Frequently Asked Questions
We provide a platform that connects two individuals: A. a traveler to a destination with some space to spare in his/her carry-on luggage or cargo luggage willing to offer it to B. a shipper to that same destination for a lower fee than usual courier fees.
Here is an example: Paul who resides in the tri-state area, USA had ordered some soccer uniforms for the team he is coaching. The manufacturer in Sao Paolo, Brazil informed him that shipping the uniforms would cost $1200! Needless to say that it was a bit exorbitant for Paul. He then thought of Piggyback Piggybank! He logged in to Piggyback Piggybank and posted an ad looking for a traveler that could bring back those uniforms for him for a lesser amount. After three days of posting his ad, a traveler contacted him and offered to bring back the uniforms for $250. Both parties agreed on the details of the pick up and delivery and three days later Paul received his package for less than a third of the quoted courier price!
Here is an example: Paul who resides in the tri-state area, USA had ordered some soccer uniforms for the team he is coaching. The manufacturer in Sao Paolo, Brazil informed him that shipping the uniforms would cost $1200! Needless to say that it was a bit exorbitant for Paul. He then thought of Piggyback Piggybank! He logged in to Piggyback Piggybank and posted an ad looking for a traveler that could bring back those uniforms for him for a lesser amount. After three days of posting his ad, a traveler contacted him and offered to bring back the uniforms for $250. Both parties agreed on the details of the pick up and delivery and three days later Paul received his package for less than a third of the quoted courier price!
We have a search feature you can use to locate both. You will have to register if you need to contact a shipper or a traveler.
Not at all, Piggyback Piggybank offers this platform for free for both shippers and travelers. However if an agreement is made for a package delivery PiggyBack PiggyBank does charge a small percentage service charge. We aim to connect individuals in a community to help out each other and to make the carbon footprint of their travels and shipping as small as is potentially possible.
It all depends on your agreement with the shipper. Piggyback Piggybank does indeed connect individuals but does not dictate the terms of their mutual agreement. We know of travelers that carried goods for charity institutions at no cost (that was their contribution to a cause they believed in), and we know of others that did carry packages for individuals for a mutually agreed upon fee. What we recommend is to execute an agreement and follow our suggestions in how to proceed.
Most people already carry items for friends or family, this platform is a way to extend that process for those who don't have acquaintances and can benefit from expedited deliveries without paying for expensive courier services. So when you don't know the shipper, you should set up an initial meeting where you will have to examine the package and its content. You must use caution and good judgment to assess if it is something safe to carry. You can decline if you are not comfortable carrying an item/good/package. You are under no obligation of any sort. Keep in mind that Piggyback Piggybank only provides the platform for individuals to connect and is in no way responsible nor aware of the content of any packages or agreements established between individuals.
If you cancel your trip or change your itinerary and you had no agreement with any shipper, simply disable your ad containing your itinerary or update it. If you already agreed with a shipper and can no longer carry the package to the agreed upon destination, we recommend contacting the shipper as soon as possible to return the package and allow him/her to find another shipper.
No, there are no limitations as to the means of transportation. You can post all details of your itinerary (be they via air, train, car, sea or any combination thereof) and see if there is any interest by shippers.
No, again there are no limitations as to the distance. You can offer or hire shipping services from one town to another or from one continent to another, on a frequent basis (daily/weekly) or otherwise. For money or for networking purposes or simply for goodwill, you are free to look for a sender or shipper that fits the bill, YOUR bill!
Security officials in various airports might ask you if you have goods that somebody else asked you to carry. You must disclose that you are indeed carrying an item for somebody else. If you do have an agreement with your shipper, show such document to the officials. There is nothing illegal in carrying items for somebody else. We all do it all the times for friends and family members as long as what you are carrying is not illegal. For a list of illegal items to carry please visit the TSA website at www.tsa.gov
Piggyback Piggybank recommends that you discuss such scenario with your counterparty. We suggest you include a clause in your agreement that specifies what happens in such eventuality. Elaborate or suggest what to do. PBPB does provide insurance based on the agreed amount and additional insurance that is optional.
Although every casual courier has his/her own personal reasons for why they enjoy delivering packages for others, most casual couriers sign-up for the money! They use the delivery fees that they earn to reduce the overall cost of travel. (For example, a $600 airline ticket to London may become $450 after incorporating the delivery fee for carrying a small package). Other casual couriers tell us that they take pleasure in adding utility to their otherwise monotonous trips. While others say that being a casual courier has allowed them to make friends and business associates around the world. Let us know why YOU want to become a casual courier – send an email: info@pvec123.com.