First thing you need to do is find out what the shipper is offering to pay you to return it. Even if they just want you to take it to a warehouse, you need to be compenstated for your time. I personally would offer to haul it back for a reasonable rate, and just book another load to go with just the 1 pallet you have.
You can't just keep it now that everyone (broker, shipper) knows that you have it. If you can put another load with it going back to CA, then $1000 seems more than fair to return it.
Exactly! We're in a business where trust is an issue. I like sleeping at night if I can. I feel good when someone else knows I did the right thing for them. I got plenty of freebies over the years but that was after I was told to keep it or throw it away. I don't try to capitalize on others mistakes. What comes around goes around. If you found a wallet on the ground what would you do? There's no difference. The broker should handle the arrangements. If left in lala land I would call the shipper's OS&D directly and see what they say. One way or another you will be compensated for the extra mileage. Get it in writing from the broker if you can. Are you company or lease? Who you work for should have someone that handles OS&D and should fix the issue. Like cc says it will probably go to a LTL for the ride back.
And if you can't find another load to put with it then $6500 is what it would cost to return the pallet to them in Cali.
im on my way back to cali with the load right now and the extra pallet i just want to know what if they say ill give you 200 dollars should i just take it and be happy?