The origin of the haulage industry in Siberia originated in the second half of the XVIII century. City cabs were divided into dray (transported goods) and passenger (transported riders). In addition, there was a division of cabs into exchange and non-exchange. Permanent parking places were determined for stock cabs. The second ones did not have permanent parking places, therefore they were called "staggering". The townspeople called them "vanka".
To engage in the haulage trade, it was necessary to obtain permission from the city authorities. The driver was given an official badge (a tin label with a number) and indicated the place where he should stand.
Cabmen were forbidden to leave their horses unattended, crowd at entrances, inns and drinking establishments, and stop in the middle of the street.
It was prescribed to serve the carriages "quietly, in turn," and not to race. When driving, keep to the right side. Riding should be moderate and prudent, overtaking other carriages was allowed only if necessary. "For careless and excessively fast driving", a penalty was imposed under Article 123 of the Charter on Punishments (careless and excessively fast driving, as well as "taking control of horses to an incapable or drunk person"; punishment was arrest for seven days and a fine of 25 rubles).
In order to avoid accidents with passengers and pedestrians, the cabmen were obliged to be sober at the workplace, not to molest passers-by with the offer of their services, not to shout, not to whistle, and in general "not to violate public order and silence."
According to the resolutions of the city authorities, certain duties were imposed on the cabmen. At the request of police officials and police officers, they were obliged to "carry sick, bruised, drunk and suddenly dead people raised on the street for free," as well as police officers going to a fire or "chasing thieves, robbers and other suspicious persons."