Frequently Asked Questions

TravelCargo is a free platform that connects people who need to send packages with verified travelers who have spare luggage space. You can either browse traveler listings to find someone already flying your route, or post a package request and let travelers come to you. Once connected, you agree the details privately (handover point, timing, and compensation) using in-app chat, and follow the delivery through its in-app status timeline. TravelCargo is a connection platform rather than a courier: the delivery itself is an arrangement between you and your traveler.

There are two ways to use TravelCargo: 1) FIND TRAVELERS: Browse active travel plans from people going your route; great when you want to see who's flying and pick a good match. 2) POST PACKAGE REQUESTS: List your package details and let travelers find you; ideal when no current trips match your route, or when travelers prefer to keep their itineraries private. Both methods connect you directly with travelers for a private arrangement.

Posting a package request is ideal when: 1) No current travelers match your route, 2) You want travelers to come to you instead of searching, 3) You're flexible with timing and want more options. Many travelers are happy to help but prefer not to share their full itineraries publicly. Package requests let them help while keeping their travel plans private.

Yes. Our Travel Companion feature lets you post a parent's itinerary: route, date, flight, and the kind of help that would ease the journey (friendly company, or help with gates, transfers, and mobility). Travelers heading the same route can reach you directly using the contact details you shared. It is a free, community feature and not a professional care, medical, or escort service. Families keep responsibility for their parent, and we always recommend verifying anyone you connect with.

No. Companions are fellow travelers who volunteer their company and a helping hand; they are not employed, trained, or vetted caregivers. TravelCargo only makes the introduction. Families keep responsibility for their parent's safety, care, and travel decisions, so verify identity, meet safely, and keep the family informed. See our Safety & Trust guide and Terms of Service for more.

TravelCargo provides the platform (verified identities, in-app chat, and shipment status tracking) but is not a courier and never takes custody of packages. Responsibility for each delivery, and for complying with customs and airline rules, stays with the sender and the traveler. We're upfront about this in our Terms of Service, and we build tools like government-ID verification and in-app records to help you arrange deliveries with confidence.

As a sender or traveler, you're responsible for making sure items are allowed to be carried and properly declared: check customs and airline rules for both ends of the route, declare items when required, and never carry anything for someone you haven't verified. Violations can carry serious fines or criminal charges, so if you're ever unsure about an item, don't ship it. Our Safety & Trust and Traveler Guide pages cover the essentials.

Never send or carry: weapons, drugs, hazardous materials, counterfeit goods, large amounts of cash, live animals, perishable foods, prescription drugs without a prescription, adult content, or anything requiring special permits. These items can create criminal liability for both sender and traveler. Accounts found transporting them are terminated and may be reported to authorities. When in doubt, leave it out.

TravelCargo doesn't process payments and charges no fees. You compensate the traveler directly, by whatever method you both prefer: cash, bank transfer, or a payment app. Agree the amount and terms in chat before the handover so everything is clear, and keep your own payment records. Since payments are direct, any payment questions are resolved between the two of you.

Because deliveries are arrangements between users, the sender and traveler sort out such issues directly. A few habits prevent almost all disputes: photograph the package before handover, agree in chat upfront what happens if something is lost or damaged, insure items where possible, and consider whether an item is suitable for peer-to-peer shipping at all. The in-app chat record helps establish the facts if you ever disagree.

Yes. In peer-to-peer (P2P) shipping, packages are tracked through a shared in-app status timeline rather than a courier's barcode network: every accepted delivery moves through Accepted, Handed over, Picked up, In transit, Dropped off, and Delivered. You and your traveler update the status together as the journey progresses, and you can message each other in the app at any point. There is no GPS live-location map; updates reflect the milestones you and your traveler confirm, which works well in practice since you're always in direct contact.

Every sender and traveler completes a one-time government-ID (KYC) verification, run by Didit, plus phone verification before posting or accepting deliveries. The ID check confirms a government document matches a live selfie. It is not a criminal background check, so still meet in public places and verify each other.

So the person you meet is who they say they are. The check is run by Didit: your document and selfie stay with Didit and never reach our servers. We keep only the result and the date. It takes about 30 seconds and is required once per account.

Limits come from two places: the airline's baggage rules for the traveler's ticket, and whatever you both agree fits comfortably. Check the airline's checked and cabin baggage allowances for the route, and settle size and weight in chat before confirming the delivery.

Yes, TravelCargo works worldwide, wherever verified travelers are flying. Customs and import rules differ between countries, so check the rules for both ends of your route (our blog and Traveler Guide cover common corridors). You're responsible for complying with local regulations, most everyday personal items travel without issues when declared properly.

Cancellations are possible, so it's smart to agree a plan B upfront: a backup traveler, a slightly flexible deadline, or a fair cancellation policy in chat. Since terms are agreed directly between you, any refund or compensation is handled between sender and traveler. Posting your request early gives you the widest choice of travelers on your route.

We recommend against sending high-value items, original important documents, or irreplaceable goods through any informal arrangement; no platform insurance covers them, and the risk is usually not worth it. Everyday items travel happily this way; heirlooms, passports, and similar items are better sent through insured channels.

Yes, completely free. No platform fees, no listing fees, no payment processing. You agree compensation directly with your traveler, and 100% of it goes to them.

Start in the chat: most misunderstandings are resolved with a direct conversation, and the in-app record helps establish the facts. If that doesn't work, contact us at [email protected]; we can't adjudicate disputes or refund payments made directly between users, but we do review reports and act on policy violations, up to account suspension. For anything involving crime or safety, contact the local police.