the demand for quicker solutions is growing. In major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, logistics providers are working tirelessly to optimize their networks and reduce delivery times, ensuring that packages arrive as quickly as possible. Same-day delivery is especially popular for time-sensitive goods such as electronics, fashion, and groceries. The ability to receive products within a few hours of purchase has become a major selling point for e-commerce companies, with platforms like JD.com and Alibaba offering same-day or next-day delivery in select cities. To enable faster deliveries, logistics providers are leveraging technologies such as route optimization software, real-time tracking, and AI-powered demand forecasting. These innovations allow companies to streamline their operations, reduce inefficiencies, and ensure that products reach their destination on time. In addition to e-commerce, other sectors, including pharmaceuticals and fresh produce, are also contributing to the demand for rapid delivery services in China. To address this, many logistics providers are offering temperature-controlled delivery solutions that ensure the safe transport of perishable or temperature-sensitive goods. Similarly, the food and beverage sector requires quick and efficient delivery solutions, especially for fresh and frozen products, to ensure that items remain in top condition. Considered in this report • Historic Year: 2019 • Base year: 2024 • Estimated year: 2025 • Forecast year: 2030 Aspects covered in this report • Last Mile Delivery Market with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation

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By Service Type • B2C (Business-to-Consumer) • B2B (Business-to-Business) • C2C (Customer-to-Customer) By Technology • Non-autonomous • Autonomous By Application • E-commerce • FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) • Others (electronics, luxury goods, and pharmaceuticals) By Delivery Time • Regular Delivery • Same-Day Delivery The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.