(Yicai Global) April 18 -- The Chinese government has reportedly asked ride- and truck-hailing platforms, including sector giants Didi Global and Huolala, to lower their high commission rates for drivers, a request one expert said will lead them to seek to cut costs and boost efficiency.

The platforms should cut the commissions they charge drivers by July, according to a document the transport ministry issued yesterday, The Paper reported.

Ride-hailing platform operators generally take between 18 percent and 30 percent of a driver’s takings, while some have floating commission rates, according to transport ministry data disclosed last July.

The ministry called in Shenzhen-based Huolala for talks on April 7 and reminded Full Truck Alliance, Didi, and Caocao Chuxing to cut their commission rates, beef up their freight qualification reviews, and improve their complaints and reporting procedure to ensure the industry’s safe and steady development, The paper said.

The new requirements will impact operations and force the platforms to pursue cost-cutting measures and greater efficiency, The Paper said, citing logistics expert Zhao Xiaomin

Huolala, Full Truck Alliance, Didi, and Caocao have not yet commented on the document or the talks with regulators.

Editor: Futura Costaglione