Road controls hamper delivery services

Heavy smog in many cities in China has resulted in a massive delay in courier services from major express delivery companies.

According to a preliminary estimate of Alibaba's logistics affiliate, Cainiao.com, about 40 to 50 million items would be delayed due to traffic controls implemented during the latest surge of smog.

The company said on Wednesday that traffic controls have been imposed on highways in a number of provinces, especially in Hebei province, and that most highways from Hebei to Beijing were closed. Parcels delivered to or from the two regions and surrounding areas would be delayed by up to one day.