We should start a thread....seriously

[speedo]

We have threads for travelers. We have WTB threads. We are for the most part a pretty cohesive dependable group of enthusiasts. Why couldn't we create a self-contained "Uber" network for moving cars and parts around. At any given time...someone is picking a car up, shipping an engine or trannie, or whatever. Is it feasible to create a transportation thread where people post where they are going to pick up what, and that they have room to bring something else back. I do currently have a need to move a roller from SoCal to Denver and would rather depend on a Pelican to protect my assets, than a shipper. Yes I realize that this opens the door to jerks looking to rip us off. But with the community we have, and the depth of background on our participants...we should be able to develop credible credentials.
I recognize that this is not a service that someone looking to get their split window A 356 or 73 RS to a parade would be interested in. Maybe through a community network we can help each other out .

Just thinking out loud...

Speedo

[Tippy]

If I had a full size truck and car hauler, I'd do it for a Pelicanite. Was surprised how easy it was to tow my 87 using brothers 3/4 ton, 4 door, long box Chevy truck, using a heavy utility trailer.

With the 6L, it cruised at 75 MPH easily.

You take middie or older, with or without eng/trans, and it'd be a breeze and save the new owner some worry.

Good idea.

[juanbenae]

I very well may take early retirement in the next year or so. when I do I will trailer around the country looking for pelicans on my way for a year or so. will do camp sites n such, but local know-how will be invaluable in my pending adventure so id considered just such thread inquiry closer to departure.

I will not include the turbo on the trip, but plan on bring my DRZ supermoto so I can come find yous. check with todd in reno, im a great guest up until my dog pisses on the Christmas tree...

im in the south bay area near san jose. Ive got a spare room if I can ever help a fellow bird out with freeairBB, also live on a corner so I can host an RV for a week or so. come to mumbia west!

t

[ant7]

I think this is a very good idea, and well worth discusing, and exploring how feasable it would be to get it off the ground.

[Matthew Barnes]

Very good idea.

[schwaggen]

It's a good idea- but two notes of caution, one from experience:
First: if you're going to DRIVE a car, you better understand the roadworthy-ness of it. Many years ago, I needed to pick up my Speedster from a shop in SW Florida (I'm in Miami). Coincidentally, a local collector needed his 356 cab taken over there. It seemed only logical that I should drive his car over, and my car back, right?
The challenge, in hindsight, is that his car sat in a collection and was driven very infrequently. Leaving Miami at dusk, I started west across the Everglades, and things seemed ok until about an hour in when the headlights got dim, and then it started skipping, and then died as I glided into the ranger station at Big Cypress Preserve. Oh, and there's no cell service out there. Luckily, it was January (in the summer, the mosquitos would have drained you dry). I had to sleep in the car until the Rangers came to work. Once we got it towed to the shop, we quickly diagnosed a bad voltage regulator.

The morale of the story- you're never sure what you might be driving.

For a trailer or hauler, the other big issue is insurance. The commercial guys have to have insurance that covers the contents of the haul- a regular person probably doesn't. And if you're hauling a project, it may or may not be insured by the owner. Not even sure what the liability looks like.

Don't want to be a Debbie downer, and for certain situations this is an ideal solution, but you gotta know what you're getting into.

[bbturbo]

I think if someone is hauling something, such as a car, it should at least have coverage, unless the owner signs a document stating that the car is coming without insurance and if something happens in transit the transporter is not liable for mishaps on the way.

This is where it gets technical. Most of us are sensible and if something happens on the way, then that is life, but it's the few out there that would end up in court over something because they did not protect their investment prior and try and get others to pay for it.

However, this is a great idea for the Pelicans that can handle it, have the equipment, and time.

[drauz]

Start a thread? Start a start-up! The pkg delivery biz (UPS & FedEx) is moribund & begging to be Uber-ized .
I think a worthy entrepreneur could kick this off on the Left Coast ("I'm doing the SD to Burbabk run @ 3AM tomorrow") for about $50M start-up $$$. Far better for the nation than another pointless SV social media concept. Executed properly, it's a lead pipe cinch. Can't believe it hasn't been created already - but VCs are brain dead these days (other than getting a big piece early, then dumping).

[BlueWing]

With the brain trust here someone could come up with a contract to protect from anyone transporting a car or parts having liability for any issues.

I travel between N.Y. and N.C. often. Sometimes monthly sometimes several months in between but always with a trailer. I would have no issues with parts. For instance right now I have an open 18' trailer I bought up empty but will be carrying my step van down soon. Next trip might make the south to north trip with a 16'enclosed empty.

My issue is the timing, I might plan to leave on a Tuesday but bad weather might be somewhere along the 81 corridor and I'll wait a day or two or three. But I would sighn up for the "list".

In my earlier VW bus days I belong to NEATO and we published a book of all members by state. On each members info it has a contact means, hours generally available and a symbol for the members offering. The symbols were for coffee and conversation, tool available, working space available, spare parts, camping/spare room availability, or just roadside advice.

We did this quite a few years and I never heard of any issues. A new book was printed yearly and sent with subscription/membership renewals.

Of course now with such connectivity we can maybe make it a stickey and somehow filter it to prevent abuse. For example some other forums I belong to
will not allow a new member place a for sale add until a certain number of posts.

I still have my NEATO Travelers Guide stored away somewhere.

Terry

[bbturbo]

It could start with a list of the people who do constantly travel certain routes. For example, I sometimes drive from SC to IN.

Also, this idea could have versatile uses such as, picking up a part for sale and shipping it to another person in your area. I like the idea of the NEATO book where members have the ability to contact people from the forum (that want to be contacted) for parts, travel, even coffee, as long as the phone numbers are not abused, or given out to people outside of the list.

It could even be used if a Pelican is stranded from a breakdown somewhere and needs help, tools, assistance, etc.

[ant7]

Originally Posted by bbturbo

It could start with a list of the people who do constantly travel certain routes. For example, I sometimes drive from SC to IN.

Also, this idea could have versatile uses such as, picking up a part for sale and shipping it to another person in your area. I like the idea of the NEATO book where members have the ability to contact people from the forum (that want to be contacted) for parts, travel, even coffee, as long as the phone numbers are not abused, or given out to people outside of the list.

Another good sugestion

[Hard-Deck]

I'd be in however I could help. Great idea!

[tdw28210]

sort of been done already

https://www.roadie.com/

[speedo]

In the near future I need to move a car from Phoenix to Denver (Boulder specifically). If someone has a trailer coming empty to Denver in the next few weeks, let me know. Or if you are heading this direction (east) and can shorten my trip...let me know. If that isn't going to work out, I will be heading west with my trailer and can haul a car, or several pallets (engines-trannies) to AZ or thereabouts. On the return trip my trailer will be loaded with my car, but I will have the back of my enclosed pickup available.

Speedo