The social logistics sector in China has witnessed exponential growth, outpacing the United States in 2016 to claim the title of the world’s largest logistics market. By December 2023, China’s express delivery volume reached an all-time high, breaking through the 120 billion pieces milestone for the first time. The surge in cross-border e-commerce has further fueled the expansion of the logistics industry. This study constructs a conceptual model based on an extensive literature review, underscoring the pivotal role of Information Technology (IT) in shaping the competitive edge of the industry. Utilizing the Concentration Ratio (CR) with a focus on a brand concentration index specific to express and parcel services, key express companies were identified for analysis. An examination of digital transformation trends within listed companies since 2019 reveals that digitalization is deeply integrated into every phase of express delivery operations. The research suggests that a unified, comprehensive, and multi-channel platform has emerged as the norm, seamlessly integrating digital products with a diverse array of applications to form a cohesive ecosystem. These insights offer businesses and researchers a clearer understanding of IT-driven trends in Chinese express companies, and they provide a roadmap for future investigative directions.