Meituan to Adjust Fees for More Difficult Deliveries
Meituan platform and delivery representatives agreed on updates that will increase compensation for challenging orders and improve working conditions for riders.
Chinese technology firm Meituan has agreed on updates to its compensation and algorithm rules in consultation with frontline delivery rider representatives. Starting in 2026, orders that are overweight, bulky, or require navigation of stairs will receive higher compensation weight. Additional pay will also be provided for deliveries made under adverse weather conditions.
The agreement also includes the continued suspension of penalties for late deliveries, optimization of routing algorithms, and improved estimations for merchant food preparation times. Meituan plans to expand a pilot program that accounts for waiting time at traffic lights into delivery schedules. Furthermore, the company will facilitate rider participation in pension insurance schemes.
The consultations took place in Beijing and were attended by officials from relevant central government departments and academic experts. An agreement, titled "2026 Meituan Labour Rules and Algorithm Consultation Agreement," was signed. Both parties have committed to monitoring the implementation of the agreement and ensuring that rider feedback translates into tangible rule improvements.
Meituan previously launched a "wait at red light" feature earlier this year, which tracks time spent stopped at traffic signals and adjusts delivery times accordingly. The company has also ceased imposing fines for late deliveries.