HANGZHOU, China - A middle-aged delivery worker, known locally as a "King of Orders" for completing over 100 deliveries daily, was found dead in his vehicle on September 6 after collapsing while waiting for orders in Hangzhou's Yuhang District. The man, reportedly in his 50s, worked 16 to 18 hours a day to earn around 500 yuan ($70 USD).
Fellow workers initially thought he was resting, but after failing to wake him, they realized he had died hours earlier. The incident quickly gained traction on Chinese social media, where users criticized the grueling work conditions delivery drivers face, with some noting the heavy burden placed on families when primary earners overwork themselves.
Local authorities confirmed the man died of natural causes. He was a known figure in the area for his relentless work ethic, often sleeping on his electric scooter between orders. The incident reignited concerns over the harsh working conditions for delivery drivers in China, a rapidly growing sector dominated by platforms like Meituan and Ele.me.
The deceased was the primary breadwinner for his family, which includes two sons. Reports suggest his relentless work was motivated by financial pressures, including supporting his youngest son, who is currently enrolled in a soccer academy.
China's food delivery market, worth 1.1 trillion yuan ($151 billion USD) in 2022, has led to a surge in demand for delivery workers. By the end of 2021, China had 13 million delivery workers, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Despite the growing industry, wages have stagnated, with average monthly earnings for delivery workers at 6,803 yuan, barely keeping pace with the rising cost of living in urban areas.
The man's death highlights the physical toll on gig workers in China's competitive delivery market, sparking calls for better protections and labor regulations. His family has since reached a settlement with the delivery platform, and funeral preparations are underway.
