Twenty years of cold chain

Su Mu sent another briefing to Hu Shutong about the delay, but still received no reply. The tacit approval implied was now crystal clear to Su Mu. While Hu Shutong could choose not to reply, Su Mu had to do what he was supposed to do. Whether this matter was being rushed or the risks uncontrollable, Tongxing needed to consider it dialectically. Furthermore, if the company's operations ran into problems...

We often have to look back.

The day before the Third-Party Logistics Conference, Hu Shutong returned to Qingyan, but instead of going back to Tongxing, he headed south to Tongxing College.

Construction is in full swing, and the basic structure of the buildings is already visible. Tongxing College occupies less than 100 acres.

The campus environment is rather monotonous.

But this was the limit of what could be achieved at this point. This matter originated from Hu Shutong's proposal, but after it was actually initiated...

With the support of various parties, in addition to the availability of teachers, many companies that have cooperated with Tongxing for many years have provided some of the construction funds.

Trusting Hu Shutong, the funds were not put in a written agreement. They believed that Hu Shutong's recommendation would be indispensable when Tongxing College recruited students.

This is an exciting cradle because it is so pure; it can be understood as a "production line for talent." In fact, being a jack-of-all-trades is never the standard for measuring talent. Being needed is the value of talent, and this value lies in each individual.

The third-party logistics conference was quite a spectacle, with seven or eight out of ten of the larger companies in Qingning attending. In Hu Shutong's memory, there have been refrigeration technology conferences and equipment dealer conferences, but this was the first time a third-party logistics initiative of this scale had been held in Qingning.

Conversely, this also proves the booming development of third-party logistics in recent years, with such a proactive response.

To put it simply, it's the same principle as talent; both are about demand and prospects.

As soon as the conference began, Hu Shutong walked into the large conference hall and sat in the last row, listening and watching.

Yang Chenghai drafted the agenda and wrote a proposal for this meeting. The proposal had already been sent to Hu Shutong for review. Given Yang Chenghai's competence, the content was not a concern. The more important thing was how to deliver the content well in this kind of setting.

Yang Chenghai's keynote speech at the beginning of the conference may well become a classic memory in the third-party logistics industry.

"Colleagues in the industry, what we do is not something profound or complicated. In fact, we are the link, a cohesive part of the cold chain. The trust that our production clients have in us stems from our ability to guarantee freshness and prevent damage, delivering the goods to the end customers in the market."

"But nowadays, some of us are using red ribbons, some are using green ribbons, and some are even using stiff, old tractor V-belts. In the eyes of our customers, we have no system."

They will all work hard on the compensation agreement.

Once we are only seen as errand runners,

There's no room for recourse anymore.

"What's even more troublesome is that the red ribbon says the green ribbon is only concerned with speed and is rude in its loading and unloading, while the green ribbon says the red ribbon is forcibly adding points in order to get a high price. Meanwhile, the triangular ribbons that were squatting on the side have already started selling off their stock after setting the lowest price."

Such a metaphor failed to bring any relief to the scene, because everyone knew the implications of Yang Chenghai's words—how chaotic it was, and to put it mildly was an understatement.

"What we're doing isn't just transporting a truckload of celery from one end of the village to the other. The value of third-party logistics lies in transportation enhanced by technology. If we're disorganized and constantly attacking each other, we'll always be at a disadvantage in front of our customers. We need standardized practices: standardized temperature control, standardized insulated boxes, and standardized training for delivery personnel. Only by operating under standardized practices can we find a way forward."

"Everyone here should share the same ambition as Tongxing: to step out of Qingyan, to traverse Qingning, and then to other provinces. But the companies in Mingjiang, Longshan, and Panhu are thinking the same way. If we can't hold onto our territory, someone else will take it. What will those third-party companies that want to establish themselves in Qingning use to gain a foothold? It certainly won't be a variety of different products, but rather using standardized methods to dominate the market!"

At this point, the screen suddenly changed, showing people the policies related to third-party logistics over the years. While it's easy to overlook the changes as each year approaches, the simultaneous appearance of these policies at once creates a unique and striking effect.

In fact, from the first proposal of modern logistics to the revitalization of the logistics industry during the 11th and 12th Five-Year Plans, and then to the "Eight Measures for Logistics", the development and expansion of third-party logistics has never stopped in the seven or eight years.

"After today, we may all return to normalcy, and the issue of silk ribbons will continue to swirl around, but these things written into the history of the cold chain are indelible. Those companies that do a good job as third parties are those that see things more closely and understand them more deeply."

"Some of our needs require upgrades, some require supplements, and some require collaboration. Tongxing can accompany everyone on this journey. We can apply for third-party logistics support funds, update our technology and equipment, share routes, complement each other's transportation needs, and open up new horizons for third-party logistics. Let us be the ones to venture out!"

Such words leave no room for argument, even for those directly targeting Tongxing. Yang Chenghai's profound understanding of this niche industry is truly remarkable. What's even more impressive is his ability to explain complex concepts in a simple and accessible way. A closer look at his words reveals a close connection between the promising future and the surging crises, neither sharp nor evasive, neither isolating nor singling out Tongxing. They possess both market insight and industry depth.

Not far away, Hu Shutong rested his chin on his interlaced fingers, filled with admiration. There was no need for further explanation, as this was a setup initiated by Tongxing, and many things would ultimately fall to Tongxing. He should avoid emphasizing cooperation, frameworks, and agreements—things that naturally raise suspicion—and instead focus on the future of this alliance, not on individual achievements, but on how brightly everyone could shine together. This approach effectively addressed all the issues.

The meeting continued with numerous procedures, and Yang Chenghai launched a more detailed initiative. He had repeatedly emphasized the standards, and had already drafted a plan outlining the specific standards to be used. He also proposed establishing a "Third-Party Logistics Alliance" in Qingning, followed by presentations from several companies.

Yang Chenghai saw Hu Shutong, who remained calm as usual, only slightly raising his eyebrows.

Neither of them expected things to turn out as they did at the meeting. As Yang Chenghai said, everyone quickly returned to normal, but the reputation caused by Tongxing had been established. Tongxing would face a more complex situation in the delivery business than before, which was the source of internal opposition.

But on the other hand, only with a heart that can bear the weight can one make a more powerful punch. Tongxing is not the same Tongxing it was back then, and the market is no longer the same market it was back then.

After crossing the iron chain across the river, one can then leap over the mountain pass.

……

I've loved cold chain logistics for twenty years.