100K+ Customers Moved
Pros
- Choice between upfront payment or cash on delivery
- Additional insurance options
- Competition among carriers and brokers for your business
- Availability of Ship With Confidence guarantee and Protection Plan
Cons
- Lack of carrier vetting
- Absence of guaranteed rates
- No assurance of pickup dates
Overview
When it comes to having (almost) complete control over your vehicle shipping requirements, uShip emerges as a popular option. This platform connects shipping customers with numerous drivers, enabling them to obtain quotes for their shipments. This approach differs significantly from that of most other auto transport companies, prompting some individuals to question whether uShip is the right choice for them.
uShip operates as a marketplace rather than a carrier or traditional broker. It offers a platform where shipping customers can post the details of their vehicle shipment or other items, enabling them to receive bids from multiple carriers. Despite not being a carrier itself, uShip has successfully served over 6 million shipping customers since its establishment 21 years ago.
Transport Services
The services accessible to the customer will vary depending on the individual carriers that bid on their listing. Nevertheless, customers are free to request any services they desire. Here are some common services that shipping customers might seek:
Local Shipping
Customers have the option to submit bids for local moves, allowing them to post requests on uShip for moving vehicles short distances when they are unable to drive themselves. Notably, there is no minimum distance requirement for such requests.
Long-Distance Shipping
Customers looking to ship their cars, trucks, boats, RVs, or motorcycles across the country can also submit requests to uShip carriers. With carriers operating in all 50 states, uShip customers should have no difficulty locating a long-distance car shipping company to manage their shipment.
International Shipping
International shipping is also an option through certain listing networks on uShip. Customers can create a listing by inputting the pickup city, drop-off city, contact information, and vehicle details to receive car shipping quotes for their international shipments.
Expedited Shipping
Like any other request, uShip customers can also submit listings for short-notice shipping. Expedited shipping typically involves higher costs compared to flexible arrangements. However, if a customer needs to ship their vehicle promptly, they can request expedited shipping when filling out their bid request form. Notably, like trailer type, this option cannot be selected when obtaining an instant quote directly from uShip.
Door-to-Door
Door-to-door shipping is also available for uShip customers; however, it should be specified in their bid request. Similar to other options, door-to-door shipping cannot be selected during an instant quote. Nonetheless, it can typically be arranged with the chosen carrier once the customer selects them.
Open or Closed Trailer
uShip customers have the flexibility to specify their preferred trailer type in their post, whether it’s an open or closed trailer. While open trailers are usually the more economical choice, they offer less protection from road hazards compared to enclosed trailers. Interestingly, customers can select this option during their instant quote request on uShip.
uShip Protection Plan
Customers who prioritize comprehensive coverage for their vehicles during transport have the option to purchase uShip’s Protection Plan. While the plan does come with several stipulations and exclusions, it generally provides coverage for most vehicles during domestic shipments. In the event of vehicle damage, customers are required to file a case within seven days and adhere to the procedures outlined by uShip.
It’s crucial to understand that the protection plan does not serve as a substitute for the carrier’s insurance. Customers should not anticipate paying an uninsured carrier and relying solely on the protection plan to cover their items.
How Does Shipping with uShip Work?
When a customer posts their shipping listing on the uShip marketplace, any interested shipping carrier can submit a bid to fulfill the shipment. However, customers have the option to review each carrier’s feedback from previous customers. It’s important to note that uShip does not vet or certify carriers beyond verifying their business license to operate. Consequently, factors such as insurance coverage and interstate endorsements are not guaranteed, so customers should conduct thorough research before making a decision.
As a marketplace, uShip attracts carriers from across the country, offering shipping options in all 50 states. Customers have the flexibility to request the shipment of a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, boats, motorcycles, and other vehicles. Additionally, uShip carriers are equipped to handle the transportation of large household items, heavy equipment, and even animals.
Obtaining a quote from uShip is remarkably straightforward. Setting up an account takes mere seconds, after which you fill out the vehicle and move details and submit the request. Whether for local or long-distance shipments, the process remains equally simple. The necessary information includes pickup and delivery cities, contact details, and vehicle information.
Creating a Listing
Creating a listing on uShip follows a straightforward process: It begins with the same steps as obtaining an instant quote. Once you receive your three quotes, there will be a button on the screen labeled “create a listing.”
The listing form on uShip is pre-populated with essential information such as contact details, vehicle information, and locations. Users only need to fill out a date range for pick-up, a date range for drop-off, select between an open or enclosed trailer, upload some pictures, and provide any special instructions (up to 1,200 characters). Once the form is complete, users can post the listing and anticipate receiving quotes.
This option usually comes at a lower cost compared to the instant quote, but it’s important for customers to verify that their chosen carrier possesses the necessary licenses and insurance to safeguard the vehicle.
Pricing
There are two types of pricing options available with uShip: instant quotes and marketplace listings. Our findings suggest that uShip’s instant quotes tend to be pricier than the industry average. However, customers often have the opportunity to secure more budget-friendly pricing through a marketplace listing.
Using the platform incurs a fee. The quotes we received encompass both uShip’s service fee and cargo insurance. These charges fluctuate depending on your vehicle. In the quotes provided, uShip’s fee ranged from $40 to $100, while cargo insurance was approximately $150.
| VEHICLE | SERVICE | DISTANCE | uShip Rate | MONTWAY | TEMPUS LOGIX |
| Toyota Rav4 | Open | 2,400 miles | $2,401 | $1,419 | $1,818 |
| Toyota Rav4 | Open | 40 miles | $397 | $319 | $388 |
Customer Support
For uShip auto transport customer support, you can reach out via their website or app. They offer assistance through email, live chat, or phone support. Their dedicated team is available to help with any inquiries or issues regarding your auto transport needs.
If you encounter challenges delivering a shipment or have difficulties with an active shipment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to uShip Support. You can contact them anytime at support@uship.com or by calling 1-800-698-7447 during their regular business hours for assistance.
Bottom Line
uShip could be an excellent option for individuals comfortable taking control of their vehicle shipment process. Customers stand to save significant amounts of money using uShip, whether shipping locally, nationally, or internationally. The platform offers additional perks such as GPS tracking, accommodation of custom requests, secure payment options, and the capability to ship a wide variety of vehicles or items, making it a compelling choice.
However, there are certain considerations for potential customers. Firstly, customers must ensure to verify the carrier’s insurance and licenses. If they are not willing to thoroughly investigate the carrier’s credentials, the potential risk associated with using a uShip carrier may outweigh the cost savings. Additionally, customers should acquaint themselves with uShip’s dispute resolution policy.
