On January 21, the State Administration for Market Regulation convened a dedicated press conference to unveil ten representative cases from its 2025 comprehensive crackdown on "cutthroat-style" competition. During the briefing, Liu Jian, Deputy Director of the Anti-Monopoly Bureau I at the State Administration for Market Regulation, highlighted that China's online freight sector has witnessed rapid growth in recent years, significantly contributing to streamlined logistics, enhanced consumption, job creation, and other vital areas. However, this expansion has also been marred by issues such as predatory pricing and chaotic market practices, which have drawn widespread public concern.

Upon thorough investigation, it was revealed that Huolala, a frontrunner in the online freight industry, had engaged in practices including the use of algorithms to unjustly depress freight rates and the enforcement of mandatory exclusive vehicle branding through its platform regulations. These tactics not only disrupted the fair competition landscape but also infringed upon the rights of truck drivers, prompting rival platforms to adopt similar low-price strategies. This vicious cycle intensified the "cutthroat-style" competition within the sector, posing significant monopoly threats.

On September 23, 2025, in line with the Anti-Monopoly Law, the State Administration for Market Regulation conducted a public interview with Huolala, demanding strict adherence to legal standards, fulfillment of anti-monopoly compliance obligations, immediate rectification of business practices, fair participation in market competition, protection of the legitimate rights and interests of truck drivers and consumers, and the establishment of fair, just, open, and transparent platform rules and algorithms.

The State Administration for Market Regulation will closely monitor Huolala's implementation of these rectification measures, ensuring a level playing field, safeguarding the rights of truck drivers, steering the industry towards rational competition, optimizing the competitive environment of freight platforms, and fostering a market order marked by high-quality services at reasonable prices and healthy competition.