Tip the RV transport driver?

[bamaboy]

Hi friends,

I am paying an RV transport company to move my daughters 32 ft travel trailer from Texas to Florida. The company will charge about $1800 for the move (thanks to all on this forum who earlier helped me determine that was a fair price). The transport will take 2 to 3 days.

I am wondering what I should tip the driver.

Ron F, Cedar Creek, TX

[Naio]

colliehauler wrote:
I don't always tip monetarily but do bring in cookies for the vet or breakfast sandwiches for the mechanics that work on my truck. Breakfast sandwiches for the body shop that worked on my truck. The people that installed my carport I bought pizza. Large construction project at the house I provide lunch. Hot day I provide the mail person or sanitation engineer with a cold drink. This cost me very little money and the goodwill it provides is priceless.

These are lovely ideas!

[_1nobby]

pconroy328 wrote:
I'd probably have $100 in twenties in my pocket and play it by ear. If it's the basics I'd do $40ish. Anything extra, I'd dip in for more.

THIS.

I always play these situations by ear.

Tipping has always been about appreciation for services rendered.
If YOU are happy with the results....you spread the happiness to others.

[colliehauler]

kohai wrote:
There are some jobs that have a base pay that is less than minimum wage because tipping is customary and the end pay is over minimum wage. I don't understand tipping people that are being paid to do their jobs. I don't tip a plumber or an electrician or a lawyer or an accountant or a bookkeeper or the person that checks me out at Home Depot or the grocery store.....

I don't always tip monetarily but do bring in cookies for the vet or breakfast sandwiches for the mechanics that work on my truck. Breakfast sandwiches for the body shop that worked on my truck. The people that installed my carport I bought pizza. Large construction project at the house I provide lunch. Hot day I provide the mail person or sanitation engineer with a cold drink. This cost me very little money and the goodwill it provides is priceless.

[colliehauler]

westend wrote:
Tip enough for a good meal or have the wife bake a pie. Either will be appreciated as much as $100.

This is what I do as well. I provide them with a good meal, no homemade pie though.

[westend]

Tip enough for a good meal or have the wife bake a pie. Either will be appreciated as much as $100.

[kohai]

There are some jobs that have a base pay that is less than minimum wage because tipping is customary and the end pay is over minimum wage. I don't understand tipping people that are being paid to do their jobs. I don't tip a plumber or an electrician or a lawyer or an accountant or a bookkeeper or the person that checks me out at Home Depot or the grocery store.....

[Passin_Thru]

Tip him. He's trying to make a living. So he makes 65/hr then drives home empty. That's 32.50/hr and he may feed a wife and 2 kids and on that he has to eat, sleep in a roach motel for $90/night. I never made money towing trailers. Boats yes, trailers no.

[midnightsadie]

find out if he,s just a driver,or owner operator, just a driver,did a good job,$50. owner ,thanks and send him on his way.

[kerrlakeRoo]

Depending on the company, most of these folks are independant contractors employed by the company you are hiring. The driver recieves a per mile payment, and sone form of start/stop payment. The diver has to cover fuel and a set aside towards maintenance, and cover the payment in most cases for purchase of his vehicle, three days is ten percent of the month so that is a substantial part of that months overhead. Their cost are substantial when you think about it. So if you recieve what you consider good service there is no reason not to offer a tip.
No I have never done this type of work, but I had a friend that did and quickly lost his arse when the jobs required 200 to 300 miles travel (unpaid) to get to the next pickup, and did not come up quick enough.

[TucsonJim]

Just my opinion. $100 is too much. I'd give them $50 if they don't mess something up.

Jim

[bamaboy]

Thanks everyone. Your answers covered all the different things I have been thinking. My daughter is unemployed but has found a job in Florida and I'm trying to help her cover her expenses for a while. I might tip the guy hundred dollars if he does a good job but money is tight right now. I appreciate all your thoughts .

[boosTT]

I'm sure the dealerships don't tip the drivers.

Are you expecting the driver to back the rv into a difficult location? If yes- I might tip a $20.

[pconroy328]

I'd probably have $100 in twenties in my pocket and play it by ear. If it's the basics I'd do $40ish. Anything extra, I'd dip in for more.

[bobndot]

The company may charge the $1800 and hire a driver for a lot less. Don't forget the independent driver had to go through his CDL test and fees etc. He is also performing a specific service for you.
Personally, i would tip the driver 10% of the $1800 as long as it was delivered in one piece and on time.