Soda Crate Moral Dilemma (& Informal Survey)

[dcmac214]

I have a moral dilemma and will go along with whatever the majority reply.

Last week went to the Big City (2 hour drive). Heading back home got a flat on the interstate. While putting on the spare saw what I thought was a milk crate in the ditch. Turned out to be a carry crate for soda (I think 2 liter bottles, not sure, we don't drink the stuff). The name brand is molded into the crate. It's the perfect size & height for the RV's "first step" - something DW & I could very much use.

Hence the dilemma.

Do I keep it?

Do I give it to the soda distributor in the nearby city - who couldn't possibly have lost it?

Do I wait to bring it to the Big City distributor who I assume most likely lost it? Making a special trip to the Big City just for this isn't an option.

[run100]

The company the crate belongs to is probably not the one who tossed it on the side of the road. I agree, a simple phone call to the company should quickly answer what to do with it. They may even suggest a location to drop it off - possibly a store you normally visit anyway.

This makes me think about the amount of work our organization goes through with Unclaimed Property - uncashed checks we've issued. It's not our fault the payee's didn't cash the checks, but still we send them a letter asking if we should reissue the check (law requires we send written notice of the outstanding check). If they say "yes," we void and reissue. Many times, the reissued check isn't cashed either.

But, it doesn't end there, because after a dormancy period, we're required to gather all the information on the outstanding checks into a specific file format and send the file and the money to the state. To top it off, now we're being forced to use a 3rd party to submit the property and it could cost us over $1,000 to escheat unclaimed property to the state. All because the owners won't cash the stupid check. Sometimes doing the right thing is expensive!

[Ralph_Cramden]

Hammerhead wrote:
It's easy to find a Coke or Pepsi distributor. Just drop off the crate at a small-town store that sells soda and they will probably hold it for the truck driver. 🙂

Finding a single-use paper cup from McDonald's is different than finding an item like milk crate or 2-liter crate designed for repeated use.

Better yet when you get to the distributor or small town store grab a couple more crates. They come in really handy. No need to worry about the crate police.

[nineoaks2004]

Keep it, nothing immoral about keeping something found on The roadside. As they say "one mans junk is another mans treasure" I have several milk crates that I keep and use in the shop for storage.

[azrving]

portscanner wrote:
The other day, I saw a gallon of lemonaid fall out of the cab of a truck. I stopped and picked it up, but I could not catch up with the truck to return it.

What should I do with it?

Craigslist missed connections

[portscanner]

The other day, I saw a gallon of lemonaid fall out of the cab of a truck. I stopped and picked it up, but I could not catch up with the truck to return it.

What should I do with it?

[Crowe]

Hey Bucky have you seen this word in the dictionary???


HYPOCRISY

If not, look it up. You might understand my comments then! :B

[bucky]

Hey Crowe, have you seen the new t-shirt?

ALL COMMENTS MATTER

[Turn_Key]

I do see the moral dilemma you speak of and do understand it. But, the crate is abandoned trash on the side of the road. You didn't steal it and I'm assuming you'd be more then willing to return it should the owner request it. Therefore, I'd say it is yours to use until that time.

Incidentally, I probably have at least a dozen of different types of these plastic crates that have been found on the roads or in the trash. Use them for a number of purposes with no guilt at all.

Happy Camping!

[DutchmenSport]

drsteve wrote:
How is this thread still alive?

Because we keep posting to it! :S

[dodge_guy]

I don't know but it is entertaining! and for the most part civil.

[cummins2014]

drsteve wrote:
How is this thread still alive?

You added another post 🙂

[drsteve]

How is this thread still alive?

[Crowe]

That could turn into a really worthwhile "discussion" as opposed to this one.
It's a freaking soda crate people!

Geez Louise lighten up! What makes YOUR comment so worthwhile? Really, people, a little inanity in one's life is a GOOD thing! Go camping y'all and get some fresh air. Won't be camping but I at least have the common sense to get outside!

[spoon059]

bucky wrote:
I wonder how many people were getting paid to do a job while typing their response to this moral dilemma?

Ha ha, excellent point!