By outdoor-nature-child.com In a recent interview, Zhang Haibo, the head of the Logistics Distribution Center in Shengsi County, Zhejiang Province, emphasized the efficiency of the new delivery system established on the islands. “Each small island now has its village postal distribution point, allowing residents to pick up their packages directly from the logistics point without having to travel to the main island or rely on others to bring items,” he explained.
Shengsi, known for its 630 islands and labeled as “a sea of islets,” is the county with the largest maritime area and the smallest land area in Zhejiang Province. Historically, the logistical challenges of delivering consumer goods to villages and moving agricultural products from them were particularly pressing, especially on these islands. In response, Shengsi has initiated a series of innovative measures to gradually build an efficient, convenient, and green modern logistics system.
Since the trial operation of the Shengsi County Logistics Distribution Center in June, private courier companies have been able to deliver packages to remote island areas more effectively. These packages are now centralized and redistributed through the logistics center and then delivered via postal channels right to the villagers’ doorsteps.
At the center, automated sorting machines work efficiently, quickly and accurately categorizing packages according to their designated routes. Once the sorting system is fully operational, courier companies can deliver packages directly to the center, where they will be sorted and dispatched to various small islands before staff members take them to local logistical service points.
This year, Shengsi has focused on integrating urban and rural logistics under the “Sea Freight and Mail” brand. Initiatives include launching cooperative routes for passenger and cargo transport, investing in new energy electric delivery vehicles, and utilizing passenger ferries. These efforts aim to create a seamless, efficient, and comprehensive three-tier logistics system connecting counties, towns, and villages, ultimately ensuring same-day delivery service from the county to the villages.
Since the introduction of the cooperative routes, Shengsi has also encouraged dual cooperation between postal services and local agricultural industries. The integration of “courier services and agricultural products” has opened avenues for sustainable operations. For example, local initiatives enable “centralized procurement of agricultural supplies, transportation services, and offline exhibitions,” promoting local specialty fishing and agricultural products to reach urban markets.
Shen Taoyan, a staff member from Zhiaovillage in Huanglong Township, shared, “In addition to dried seafood like gold and silver hook, we also make various small accessories using fishing rope knots. Since the introduction of the passenger and cargo mail service, our goods are arriving on the island faster, and it’s much easier to send out our products for sale. Naturally, our sales have increased.”
Currently, the cost of local delivery has decreased from 5 yuan per item to 2.97 yuan, reducing operational logistics costs by 40.6% and improving delivery efficiency by 50%. This has resulted in cost savings and enhanced productivity for passenger transport, freight, and postal services.