2 And if he stipulated with him that he will give him his wages, even though he didn't clarify how much he'll give him, his law is like one who sets a price, since the heathen is depending on it and is taking the effort for his own sake. But if he didn't mention it, even though his intention is that he'll give him wages, it is forbidden since he isn't depending on it and is taking the effort for the sake of the Jew.
3 If he employed him daily, something fixed every day when he travels and when he returns, but he isn't particular with him regarding when he should travel, if it's the eve of Shabbat, then it's forbidden because when he leaves on Shabbat, it appears as if he stipulated with him as such.
4 (If) the heathen carries the letter for free, even if he gave it to him on the eve of Shabbat, it is permitted because the heathen is doing this on his own and it is only to return favor to the Jew because of what he received from him, and it is as if he established a price. Gloss: And there are some who disagree and they maintain that anyone who does it for free is prohibited. And it's good to be stringent. But in a place where the heathen takes the initiative with the Jew saying that he'll travel for free, certainly his intention is on the benefit that he received from him and it's permitted. (Beis Yosef).
5 If the heathen is traveling to another location on his own accord and a Jew gives him a letter, it is permitted in all cases.
4 One who employs a heathen for the period of a year or more is forbidden from sending a letter with him on the eve of Shabbat. Gloss: However, if he is only employed for letter-carrying, there some who permit, as it was established prior in Siman 244, section 6.
248: Law of One Who Sets Out on a Voyage by Ship and One Who Travels with a Caravan with Regard to Shabbat.
1 It is permitted to commence a voyage by ship, even on the eve of Shabbat, if he is traveling for the purpose of a Mitzvah. And he agrees with him to rest on Shabbat. And if he subsequently will not rest, it does not matter. But for a personal reason, one may not commence a voyage by ship within three days before Shabbat. Gloss: However, before three days, it is permitted, even in a ship that is dragged by animals – even if the depth of the water is less than ten hand breaths [Mahari"k, Shoresh 45];
