Got room in the car for cargo? Roadie app connects drivers with people who want to send stuff
Budget travelers — say hello to the sharing economy.
Name: Roadie app
Available: Android, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch. Requires iOS7 or later.
Cost: Free
What it does: It connects road trippers/drivers with people who want to send stuff. Roadie calls it “carpooling for cargo.”
What’s hot: Some budget travelers might be thrilled by the opportunity to get paid for a onetime delivery while on the road. There are both crosstown drop-offs and cross-country delivery gigs. Roadie says most local deliveries will pay drivers $8 to $20; oversize items may get you $200. If you’re sending, your cargo is insured up to $500. You can view all the gigs by map or list. If you want to be a sender, you’ll need a PayPal account; if you want to be a driver, you must upload your driver’s license, insurance card and banking information.
What’s not: The start-up process could have been smoother. I had to restart the app a couple of times and needed super-strong Wi-Fi to sign up and upload my profile pic. The app would be even more useful if it had a “Near Me” button for drivers looking to pick up their next job.
Sign up for The Wild
We’ll help you find the best places to hike, bike and run, as well as the perfect silent spots for meditation and yoga.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
