'piggybacking' extra package on an existing shipment

Discussion in 'Questions To Truckers From The General Public' started by Gaston, Jan 19, 2011.

  1. Gaston

    Gaston Bobtail Member

    2
    0
    Jan 19, 2011
    New York, NY
    0
    Hello -
    Is it ever appropriate to ask truckers who are on a job if they would be willing to carry and deliver an additional small package that could easily fit in the container and the stop is along the route of the job he/she is already doing?

    Specifically, I am an artist that is looking for more economical ways of shipping pieces out to various places across the US (out of New York City). I wonder if there are truckers who might be interested in making a little extra money, willing to make an extra stop or minor detour as a part of an existing job. It's a little too expensive for me (and excessive as far as fuel consumption goes) to hire a truck exclusively to ship a piece one-way, for my last shipment I was lucky enough to find a mover who was already taking a truckload across the country and was willing to grab my piece (I packed and crated it) and drop it off on the way.

    If anyone has thoughts about this and guidance on how I might try to find people willing to do this, I would much appreciate it!

    Thank you very much.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. rocknroll nik

    rocknroll nik High Risk Load Member

    4,490
    5,770
    Oct 18, 2008
    can't read the sign
    0
    No most truckers wouldn't do that if they were smart. Not trying to say anything about you but if drivers did that they could get fired for

    a. being out of route
    b. using company truck/trailer for "personal" use
    c. non declared freight
    d. the container could be drugs or something else illegal
    e. if your product was damaged who would pay for it
    Drivers in the past have done this I'm sure and some may still do it....but personally the risk to the driver would be too great.
    I'm sure there may be an ltl freight company that you could set something up with...but honestly I don't know who. Good luck
     
  4. Lilbit

    Lilbit Road Train Member

    16,583
    12,233
    Aug 4, 2008
    Let me check my logbook
    0
    Best bet would be to call UPS or someone else.
     
  5. cherokee96red

    cherokee96red Light Load Member

    298
    197
    Jun 15, 2009
    Hernando Beach FL
    0
    Check with a freight forwarder or LTL carrier. I worked for Pilot, Forward Air and an agent for North American van lines. Don't be misled by some of the names, air freight companies use the LTL carriers when there's plenty of transit time. They're good for heavy, awkward size/shaped pieces. I've seen sculptures, paintings, you name it, get shipped this way, properly packed of course. Good luck!
     
    rocknroll nik Thanks this.
  6. jbatmick

    jbatmick Road Train Member

    2,199
    2,507
    Dec 1, 2009
    hastings, Fl
    0
  7. MontanaBrian

    MontanaBrian Bobtail Member

    5
    2
    Jan 19, 2011
    Helena MT
    0
    just half a sentence in I was picturing a compressed brick of something green or white wrapped in celophane... lol
     
    IceDogg Thanks this.
  8. Gaston

    Gaston Bobtail Member

    2
    0
    Jan 19, 2011
    New York, NY
    0
    Thank you all for the reply. Very helpful!
     
  9. wis bang

    wis bang Road Train Member

    3,440
    4,078
    Jan 12, 2011
    Levittown, PA
    0
    Any driver working for a company that does Haz Mat who paid attention during the mandated 'Security' training would know that such a request is considered a potential attempt by a terrorist to get close to has potentially dangerous cargo and is supposed to be reported to the boss, or police...Since 9/11 the reactions from TSA and Homeland Security to such requests could get one in hot water quickly. Look to a courier service or some other parcel delivery service.
     
  10. deathrider

    deathrider Light Load Member

    51
    17
    Dec 18, 2010
    Virginia
    0
    I hear of people using bus lines to have items shipped. it used to be the easiest way to ship a motorcycle frame that didnt meet the girth requirements for ups, a hard tail chopper frame specifically.

    Randy
     
  11. walleye

    walleye Road Train Member

    3,028
    4,306
    Aug 21, 2007
    Land of Cheese
    0
    Or UPS Freight if it is a bigger shipment,....

    You can find shipping details on the UPS website,..
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.