Michael Turner
Recommendation: Count pieces and choose a higher-capacity option before you request. Send a quick message to the driver describing number of suitcases and any bulky items; cancel and switch to an SUV/XL/minivan option if the trunk will be tight.
Capacity rules by vehicle type (practical estimates): small sedan – roughly 2 checked-size suitcases plus 1 carry-on; compact hatchback – 2–3 carry-ons or 1–2 checked; SUV/XL – 3–6 checked pieces depending on model; minivan – 5–7 checked items. If you have more than that, split across two cars or book a same-day courier.
Pre-trip checklist: measure the largest bag (length × width × height), consolidate soft items into one bag, remove loose or fragile objects, photograph items and tag with your name. Select the larger vehicle class in-app, message the driver that you need assistance with loading, and allow a few extra minutes for handling. For heavy lifting, offer a tip in the $5–15 range depending on effort.
Operational limits: drivers are independent contractors and may refuse oversized, hazardous or extremely heavy cargo. The platform’s ride service does not provide commercial shipping insurance for high-value goods; for items of significant worth use insured couriers or freight services. Use the app’s in-trip chat and lost-and-found flow if an item is left behind.
Alternatives and when to choose them: for door-to-door, same-city single trips with a few suitcases use a ride-hail vehicle; for intercity movement, timed pickup across cities, or items requiring tracking and insurance, select a specialized courier, postal express, or airport shuttle with dedicated baggage policies.
Can ride-hailing transport baggage?
Choose an XL/SUV or minivan option and message the driver before booking when you have three or more large suitcases.
Booking steps: select a vehicle class that lists higher passenger capacity, add a ride note with number and approximate dimensions of your bags (length × width × height in inches or cm), then call or text the driver to confirm trunk space and any assistance you need loading. If the driver declines, cancel and request a larger vehicle – drivers are allowed to refuse items that present a safety or handling risk.
Capacity guidelines: a standard sedan typically fits 2 large checked suitcases (26–30″ / 66–76 cm) plus 2 carry-ons; an SUV/XL fits about 4–5 large suitcases; a minivan can fit 6–8. Measure your largest case before booking and round up – irregular shapes reduce usable space.
Packing and handling tips: use soft-sided bags to squeeze more into trunk space, consolidate items into one case when possible, place fragile items inside a carry-on to keep them in the cabin, and label all bags with your name and phone. Do not expect drivers to provide straps, blankets, roof racks or moving equipment.
Prohibited or high-risk items: hazardous materials (flammable liquids, compressed gas), valuables left in checked storage without documentation, and items that require special handling. For oversized sporting gear (bikes, surfboards), disassemble where possible and bring padding; confirm ahead whether the driver will accept such items.
Claims and liability: photograph bag condition before pickup, save trip receipt and driver contact, and report missing or damaged items through the app’s lost-item/support option immediately – follow the platform’s specified timeframe to increase recovery chances. Consider separate insurance or declared-value shipping for high-value contents.
Alternatives for bulky or multiple shipments: same-day couriers, dedicated baggage shippers, or airport-to-address services. Typical local courier fees start near $20–$50 per delivery; national baggage shippers commonly range $30–$150 depending on distance, size and speed – compare quotes if cost matters more than immediacy.
| Vehicle option | Seats | Recommended large cases | Carry-ons | When to choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy sedan | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1–2 checked bags, short trips |
| SUV / XL | 6 | 4–5 | 3–4 | Family travel, 3–5 large cases |
| Minivan / People-mover | 6–8 | 6–8 | 4–6 | Group moves, bulky loads |
| Courier / Same-day delivery | 0 (cargo) | Any (priced) | Any | Multiple pieces, guaranteed pickup/dropoff |
Can I book a ride-hail to pick up and drop off bags with no passengers?
Recommendation: only proceed if the assigned driver explicitly agrees in the app chat, you document the agreement, and you accept responsibility for any missing or damaged items; otherwise use a courier or moving service with insurance.
How to request correctly: choose a vehicle with room (SUV/XL/Van), add the correct number of stops in the app, schedule a pickup window, then immediately message the driver with a punchy script: “Can you transport 2 medium suitcases from [address] to [address]? I will meet at curbside at drop-off. I’ll add $X for handling.” Include weight estimate and whether items must fit in trunk or passenger seat.
Pricing guidance to offer the driver (examples you can propose): local short hop under 3 miles – base fare + $10–$20 handling; 3–10 miles – base fare + $20–$45; heavy or bulky loads (each item >50 lb) – flat $40+ or suggest a dedicated vehicle. Always pay through the app when possible and tip 15–30% for extra labor; for manual cash arrangements, get confirmation in app first.
Risk management: photograph each item, label with your phone number, record pickup/drop-off timestamps, and keep trip receipts. Do not leave high-value items unattended in the vehicle unless the driver confirms willingness; the ride app’s lost-and-found process is slow and compensation limited. For fragile or insured shipments, select an insured courier or freight option instead.
Better alternatives for unattended-only transport: same-day couriers, parcel couriers, TaskRabbit helpers, GoShare/Dolly for bulky moves, or ship via UPS/FedEx ground for non-urgent items. Use local movers for multiple-case transfers; those services provide packaging, insurance options and worker insurance.
Packing and protection tips: secure zippers with cable ties, use waterproof covers for rainy transfers, and place a removable ID tag on each case. For quick protection ideas and a lighter diversion, see best donald trump umbrella gifs, and for cleaning gear before handoff check how to get wii scrubber.
Choose XL, SUV or van for multiple large suitcases; sedans fit one–two
Vehicle capacity quick guide
Sedan / Economy: fits 1–2 large checked suitcases (28–30″) plus one carry-on – trunk volume typically 12–16 cu ft.
XL / 7‑seat: fits 3–5 large suitcases depending on whether rear seats remain upright; reserve XL when you have 3 or more bulky bags.
SUV / Black SUV: fits 4–6 large suitcases with seats up; folding rear seats can increase capacity to 6–8 pieces.
Minivan / Passenger van: fits 6–10 large suitcases or bulky sports equipment; best choice for groups, guitars, or oversized cases.
How to request and confirm enough trunk space
Select the vehicle class in the rideshare app (XL, SUV, Van) before booking; use the schedule option to lock in a specific vehicle type for airport or peak-time pickups.
In the ride notes, state exact bag count and approximate sizes, for example: “3 large checked suitcases (28–30″) + 2 carry‑ons – need trunk space.” Keep the note concise; drivers read short messages first.
After a driver accepts, message or call: confirm trunk space and ask whether folding a seat is acceptable. If the driver advises insufficient room, cancel and request the next larger vehicle class.
At airports, choose the airport pickup option when available and allow an extra 10–15 minutes for loading. Offer a small tip for help with heavy items; assistance is at the driver’s discretion.
If transporting fragile or unusually shaped items, request a van or SUV and mention required handling so drivers can prepare or opt out before arrival.
Ride-hailing policies: size, weight limits and items drivers may refuse to transport
Confirm cargo fit with your driver before booking: operators and drivers can refuse items that pose a safety, legal or damage risk.
- Published limits: the platform does not publish fixed dimensions or weight caps for riders’ items. Use these practical benchmarks when planning: single items heavier than ~50 lb (23 kg) or with any dimension over ~48 inches (122 cm) are likely to exceed a standard sedan’s capacity and may be refused.
- Vehicle capacity vs responsibility: drivers decide case-by-case based on vehicle type, trunk space and ability to load/unload without injury or damage. Respect a driver’s decision and seek an alternative service for very large or heavy moves.
Common categories drivers may refuse
- Hazardous materials: fuels, explosives, compressed gas cylinders, corrosive chemicals, radioactive items and other materials restricted by law.
- Leaking or soiling items: wet carpets, heavily soiled furniture, open containers that may spill or produce strong odors.
- Bulky furniture and appliances: mattresses, sofas, refrigerators, washers and items that require more than normal passenger handling.
- Heavy single-piece loads: engines, vehicle batteries, safes or items that require lifting equipment or multiple helpers.
- Live non-service animals and restricted biological materials (blood, medical waste, decomposing material).
- Items requiring disassembly or special rigging that the driver is unwilling to perform.
Practical recommendations for transporting bags and items
- Measure and weigh every item before booking; include length, width, height and approximate weight in your message to the driver.
- Send a photo of the packed item(s) to the driver via the app or by text; allow them to decline before the trip starts.
- Disassemble bulky items when possible and label loose parts; use garment bags, boxes or blankets to protect upholstery and reduce staining risk.
- Bring straps, rope or a dolly for heavy pieces; enlist an extra helper for loads above ~50 lb to avoid injury claims.
- Offer a courtesy tip if loading/unloading requires extra time or effort; be prepared to call a dedicated courier or moving service if the driver refuses.
- If an item is refused after pickup, document the conversation in the app and contact platform support immediately to report damage, refusal or fare adjustments.
When in doubt, choose a purpose-built moving or courier service for oversized, heavy or hazardous items rather than relying on a standard ride-hail trip.
How much will baggage transport cost: fare estimate, extra fees and tipping guidance
Fare estimate (typical US markets)
Expect final cost calculated as: base fare + (per-mile × miles) + (per-minute × minutes) + booking/service fees + tolls + any airport or special pickup charges, then multiplied by surge when active. Typical ranges to use for quick estimates: base fare $1.50–$4.00; per mile $0.80–$2.50; per minute $0.15–$0.45; booking/service fee $1.00–$6.00; airport pickup fee $3–$5; surge multiplier 1.0–3.0.
Examples: a short trip ~2 miles/10 min ≈ $10–$12 (base $2.50 + 2×$1.50 + 10×$0.25 + $3 booking). A mid trip ~8 miles/20 min ≈ $20–$25. A longer 25-mile/35-min ride with airport fee and 1.5× surge can reach $80–$100. Use the per-mile and per-minute bands above to tailor estimates for your city.
Extra fees, service charges and tipping guidance
Possible extra charges: cancellation fee $5–$10; extra-stop fees $1–$5 per stop; cleaning fee $50–$150 for soiled interiors; oversized-item or heavy-handling surcharges commonly $10–$30 if negotiated with the driver or added by the carrier. Toll and parking charges are passed through at cost.
Tipping recommendations: standard tip 15–20% of the fare or a $2–$5 flat minimum for brief assistance. For heavy handling, multiple pieces, stairs, or long carries add $5–$20 depending on difficulty (e.g., 3 large hard-sided cases + stairs → tip $10–$20). Example math: $25 fare → $4–$5 tip (15–20%); $8 fare → $2–$3 flat; $40 airport pickup with heavy bags → $8–$15.
Prefer in-app tipping for a recorded receipt; offer cash for immediate extra compensation when asking for substantial help. If you expect more than routine handling or plan to move many pieces, get a price agreement with the driver or consider a dedicated courier/porter service – same-day local transfers typically run $25–$150 depending on distance and manpower.
Choose compact, wheeled cases and organized packing to speed loading/unloading and reduce potential surcharges – see best luggage brands list rankerranker best luggage brands for options that minimize bulk and weight.
How to prepare baggage for pickup: labeling, photos, pickup instructions and safety tips
Attach a printed ID tag to each bag: include full name, mobile number, pick-up address, and a 4-digit pickup code. Place that sheet inside a clear luggage tag and secure with a stainless steel cable tie or heavy-duty zip tie. Remove old airline tags and barcodes to avoid confusion.
Photograph every item–minimum six images: front, back, left and right sides; one close-up of the ID tag; one interior shot showing packed contents or serial numbers of valuables. Use your phone’s timestamp or enable automatic cloud backup so images are time-stamped and retrievable.
Create a concise printed pickup instruction slip: one-line pickup code, exact door name, buzzer/pad code, floor/unit, best meet point (e.g., “Main entrance glass doors, 2nd pillar”), nearest curbside parking spot, and whether elevator or stairs are required. Place the slip inside a clear resealable bag and attach it to the exterior handle with a zip tie; send the exact same text via the ride app message to the driver before arrival.
Mark heavy or oversized pieces: write the weight and “HEAVY – requires two people” in 2″ high letters on a brightly colored tag for any item over 23 kg (50 lb) or over 158 linear cm (sum of length + width + height). Foldable wheeled bags should have the wheels and handle secured to prevent snagging.
Secure contents and fragile items: pad electronics and glass inside with bubble wrap and use packing cubes for soft goods. Use tamper-evident tape across zipper joins or a numbered tamper seal; keep copies of seal numbers in your photos. Use TSA-accepted locks for checked-style bags; for higher-value items, consider a discreet hard case.
Inventory and signatures for chain of custody: prepare a printed itemized inventory with serial numbers for electronics and declare high-value items (over USD 200). When the carrier arrives, photograph the driver next to the bag and ask them to sign the inventory sheet with time and name; keep a photo of that signed sheet.
Handoff verification and personal safety: confirm the vehicle plate, driver name and photo match the app before placing the bag in the car. Meet at a well-lit, public curbside spot when possible; avoid dark stairwells or narrow alleys. Do not place passports, medication, cash or jewelry in bags meant for pickup–keep them on your person.
If issues occur: keep all photos, the signed inventory, the app trip reference and timestamps; immediately message through the app and follow its incident-report flow. For expensive electronics, record IMEI/serial numbers and enable location tracking where available prior to handoff.
