[?] Hitchhiking on a container/cargo ship? | Squat the Planet

[?] Hitchhiking on a container/cargo ship?

loathsomeginger

Well-known member
Joined
May 22, 2015
Messages
192
Reaction score
222
Location
Nowhere
I was watching giant cargo ships sail through the San Francisco Bay today and began wondering if it's remotely possible to hitch a ride on a container/cargo ship in exchange for work. Obviously this is much different from hitching a ride in a car or hopping a train but the principle remains the same I suppose. Anyway, I'm guessing it's near impossible but it would one hell of a feat. Any thoughts?
 

buffalobill

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 2, 2014
Messages
85
Reaction score
54
Location
Louisville
It's good to see your expression of imagination I've heard rumors of people (likely immagrants) doing the same but I feel it would not be worth the risk for a free ride but you would still have to have the connections aka coyote. however your labor may be appreciated but you would have to be there for the ride back. I'm glad u put this thread in its relitively rightful place welcome to stp
 
D

Deleted member 125

Guest
hitching a ride on a cargo boat = working on that cargo boat. if you dont have experience on boats i doubt youd have any chance at all.
 

Matt Derrick

Retired Wanderer
Staff member
Joined
Aug 4, 2006
Messages
10,542
Reaction score
13,815
Location
Portland, OR
Website
youtube.com
you should really use the search function.
 

Dmac

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 25, 2008
Messages
1,246
Reaction score
1,193
Location
Lincoln ne
many cargo ships have staterooms. not a lot, usually 8 to 20 or so. you can book passage on them cheaper than on a cruse ship. i used to have a book about how it is done, and how to book passage. it was even in the local library. it was a pretty cost effective, compared to other ocean travel.
 

Matt Derrick

Retired Wanderer
Staff member
Joined
Aug 4, 2006
Messages
10,542
Reaction score
13,815
Location
Portland, OR
Website
youtube.com
many cargo ships have staterooms. not a lot, usually 8 to 20 or so. you can book passage on them cheaper than on a cruse ship. i used to have a book about how it is done, and how to book passage. it was even in the local library. it was a pretty cost effective, compared to other ocean travel.

do you remember what the title of the book was?
 

Dmac

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 25, 2008
Messages
1,246
Reaction score
1,193
Location
Lincoln ne
I can't remember exactly but it was something simple, like: Cargo ship travel, or Traveling by cargo ship. Something along those lines. It wasn't very big, around 100 pages. a paperback. hope that helps @Matt Derrick .
 

kitkat

Active member
Joined
Jul 23, 2012
Messages
27
Reaction score
34
Location
Jakarta, Indonesia
Peruvian cargo ships along the amazon? very doable
Commercial ports in big cities? Not too sure, I haven't tried but there's alot of regulation - depending on where you are of course...
If you just wanted to be on the waters or sail you'll have better luck talking to people in the marinas.
For transatlantic or pacific - either talking to people at the main marinas or going on crew seeking sites
 

Matt Derrick

Retired Wanderer
Staff member
Joined
Aug 4, 2006
Messages
10,542
Reaction score
13,815
Location
Portland, OR
Website
youtube.com
  • Like
Reactions: Rob Nothing

About us

  • Squat the Planet is the world's largest social network for misfit travelers. Join our community of do-it-yourself nomads and learn how to explore the world by any means necessary.

    More Info

Help us pay the bills!

Total amount
$10.00
Goal
$100.00

Latest Library Uploads