Hostage load
A hostage load means the carrier demands more money before it will unload a car it already has. Write down the amount, the name, and the time. Call the company on the contract. RideShipper cannot order the release.
Key facts
The sources are listed on this page.
The car is on the truck, or already at the destination, and the driver refuses to unload unless you pay more than the contract. That demand is the hostage. It is not the balance on delivery. The balance is the amount you already agreed to pay. A price increase after booking that you can refuse is a different problem from a car the driver will not unload.
What to write down
Write the amount demanded, the reason given, the person's name, the truck's USDOT number if it is on the door, and the time. Photograph the truck and the paperwork if you can do it safely. Do not sign a new price to make the moment end unless you have decided, with the contract in front of you, that you will dispute it later. If you are being threatened, call the local police.
Who can help
Call the broker or carrier on your contract, not the new phone number the driver just invented. You can also use the FMCSA auto-transporter complaint line, 1-888-368-7238, weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Keep the bill of lading. The question of who has the car should already be answered on that paper. A complaint is not a court order. RideShipper cannot instruct the driver to unload, because RideShipper does not control the truck.