跑码头

pǎomǎtou

跑码头 — pǎomǎtou

1. to go to the docks/wharf to pick up or deliver goods; to do running-around work related to loading, unloading, or transporting cargo

   他每天都去港口跑码头，帮公司接货。 tā měitiān dōu qù gǎngkǒu pǎomǎtou bāng gōngsī jiēhuò — He goes to the port every day to run errands at the docks, helping the company pick up goods.

2. colloquial: to act as a tout or intermediary who seeks business at docks or markets (can imply informal or shady dealing)

   那些人在码头跑码头，专门帮人找货源，顺便抽佣金。 nàxiē rén zài mǎtóu pǎomǎtou zhuānmén bāng rén zhǎo huòyuán shùnbiàn chōu yòngjīn — Those people hang around the docks touting, specializing in finding suppliers for people and taking a commission on the side.