In Shandong, the adoption of autonomous delivery vehicles is gaining momentum, transforming the logistics industry.

"As of now, 27 autonomous delivery vehicles are in operation at our logistic park, running from 5 am to 8 pm daily," said Guo Xin, head of Laiwu ZTO Express unmanned vehicle operation at an express and e-commerce industrial park in Shandong.

These vehicles can carry up to 500 packages per trip and navigate safely by recognizing traffic lights, lane markings, and obstacles. They not only enhance delivery efficiency by 20 percent but also significantly reduce operational costs.

Meanwhile, Shandong plans to have at least 1,500 autonomous delivery vehicles in use by 2025, supported by policies that provide clear regulations and management frameworks.

Beyond traditional delivery routes, these vehicles are also being used in campuses and rural areas. For example, in Jinan, autonomous vehicles are deployed on the campus of Shandong University to provide convenient package pick-up services for students.

Additionally, companies are exploring drone delivery to further expand the scope of smart logistics. Linyi Mall successfully conducted its first "drone with logistics" flight last year, marking a key step forward in building a low-altitude smart logistics system. This flight marked the first fully unmanned operation in logistics, integrating drones, autonomous vehicles, and unmanned warehouses.

An SF Express courier unloads cargo from an unmanned delivery vehicle. [Photo/Qingdao Daily]