Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent regulatory scrutiny faced by Zhongtong Express, highlighting issues related to service quality, employee rights, and compliance, which have led to significant repercussions including the termination of partnerships with major platforms like Douyin e-commerce [1][4]. Regulatory Scrutiny - On October 28, the State Post Bureau of China conducted an administrative interview with Zhongtong Express, citing non-compliance in operational practices and inadequate service quality [1][4]. - Zhongtong Express responded by committing to a comprehensive review and rectification of the identified issues to enhance service quality and compliance [4]. Partnership Termination - Douyin e-commerce announced the termination of its partnership with Zhongtong Cold Chain, a subsidiary of Zhongtong Express, effective October 29, due to violations such as assisting merchants in bypassing the platform's electronic waybill system [4][7]. - The decision reflects accumulated compliance and service deficiencies, with user complaints frequently highlighting issues like stagnant logistics information and poor delivery service [7]. Employee Rights and Structure - As of the end of 2024, Zhongtong Express has approximately 24,500 formal employees, with a significant portion engaged in sorting and operational support roles [8]. - The company provides an average annual salary of about 140,000 yuan and statutory benefits, but the actual operational workforce is much larger, relying on a network of over 160,000 business staff [8]. Safety Performance - Zhongtong Express reported a rising injury rate, with a work-related injury rate of 1.44 per million hours worked in 2024, marking an increase for two consecutive years [9]. - The company recorded six employee fatalities in 2024, with a cumulative total of 21 fatalities over three years [9]. ESG Rating and Carbon Emissions - Zhongtong Express was removed from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for failing to submit valid carbon reduction targets within the required timeframe [10]. - The company reported operational carbon emissions of 1.9081 million tons of CO2 equivalent in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 6.54%, ranking third among listed express companies [11][12]. Financial Performance - In the first half of the year, Zhongtong Express achieved revenue of 22.72 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 9.8%, but adjusted net profit fell by 14.3% [13]. - The company handled 9.85 billion parcels in the second quarter, maintaining a market share of 19.5% [13].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent regulatory scrutiny faced by Zhongtong Express, highlighting issues related to service quality, employee rights, and compliance, which have led to its removal from the Douyin e-commerce platform's logistics service providers list [2][5][6]. Regulatory Scrutiny - On October 28, the State Post Bureau conducted an administrative interview with Zhongtong Express, citing non-compliance in operational practices and inadequate service quality [2]. - Zhongtong Express has committed to addressing the identified issues through comprehensive inspections and improvements in service quality and compliance [5]. Service Quality Issues - Douyin e-commerce announced the removal of Zhongtong Cold Chain, a subsidiary of Zhongtong Express, from its platform due to violations such as assisting merchants in bypassing electronic waybill systems and uploading false tracking numbers [6]. - Customer complaints about Zhongtong Cold Chain include issues like stagnant logistics information, poor delivery service, and improper temperature control leading to product spoilage [7]. Employee Rights and Safety - As of the end of 2024, Zhongtong Express has approximately 24,500 formal employees, with a significant portion engaged in sorting and operational support roles [8]. - The company reported an average annual salary of about 140,000 yuan for its employees, but the actual workforce includes a larger number of business employees not reflected in this figure [8]. - Safety performance is concerning, with a reported injury rate of 1.44 per million working hours and six employee fatalities in 2024 [9]. ESG and Carbon Emission Challenges - Zhongtong Express was removed from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for failing to submit valid carbon reduction targets within the required timeframe [10]. - The company reported operational carbon emissions of 1.9081 million tons of CO2 equivalent in 2024, a 6.54% increase year-on-year, ranking third among listed express companies [11][12]. - The carbon emission intensity per million revenue was 42.15 tons, showing a 7.14% decrease compared to the previous year [12]. Financial Performance - In the first half of the year, Zhongtong Express achieved revenue of 22.72 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 9.8%, but adjusted net profit fell by 14.3% [13]. - The company handled 9.85 billion parcels in the second quarter, maintaining a market share of 19.5% [13].

Group 1 - The National Postal Administration of China has criticized Zhongtong Express for irregular business practices, including arbitrary adjustments to operational rules and inadequate service quality and protection of delivery personnel's rights [1] - Douyin's e-commerce safety and trust center announced the expulsion of malicious logistics companies, including Zhongtong Cold Chain, as part of efforts to block illegal practices and ensure fulfillment authenticity [1] Group 2 - Zhongtong Express was established in January 2013 with a registered capital of 600 million yuan, and is led by Lai Meisong as the legal representative and major shareholder [6] - The company has been involved in multiple disputes, including traffic accident liability, service contract disputes, and labor disputes, and was listed as an enforcement target due to 11,600 cases as of October 22, with the executing court located in Changsha, Hunan Province [6]

Core Viewpoint - Zhongtong Express has been summoned by the State Post Bureau due to irregular business practices and issues related to service quality and employee rights protection, committing to comprehensive rectification and compliance with regulatory requirements [1][2]. Group 1: Regulatory Actions - The State Post Bureau criticized Zhongtong Express for non-compliance in operational rules, low service quality, and inadequate protection of courier rights, demanding improvements in service quality and compliance systems [1]. - Zhongtong Express responded by pledging to address the issues raised and enhance service quality and compliance [1]. Group 2: Business Performance - As of June 30, 2025, Zhongtong Express reported a revenue of 22.723 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 9.85%, while net profit decreased by 2.6% to 3.932 billion yuan [2]. - In Q2 2025, Zhongtong handled 9.85 billion packages, a 16.5% year-on-year increase, with revenue reaching 11.83 billion yuan, up 10.3% [4]. - The company adjusted its annual package volume guidance to a range of 38.8 billion to 40.1 billion packages, indicating a growth rate of 14.0% to 18.0% [5]. Group 3: Market Position - Zhongtong Express has 94 sorting centers and over 31,000 collection and delivery points, with approximately 6,000 direct network partners and 10,000 self-owned vehicles, enhancing its operational capacity [2]. - The company has seen a strong growth momentum in its parcel business, particularly in the scattered goods segment, contributing positively to overall profit margins [4].