"Hello, your express delivery has arrived..." As online shopping becomes the new norm for mass consumption, couriers serve as the "link" between the digital world and reality, witnessing the city's rapid development. From a novice to a living map of the trade, from enduring hardships to embracing the job with passion, 43-year-old courier Hu Yuan has spent 8 years weaving a "parcel network" for people's better lives.

Returning Home for Filial Piety, Setting Foot on the Courier Path

"At that time, because my parents were ill and I needed to take care of them, I quit my job in a corporation. Coincidentally, SF Express had just opened a branch in Qianwei and was hiring at the time," Hu Yuan says, his eyes shining with courage and determination when recalling his entry into the industry. In 2017, he returned to Qianwei and joined SF Express. As a newcomer, he faced challenges in this unfamiliar field: tight schedules for loading and delivery, unfamiliar routes. Initially, delivering a dozen parcels took him half more time than now, often missing meals. To excel, Hu Yuan, a Party member, leveraged his spirit of enduring hardship, studying work methods after hours. With experience, operational processes and delivery routes became second nature.

The courier industry's fast-paced, weather-exposed work posed a challenge for Hu Yuan, who has old health issues. Relatives advised him to switch jobs, but he persisted: "It's not that I don't want to; it's hard to find stable work at my age. Besides, I've grown to love this job, and it lets me stay in the city with my family." After settling in, Hu Yuan has specialized in delivering large items. From covering a vast area with long routes to today's scientific zoning and increased staff, he has witnessed SF Express's "transformation"—and time has only strengthened his resolve to stay.

"Hu Yuan is serious, proactive, and responsible, awarded 'Outstanding Branch Pacemaker' by SF Express for consecutive years," says Song Chaochun, head of Qianwei's SF Express branch. Hu Yuan has won high praise from clients and colleagues for his service exceeding expectations and professional skills.

Craftsmanship and Passion on Delivery Routes

"Beep, beep, beep..." The rhythmic sound of scanning express barcodes rings on the assembly line.

At 7:30 a.m. on May 19, while the city is still quiet, Qianwei's SF Express branch is bustling. Couriers collaborate to unload, sort, and load packages...

"Wenlin Street, Central Park, Jiakangyuan..." "This is a large item—give me a hand." With a Party badge on his chest and sweat soaking his shirt, Hu Yuan, unloading parcels at the truck door, is already drenched. Half the packages remain, so the team races against time to ensure fresh goods and urgent items reach clients first.

"Hu Yuan trained me when I started. He's hardworking and motivated—a role model for us," says Fei Zhixiang, helping Hu Yuan lift a large package.

Range hoods, gas stoves, refrigerators... After nearly an hour of unloading, Hu Yuan skillfully loads large items for his area by route and size, handling each package with care. Once the first truck is full, he begins deliveries.

"May I ask your room number? I'll deliver to your door immediately." As he calls clients, Hu Yuan marks packages and dashes off, taking shortcuts—every move reflecting his love and sincerity.

"43 packages this morning. First, I need to finish time-sensitive items, then deliver all large items within 2 hours. Most of my area in the old town requires climbing stairs, so it's tight. You'll have to bear with me," he says on the way back to the branch.

Signing, taking photos, closing the trunk, buckling the seatbelt—Hu Yuan repeats these actions nearly 100 times daily. A client's "thank you" keeps him going. From Phoenix Mountain to West Gate, he has developed an efficient work method over years: delivering from near to far, planning routes, and meeting personalized needs—shortening delivery time and satisfying clients.

"SF Express has collaborated with us for years. This young man is polite, responsible, and dedicated, always on time. Whether off-duty or not, he comes promptly to pick up shipments. We trust him completely," praises Liu Hongping, a clothing store owner.

Witnessing Urban Development in Sync

Checking packaging, prioritizing fresh goods, speaking Mandarin—Hu Yuan studies each package carefully before loading. In his view, SF Express's mission is not just speed but also client comfort, so he devotes himself to both sending and delivering.

"Is that Hu Yuan? I'm here for a large item; the tracking shows it's arrived." He stops everything to help clients find parcels: "This seems to be a computer host. Let me unpack it for you to check now." Even if he makes empty trips, climbs stairs, or travels far, he ensures every package arrives safely.

His courier van connects clients across the city, carrying their hopes for a better life. Over the years of shuttling through the city,Hu Yuan has witnessed its transformation and feels honored to grow with Qianwei.

"Life is more convenient now—many shop online. I used to deliver a dozen parcels daily; now it's nearly 100. The growing volume reflects rising happiness." In 8 years, he has handled nearly 240,000 parcels with a 98% delivery rate, earning honors like "Branch Service Pacemaker" and "Outstanding Courier." In 2024, Qianwei's SF Express delivered 1.3 million items—a thriving industry rooted in couriers' hard work.

"Quick sorting, optimized loading, on-time delivery—each step requires advance planning. Despite misunderstandings or complaints, we stay positive. As long as people need us, I'll deliver every package with trust and satisfaction, safely and on time," Hu Yuan says confidently.(Text/Photos by Li Hui,Huang Weijie)