Core Viewpoint - The trucking industry in Daying Village has become increasingly competitive, leading to lower freight rates and longer working hours for truck drivers, who are now seeking alternative income sources due to the declining profitability of their profession [3][4][11]. Group 1: Industry Overview - Daying Village is known as a "truck driver village," with over 1,600 out of 3,200 residents working in logistics, primarily as individual truck operators transporting steel between Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, and Guangdong [2][3]. - The village has seen significant economic growth due to the trucking industry, with many residents upgrading their living conditions to multi-story houses and improved infrastructure [3][4]. - The number of truck drivers in China is approximately 38 million, and they are often referred to as "nomads on the road" [4][11]. Group 2: Economic Challenges - In recent years, truck drivers have faced declining freight rates, with some reporting a drop of nearly 50% in transport fees, from around 400 yuan per ton in 2017 to about 200 yuan in 2025 [9][30]. - A survey indicated that nearly 80% of individual truck drivers reported a decrease in income in 2024 compared to 2023, with 94.05% of them feeling that current freight rates are too low [9][30]. - The competitive nature of the industry has forced drivers to work longer hours and take on more orders to maintain their income levels, leading to a phenomenon described as "involution" in the industry [4][11]. Group 3: Community Response - The local government and community members are exploring new economic avenues, such as collective farming and attracting investments to create a production-to-processing agricultural chain [5][32]. - Daying Village has been recognized for its collective economic achievements, with income from collective farming increasing from 300,000 yuan in 2022 to over 600,000 yuan in 2024 [32]. - The village is also addressing the aging population issue, with over 40% of the residents being over 60 years old, by providing opportunities for older residents to earn income through seasonal agricultural work [31][32]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The village leadership aims to develop a comprehensive agricultural industry that includes production and processing, which could attract younger residents back to the village [32][33]. - The ongoing challenges in the trucking industry, including low freight rates and increased competition, are prompting a shift in focus towards sustainable economic development within the community [5][11].
一个卡车司机村的奋斗和“内卷”
Jing Ji Guan Cha Wang·2025-08-09 04:39