Didi Forays into Logistics with New Shipping Service
Didi Chuxing was reported to have started recruiting truck drivers in May, prompting speculations that the company would attempt to enter the freight logistics market. Today the “shipping” option was added to the navigation bar of the Didi mobile app, confirming the rumors.
Currently, the service does not seem to be fully available to users. Didi launched an activity in the app that allows users to choose from a list of 10 cities where the service will supposedly be launched, vote for them, and receive a freight coupon or even more tangible prizes. The cities include Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Shenzhen and others. The activity will last from June 8 to June 15.
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However, Didi emphasized in the rules of the event that the results of people’s voting will have nothing to do with the company’s decision to deploy Didi Freight services in any of the given cities. The cities where the service will be available will be announced by the company later.
According to the recruitment information released by Didi, individuals who wish to become freight drivers will need to pay a deposit of 800 yuan and 50 yuan for equipment before joining. Drivers who register early can enjoy a 30-day service fee exemption. At present, Didi Freight is only open for car owners to join.
