Since the Food Delivery Act took effect, online discussions have often simplified changes to compensation into the notion that “trip bonuses have been completely eliminated”; however, publicly available official data does not sufficiently support the claim that the same reduction has occurred across the entire island, during all time periods, and for all accounts. What can be confirmed is that, following the implementation of the Food Delivery Act, the base pay per order now has a clearer minimum guarantee; however, platforms have also begun readjusting their overall compensation structures. As a result, certain delivery strategies that previously relied on peak-hour bonuses, per-trip bonuses, and task-based incentives to boost income may no longer be as stable as before. The advantage is that the algorithms for low-price orders and order stacking are now easier to scrutinize; the downside is that total income now depends more on order volume, dispatch frequency, mission rules, and the platform’s cost pass-through.
Let’s first clarify the key background. The Ministry of Labor’s explanatory notes on the special law for food delivery services specify that the base pay for each order must be calculated based on the actual duration of the delivery service; in principle, it must not be less than 1.25 times the hourly minimum wage, and the pay for each order must not be less than 45 yuan. Combining orders does not mean lumping several orders together and calculating them haphazardly; rather, the minimum guarantee for each individual order must still be verified separately. This means that for the previously common practice of unit prices so low as to be hard to fathom, there will now be at least one verifiable baseline.
However, another key point is also included in the same explanation: rewards, bonuses, and trip-based incentives provided by the platform are not covered by the basic compensation guarantee. In other words, the law is more like raising the floor—it does not guarantee that the platform must maintain all past task-based bonuses. Therefore, one cannot assume from the basic compensation floor that the platform will maintain existing task bonuses; whether additional incentives are offered, what the eligibility thresholds are, and how much the peak-hour bonuses amount to still depend on the platform’s current announcements and what is displayed in the individual app.
In the case of Uber Eats, the company announced on August 12, 2026, that it would adjust the calculation of overlapping order bonuses, stating that it would modify the method for calculating overlapping delivery times in accordance with the regulatory authority’s guidance and review the relevant delivery trips from July 21 to August 17, with the difference to be paid by the end of August. Uber Eats also stated that, in response to changes in overlapping order compensation and costs, it would adjust the overall compensation structure for delivery partners starting August 14, and the service fee per order for consumers is expected to increase by an average of 4 to 6 yuan. Two key takeaways can be drawn from this statement: the base pay for combined orders will be adjusted, but the platform will recalculate its costs by revising both the compensation structure and consumer fees.
foodpanda’s official compensation page breaks down compensation into “per-order fees” and “additional incentives.” The page clearly states that the fee for each order starts at a minimum of 45 yuan, and that delivery fees are calculated based on delivery time. It also notes that performance bonuses, referral campaigns, and other incentives are subject to the order-acceptance system or campaign announcements. This breakdown is actually very important for delivery riders because, going forward, they can no longer simply look at the total amount on the order page; instead, they must keep separate records of the base fee, top-up amount, tips, and promotional rewards to understand exactly where fluctuations in their income are coming from.
| Possible Benefits of the Redesign | The Price Delivery Drivers Must Pay |
|---|---|
| There is a minimum guaranteed base pay per order, so low-price orders are less likely to have no lower limit. | Rewards, missions, and peak-hour bonuses are not part of the basic coverage, and the platform may adjust them based on promotional activities. |
| When processing duplicate orders, check the compensation for each order separately so that there is a basis for resolving any future disputes. | If the platform raises fees for consumers, order volume and order frequency may be affected. |
| The calculation of compensation, which used to be difficult to verify, has gradually become something that can be cross-checked against time records and itemized statements. | As the number of online users increases, the wait time for each person may get longer, and actual earnings may not necessarily increase accordingly. |
| Order cancellations, wait times, and delivery times were included in the discussion, resulting in a more comprehensive set of safeguards. | You still need to track order assignments, area popularity, and event eligibility requirements—the factors that truly impact your income—on a daily basis. |
Therefore, this update cannot be simplified as “definitely an improvement” or “definitely a step backward.” For those who frequently took on low-paying, short-term, or overlapping jobs and felt the pressure of being underpaid, the minimum pay and the pay gap adjustment represent a tangible improvement; but for those who previously relied on peak-hour bonuses, consecutive tasks, and event multipliers to prop up their average fare, any reduction in task volume or increase in difficulty will feel like their overall income is being taken back in a different form. What really matters isn’t whether the pay per ride is 45 yuan, but whether the total of “time logged in, time spent accepting rides, waiting time, number of rides completed, gas costs, and parking and maintenance costs” at the end of the day adds up to a reasonable figure.
The Economic Daily, citing foodpanda, reported that after the special law took effect, the average base pay per order increased, but costs also rose significantly, and the platform may need to reflect this in its pricing mechanism. The same report also noted that the number of online delivery riders has increased, while the average interval between orders has lengthened. This has a direct impact on delivery strategies: as more people go online, not everyone will necessarily have an order during peak hours, making the strategy of “waiting for a bonus to appear before rushing out” less reliable. READr’s analysis also points out that delivery riders’ real concerns extend beyond just their pay figures to include order allocation, bonuses, and algorithm transparency.
In practice, both Uber Eats and Pandora drivers need to re-establish the habit of keeping track of their earnings. First, for every shift, record how long you were online, how long you were actually on a delivery, and how long you spent idle. Second, break down your earnings into base pay, platform top-ups, mission bonuses, and tips—don’t just look at the daily total. Third, compare the same area, the same time slot, and the same transportation costs over two consecutive weeks to determine whether platform rules have changed, order volume has decreased, or your order-taking strategy is unsuitable for the new system. Fourth, keep screenshots and detailed records of overlapping orders, long waits, and order cancellations so you have the evidence needed if you need to file a complaint later.
If you're just starting out as a delivery driver, we recommend checking out the guide compiled by Wai Song Tuan first. Key Points of the Special Law on Food Delivery Services: Pay Calculated by the Minute, and then compare Actual Hourly Wages and Hidden Costs in Food Delivery. If you mainly run on weekends or on rainy days, you can also pair it with Weekend Weather and Gas Price Check to determine whether to go live. Platform mergers and market changes can be examined further to Summary of the Grab-foodpanda Merger ReviewThe
FAQ: Have the bonus rewards really been completely eliminated?
The publicly available official data is insufficient to support the claim that all accounts across Taiwan, at all times, have been “completely eliminated.” What can be confirmed is that Uber Eats has adjusted its overall compensation structure, while foodpanda’s additional incentives are subject to the system and promotional announcements; such incentives are not legally guaranteed as part of basic compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Does earning 45 yuan per order guarantee an increase in income?
Not necessarily. The 45 yuan is a minimum guaranteed base pay per order; actual earnings depend on wait times, the number of orders completed, distance, gas costs, parking fees, task bonuses, and tips. If wait times increase, the overall hourly wage may not improve significantly.
FAQ: Does the Uber Eats order-stacking update benefit delivery drivers?
One advantage is that regulators are paying closer attention to how overlapping order commissions are calculated; in the past, how to handle overlapping time periods was a frequent source of controversy. It’s important to note that platforms are also adjusting their overall compensation and fee structures at the same time, so you shouldn’t focus on a single rule—you need to look at your total weekly earnings.
FAQ: Which fields determine a Panda's compensation?
We recommend breaking down the costs into at least the following categories: per-order fee, supplementary payments under special laws, additional incentives, tips, and compensation for canceled orders. The official foodpanda website already explains the per-order fee and additional incentives separately, and the promotion terms note that the system display and official announcements take precedence.
FAQ: Is now a good time to take on a part-time job as a food delivery driver?
It's still possible, but don't base your estimates on the income you used to earn during the high-bonus period. A more realistic approach is to try working a fixed two-week schedule first, calculate your net hourly income, and then decide whether to work during peak hours, on holidays, or on rainy days—or whether to treat delivery work simply as a way to earn some extra money during short periods.
FAQ: What Should Delivery Drivers Do Right Now?
The most important thing to do is keep records of your earnings, especially for overlapping rides, long wait times, canceled rides, and platform compensation. Without records, you can only rely on a gut feeling that your earnings have “decreased”; with records, you can determine whether it’s because bonus payments have decreased, the number of rides has dropped, distances have increased, or costs have gone up.
Source:References for this article Ministry of Labor Q&A on Delivery Workers' Compensation and Rights,Uber Eats Announcement Regarding Order Stacking Rewards—August 12, 2026,foodpanda Official Page on Delivery Partner Compensation Breakdown,The Economic Daily cited a Central News Agency report on changes in foodpanda's costs, and READr's Analysis of the Food Delivery Industry Act, Bonuses, and AlgorithmsThe
Delivery Reminder:If you start noticing a drop in your earnings this week, don’t just look at the individual order amounts. Keep track of your order details—including the past three days or more—as well as the time slots, areas, and fuel costs. Then go back and compare this information with the delivery platform’s specific policies and your income records. This will give you a more accurate picture of the situation than relying solely on platform announcements or screenshots from online communities.
