I frequently hear “bring” when the speaker means “take” instead.

Problem:
The verbs “bring” and “take” are not interchangeable.

Explanation:
Use “take” when you (or another speaker) are telling the listener to transport something to a location other than where you (or another speaker) currently reside.

“Take” Examples:
1. Please take this package to my friend in London.
2. Jim, who today is in Houston on business, asked Mary to take the package to his friend in London.

Use “bring” when you (or another speaker) are telling the listener to transport something to a location where you (or another speaker) currently reside.

“Bring” Examples:
1. Please bring the package to me.
2. Jim, who lives in Denver, asked Mary to bring the package to him from his friend in London.

Solution:
Use “bring” when the person making the request is at the destination.
Use “take” when the person making the request is NOT at the destination.