ShipHiker Legal Center
Transparent rules for a safe, trusted community.
Terms of Service
1. The "Venue" Clause (Read this first)
ShipHiker is a communications platform (a "Venue") that connects users who have items to ship ("Shippers") with users traveling to a destination ("Travelers"). ShipHiker is not a transportation carrier, freight forwarder, or logistics provider. We do not take possession of goods, we do not drive vehicles, and we do not guarantee the successful delivery of any item.
2. Release of Liability
By using this site, you acknowledge that you are entering into a direct agreement with other users at your own risk. ShipHiker is not a party to any agreement between a Shipper and a Traveler. We are not liable for lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed items. Disputes must be resolved directly between users.
3. User Responsibilities
- Vetting: You are solely responsible for evaluating and vetting the person you are transacting with.
- Legality: You agree to comply with all local, state, and federal laws regarding the transport of goods.
- Accuracy: You warrant that any shipment description you post is accurate and truthful.
4. Independent Contractor Relationship
Nothing in this Agreement creates an employment, partnership, or agency relationship between you and ShipHiker. Travelers are independent contractors. You have the sole right to determine when, where, and how often you utilize the platform. You are responsible for your own taxes, insurance, and tools.
5. Insurance Warning for Travelers
ShipHiker does not provide auto, cargo, or general liability insurance. Warning: Many personal auto insurance policies contain exclusions for "commercial use" or "delivery for hire." It is your sole responsibility to verify with your insurance provider that your policy covers you while transporting items for others. You assume all financial risk for accidents or damages occurring during a trip.
6. Offline Payments
Currently, ShipHiker facilitates connections but does not process payments. Any financial transaction (Cash, Venmo, Zelle, etc.) is a private arrangement between the Shipper and Traveler. ShipHiker is not responsible for non-payment, payment disputes, or refund requests.
7. Dispute Resolution & Arbitration
You agree that any legal dispute between you and ShipHiker will be resolved by binding, individual arbitration, and you waive your right to participate in a class-action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration.
Privacy Policy
We respect your data. This policy outlines what we collect and how we use it.
1. Information We Collect
We collect information you provide directly, including your email, phone number, public screen name, and the details of shipments/trips you post. We also collect approximate location data to facilitate search features.
2. How We Share Data
We do not sell your personal data to third parties. Your sensitive contact information (phone/email) is only shared with another user after a mutual agreement (an Accepted Offer) has been explicitly confirmed by both parties on the platform. Your login data is not shared. Only the data that you share in messages, your bio, profile picture and reference links that you provided on your profile page.
3. Google Maps API
This application uses Google Maps features. By using ShipHiker, you are also bound by Google's Privacy Policy.
Safety & Prohibited Items
Strictly Prohibited Items
To ensure the safety of our community and compliance with the law, the following items may never be shipped via ShipHiker:
- Illegal Substances: Drugs, controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia.
- Weapons: Firearms, ammunition, explosives, or fireworks.
- Hazardous Materials: Flammables, gas canisters, corrosives, or toxic substances.
- Live Animals: Pets or livestock.
- Stolen Goods: Any property not belonging to the shipper.
Violation of this policy will result in an immediate ban and reporting to law enforcement authorities.
Traveler Rights & Inspection
Travelers have the absolute right to inspect the contents of any package before accepting it. Do not seal your package until the Traveler has arrived and visually verified the contents. If a Shipper refuses inspection, the Traveler should decline the shipment immediately.
Safety Guidelines
- Always meet in a public, well-lit location (e.g., coffee shop, police station exchange zone).
- Tell a friend or family member where you are going and who you are meeting.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, cancel the meetup.
- Document the Handoff: Take a photo of the item at pickup (to prove its condition) and at drop-off.
- Know your destination handoff details. Exchange phone numbers or other communication details.
- Be Excellent to each other: Treat others with respect and kindness. We are all part of the same community.
- Drive safe!