uShip Reviews
uShip’s competitive rates and unique shipping services make it a marketplace worth checking out.
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Key Points:
- While most car shipping companies act as brokers, uShip is a marketplace that allows car shipping carriers to bid on your leads.
- Customers can both browse instant rates on uShip’s website or post a job for carriers to bid on. Allowing carriers to bid on your shipment will ultimately cost you less.
- uShip offers a variety of shipping services that include international car shipping and moving services.
Each year, our expert review team conducts an in-depth analysis of the top car shipping companies in the country. We perform a secret shopper analysis to gain insights into overall customer experience, collect hundreds of quotes on popular routes across the U.S., survey past clients, and comb through hundreds of online reviews.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at uShip reviews, costs, and transportation options to give you a full picture of this online shipping marketplace.
Our uShip Review And Methodology
Reputation, cost, services, and customer experience are the criteria we use to formulate our methodology and review auto shipping companies. Here are further details on these categories and how we think uShip measures up in each of them regardless of being a marketplace.
Reliability
Our latest auto shipping survey conducted in August 2023 proved that reputation matters – almost a quarter of respondents named it as the single most important factor they consider when choosing a shipping provider.
We evaluate a company’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, years of experience, and state availability when rating for reliability. Since 2003, uShip has been helping car owners ship their cars. It now boasts an A+ rating and accreditation from the BBB. The company also facilitates vehicle shipments in all 50 states and even internationally.
Pricing
For this review, our team gathered quotes from uShip to ship an operable 2019 Mazda CX-5 various distances through open transport (meaning the car is hauled on an open-air trailer, usually with several other vehicles). The rates we received were generally on the lower end for the industry.
Services
We consider uShip a great marketplace because it allows customers to post shipping jobs to its platform for bids from independent carriers. This separates uShip from auto shipping companies that act as traditional brokers and leads to competitive bidding. The company offers fast transit times and the option to send your vehicle to and from centralized shipping terminals.
Customer Experience
Our team considers customer reviews on the BBB, Trustpilot, and Google when gauging the customer experience a car shipping company provides. We also use results from our most recent 2023 survey of 1,000 consumers who have shipped a vehicle. In this survey we found that 88 percent of respondents who chose uShip to transport their vehicle were either very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with their experience.
These survey results align with uShip customer reviews on various sites. The company has a rating of 4.4 out of 5.0 from over 11,300 reviews on Trustpilot, along with a 4.6-star rating from over 400 customer reviews on the BBB.
We found the process of collecting quotes from uShip to be simple and quick, as it only took about two minutes to obtain a quote online. Getting a quote for enclosed transport, however, is a bit more involved, as you have to create an account and set up a listing to do so. Still, even that is a relatively fast and easy process.
uShip Overview
Founded: 2003
Headquarters: Austin, Texas
Service Area: All 50 states, plus international and overseas shipping
uShip is a marketplace for various shipping services. You can use it for short- or long-distance car shipping and other goods you might want to move – including animals, household items, RVs, motorcycles, boats, furniture, and heavy equipment. In our latest 2023 shipping survey, 16 percent of respondents chose uShip for their transport needs.
The uShip marketplace works a little differently than standard auto transporters: instead of having a dedicated shipping fleet, uShip allows independent carriers to bid against each other for your business. uShip has partnerships with eBay Inc. and Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers – the largest auctioneer of heavy equipment.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car With uShip?
According to our auto shipping consumer survey, cost was the second most important factor when choosing a car shipping provider. uShip auto transport rates depend on several factors, including the following:
- Shipping distance: A longer route comes with lower per-mile rates but higher costs overall.
- Transport type: Enclosed auto transport is more expensive than open car shipping.
- Delivery method: Door-to-door service is more convenient than terminal-to-terminal shipping, but also costs more.
- The winning bid: uShip operates as a marketplace rather than a shipping broker, so the rate for your vehicle shipment depends heavily on the winning bidder.
- Vehicle size: Large SUVs and pickup trucks cost more to ship than smaller cars.
- Vehicle condition: Inoperable vehicles are more expensive to ship because they require more effort to load and unload.
- Time of year: January and the summer months tend to bring the highest car shipping rates.
- Fuel prices: When gas prices go up, so do car shipping costs.
uShip Car Shipping Quotes
To give you an idea of uShip costs, our team reached out for quotes in January 2024. These prices are for shipping an operable 2019 Mazda CX-5 and represent instant quotes for open transport. You may find lower quotes by using the marketplace listing option and having carriers bid on your shipment.
| Shipping Route | Shipping Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL to Nashville, TN | 470 miles | $500 |
| Phoenix, AZ to Minneapolis, MN | 1,640 miles | $1,036 |
| Boston, MA to Los Angeles, CA | 2,985 miles | $1,723 |
uShip Marketplace Bid Examples
When you post your job to the marketplace at uShip.com, multiple carriers may bid on it. For example, a customer wanted to send their Mazda Tribute from Los Angeles to Dubuque, Iowa. They received seven bids. The bids started at $1,885, with the lowest being $1,549.
In another example, someone was looking to ship their Ford F-150 from Austin, Texas, to Seattle. They also received seven bids. The bids started at $2,149, and the lowest bid was $1,591. If you aren’t in a rush and don’t need expedited services or an instant quote, letting carriers bid on your shipping job can save you a substantial amount of money.
Research The Shipper
When you find a price that looks good, it’s up to you to research the shipper. Each shipper has a profile with reviews and an overall rating. Also, check into whether the shipper provides insurance. uShip sells cargo insurance separately for peace of mind.
CEO of SGT Auto Transport, Jack Savov, shares sage advice regarding warning signs to look for when conducting your research:
“One of the most concerning signs is that the company cannot be found online or there is no recent information about them available… In general, if a car shipping company appears to be unprofessional or does not inspire confidence, it is best to look for a different company to ensure a smooth and successful car shipment.”
Check For USDOT And MC Numbers
To make sure a carrier is legitimate and carries adequate insurance, you can look at their USDOT and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Carriers should post these on their profiles or websites.
You can verify the numbers on the site of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These numbers mean that the carrier is registered with the FMCSA and follows all regulations in cargo insurance and shipping as set by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Communicate With The Shipper
Once you accept a bid, you’ll communicate with the shipping provider to coordinate pickup and drop-off. uShip itself is only involved in the quote and booking processes, not shipping. However, you can reach out to uShip customer support if you have problems with the shipper.
uShip Fee
On top of your baseline shipping cost, uShip charges a fee from $25 to $150. In some uShip reviews, customers mention being caught off guard by this service charge at checkout, but uShip fees apply to all car shipping quotes. You can also pay extra for insurance through uShip, but some shippers already provide insurance.
uShip Auto Shipping Services
You can use uShip’s services to transport any vehicle in the following ways:
- Open auto transport: Ships your car on an open-air trailer. This is the cheapest car shipping option but leaves your vehicle exposed to the elements and road hazards.
- Enclosed transport: Protects your car from the weather and other hazards but is a more expensive option.
- Expedited shipping: Rushes the pickup and/or delivery of your vehicle for an additional fee.
- Door-to-door delivery: Picks your car up and drops it off at locations you specify.
- International shipping: Ships your car anywhere in the world, across borders and even oceans.
Thousands of service providers are on the uShip marketplace. These providers include carriers, large car shipping companies, brokers, and lone truck drivers. Shipping details will vary depending on which contractor you choose. More than a few uShip reviews mention it isn’t difficult to pursue contractors who offer the services you require.
While many shippers include insurance with their shipping fees, it’s not guaranteed. Check with your shipper to learn whether it provides insurance or not. As mentioned, uShip offers optional shipping insurance for an additional fee.
Ship With Confidence Guarantee
Not all uShip customers choose extra insurance coverage. For some peace of mind, uShip offers the “Ship With Confidence” guarantee, which reimburses you up to $500 if you have trouble getting a refund from a carrier or can’t collect on a damage claim. This takes a bit of the hassle out of shipping a car.
uShip Mobile App
Unlike most car shipping companies, uShip offers a mobile app for customers and service providers. If a provider has GPS location services turned on, you can see the car’s real-time location throughout the journey. You’ll also get push notifications on pickup and delivery through the uShip app.
uShip Moving Services
uShip is also popular for moves between states or across the country. It can connect you with moving companies and truckers with extra space on their rigs for shipping boxes, household items, machinery, and more.
When you get a quote, you can specify the size of the apartment or home you need to move. You can select anything from a studio to a five-bedroom house or larger. uShip can also arrange for office relocations, including breaking down and reassembling cubicles.
Next, select the type of moving service you want:
- White glove
- Movers load your belongings
- You load your belongings
uShip’s moving service works best if you have a flexible time frame. Shipping providers are often looking to pick up extra cargo along their routes, so you might need to keep your expectations open to their schedule.
You can also use uShip to move extra items that don’t fit well in a standard moving truck. Things such as pianos, hot tubs, ATVs, and motorcycles can be tricky to move, so uShip’s wide network of transportation service providers can come in handy.
uShip Customer Reviews
Our team has carefully combed through close to 1,000 reviews in the car shipping industry to better understand customer satisfaction regarding uShip’s services. uShip holds an A+ rating and accreditation from the BBB, and the auto transport company has fielded around 50 complaints in the past three years through this review platform. On Trustpilot, the provider has a customer review score of 4.4 out of 5.0 based on over 11,300 reviews.
As previously mentioned, over 88 percent of our survey respondents who chose uShip to transport their vehicle were either very or somewhat satisfied with their experience. However, some other top car shipping companies like Montway and Sherpa scored slightly higher in this metric.
Positive uShip Reviews
In many of the positive uShip reviews, satisfied customers praise the company for its simple process and excellent prices. Many reviewers are pleased with the transporter they’re matched with, and over 75 percent rate uShip the full 5.0 stars.
Negative uShip Reviews
Negative uShip reviews often include complaints about price fluctuations, which are common for auto shipping since it’s hard to determine an exact cost up front. Other less-than-stellar uShip reviews say customer service is poor when resolving issues with drivers. However, when uShip doesn’t get positive reviews, its customer service agents respond and try to help.
Positive uShip reviews still outweigh negative uShip reviews, with most customers claiming satisfaction with the company’s process and prices.
How To Ship With uShip
If you’re wondering how to transport your car with uShip, you will need to:
- Create a uShip account: Once your account is set up, uShip will ask you to list your shipment. You’ll provide details about your car such as its year, make, model, and whether it’s a convertible or has modifications.
- Specify your pickup and delivery locations: From there, you’ll receive instant rates from multiple providers. These rates specify the type of transport, cost, and customer ratings for the available shippers.
- Create a listing: Choosing an instant rate is the quickest way to ship, but if you can wait, you can get an even lower rate by posting your request for bidding. When you create a listing, uShip will ask you to specify the earliest and latest pickup and delivery dates, the service type (open or enclosed), and any additional details or special instructions.
- Choose a bid: Once you post your listing, shippers start bidding for your contract, driving the cost down. After choosing your shipper, you’ll work out the pickup and delivery details together.
How uShip Handles Payments
The way uShip handles payments depends on the shipment cost. If you’re only shipping one vehicle, the cost should be less than $5,000, but if you’re shipping more than one vehicle or need overseas transport, it may cost more.
- For shipments less than $5,000: You must pay in full when booking through uShip’s payment processor. uShip holds the payment in escrow until you authorize its release after your car reaches its destination.
- For shipments above $5,000: You must pay a booking deposit on the uShip website, and you don’t pay the total until your shipment arrives.
What To Know For A Successful Auto Shipment
Below are some things to keep in mind to ensure your auto shipment is a successful one.
Prices Can Change
uShip allows brokers to bid on shipments. A broker won’t immediately have access to final carrier pricing, so it’s possible your price will increase if you work with a broker through uShip.
Don’t Look For Rock-Bottom Prices
As a marketplace, uShip doesn’t vet any carriers or brokers beyond ensuring they’re licensed. If you hold out for a rock-bottom price, you may end up working with a less experienced or less reputable carrier. Think about who you want to take care of your car on its journey, not just about finding the cheapest rate.
Be Flexible
Pickup and drop-off dates may not align with your ideal plan. Some brokers guarantee pickup dates, but almost no one guarantees drop-off dates. Anything can happen on the road to delay a shipment, so be as flexible as possible. You can also authorize someone you know to meet the truck driver if you can’t be there.
uShip Reviews: Conclusion
If you’re looking for affordable car shipping with a variety of transport services, it’s worth reaching out to uShip for a quote or posting your shipment on its website. However, we recommend doing some additional research into the carrier you select, through uShip, to verify its reliability and insurance coverage before committing to a shipment.
uShip Car Shipping: Competitors
If you’re seeking the best rates and services for your auto shipping needs, always compare quotes from multiple brokers and shippers. Savov from SGT Auto Transport stresses the following:
“For a first-time car shipper, I recommend investing sufficient time into the research phase to determine the type of service needed. Whether it’s for relocating or for a guaranteed pickup service, comparing prices and evaluating the pros and cons of at least two to three companies is highly recommended.”
Two of the best car shipping companies in the industry that we recommend considering are Montway Auto Transport and Sherpa Auto Transport.
Montway Auto Transport: 4.7 Out Of 5.0 Stars
Montway Auto Transport is an auto shipping broker that pairs you with a carrier from a vast network of over 30,000 carriers. Like uShip, the company has competitive prices and strong customer reviews. Montway has an A+ rating and accreditation from the BBB and a customer rating of 4.6 out of 5.0 stars.
We give Montway Auto Transport superlative for the Best Overall provider of car shipping services because it combines low rates with a high level of customer service. Montway does a superb job of communicating with customers throughout the shipping process, and with live chat until midnight CST, customers can check their shipment status at almost any time.
Read our full Montway Auto Transport review to learn more.
Sherpa Auto Transport: 4.4 Out Of 5.0 Stars
uShip and Montway Auto Transport are highly regarded by customers, but Sherpa Auto Transport has even better customer reviews. The shipping company has an A+ rating from the BBB and a near-perfect customer score of 4.9 stars. Sherpa Auto Transport gets our award for Positive Customer Experience, thanks to its outstanding reviews from customers.
You can learn more in our in-depth Sherpa Auto Transport review.
FAQ: uShip Reviews
Here are some frequently asked questions about the uShip marketplace:
Is uShip a reliable site?
uShip has an A+ rating from the BBB and a 4.4 out of 5.0-star rating from customers on Trustpilot. The company, which has been in business since 2003, hosts an online marketplace for various shipping services where independent carriers bid on the posted jobs.
How much of a fee does uShip charge?
In addition to shipping costs, uShip charges a service fee from $25 to $150. The company says this charge is calculated based on the commodity being shipped.
Can you get scammed on uShip?
Since uShip is a marketplace for third-party shipping services, in rare cases, fraud and scams do exist on the platform. It’s up to you as a customer to research shippers and make sure they have reliable reputations before signing up for a service.
How does uShip bidding work?
After posting your shipment details, you’ll receive bids from shippers in the auto transportation marketplace. You’ll get bids in just a few minutes in some cases, while in other cases it may take a few days to receive bids. You can then accept the bid you like and pay for the shipment.
How We Rate Auto Shipping Companies
Our review team extensively researches car shipping providers to deliver informed and unbiased assessments of leading companies. We evaluate several key rating factors that are important to consumers to determine which providers are the best in the industry:
- Reliability: Providers that earn strong ratings from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and have a long history in the auto transport industry score well in this category.
- Services: We take a look at what types of transport services are available through each company, including open and enclosed transport, door-to-door shipping, and more. Those with wider service selections are more likely to meet consumers’ needs.
- Pricing: Our team performs a secret shopper analysis to get quotes for a variety of shipping routes and services. We compare each company’s costs to industry average prices to see how it stands up to the competition.
- Customer Experience: We consider customer reviews on sites like the BBB and Trustpilot to better understand the consumer experience. Car shipping companies with convenient quote processes also perform well in this category.
