uship.com
What uShip.com Is
uShip is an online shipping marketplace connecting people and businesses that need to ship items with carriers who can transport them. It’s not a traditional freight company that picks up and delivers goods itself. Instead, it lets customers list what they need shipped and then receive bids from independent carriers and logistics providers who compete for the job. (uShip)
Here’s the core idea: you tell uShip what you want to ship — a car, furniture, heavy equipment, even a horse — and carriers with available space and capacity make offers. You compare those offers and choose what works best for your budget and timing. (uShip)
uShip was founded in 2003/2004 in Austin, Texas and has grown into one of the largest online freight marketplaces, serving customers globally with thousands of carriers in its network. (Wikipedia)
How uShip Works
Posting a Shipment
You start by creating a listing on uShip:
Describe your item — weight, size, category (e.g., vehicle, furniture, equipment).
Provide pickup and delivery details — locations and desired dates.
Submit the shipment and wait for carriers to bid. (uShip)
Bids & Selection
Carriers send you competitive bids. They vary based on:
The route
Timing flexibility
Type of transport
Carrier reputation
You read reviews, compare pricing, and choose the carrier that suits your needs. (uShip)
Payment & Protection
uShip uses an escrow-based payment system. That means you typically pay into uShip first, and the carrier doesn’t see the money until the delivery is confirmed. This helps protect both sides. There’s also optional damage and loss coverage available. (FreightWaves)
What You Can Ship
uShip isn’t limited to one type of item. Common categories include:
Vehicles — cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, ATVs, boats
Furniture & household goods
Heavy equipment and machinery
Less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload freight
Specialty and oversized cargo (uShip)
More niche or high-value items usually require selecting carriers with specific capabilities (e.g., enclosed trailers for antique cars). (uShip)
Who Uses uShip
There are two main types of users:
Shippers — individuals or businesses needing transportation for items.
Carriers — professional transport companies or independent drivers who bid on jobs. (uShip)
Carriers use uShip to fill spare space on their trucks and earn extra revenue. Shippers use it to save money and find flexible transport options.
Benefits of Using uShip
Here’s what people commonly cite as advantages:
Competitive pricing: Because carriers bid against each other, rates can be lower than traditional quotes. (Clark Howard)
Wide network: Thousands of carriers provide options across categories and routes. (uShip)
Flexibility: You can often negotiate timing, price, and services directly with carriers. (uShip)
Customer reviews: Each carrier has a profile with feedback, so you get insight into past performance. (uShip)
Escrow payments: Funds are held until delivery confirmation, which adds a layer of security. (FreightWaves)
Limitations & Things to Watch Out For
uShip’s marketplace model has some downsides and user-reported challenges:
Carrier quality varies: uShip doesn’t vet carriers the way a dedicated freight company might, so experiences can differ substantially. Reviews are crucial here. (FreightWaves)
Service issues can happen: Delays, miscommunication, or unsatisfactory carrier performance are possible, and uShip’s ability to intervene varies. (Better Business Bureau)
Not ideal for full home moves: Some reviewers suggest uShip isn’t the best choice if you’re relocating an entire household — it’s better suited for individual items, vehicles, or freight. (moveBuddha)
Fees and service costs: Some users have noted high fees or added costs depending on service selection. (Automoblog)
Typical User Experience
Positive experiences mentioned by users include:
Easy bidding process with several competitive quotes.
Quick pickup and delivery.
Clear communication from carriers. (Trustpilot)
Negative or mixed experiences include:
Delays or carriers not showing up on schedule.
Customer service that doesn’t always mediate disputes thoroughly. (Better Business Bureau)
In short, your experience often depends more on the carrier you pick than on uShip itself.
uShip for Business
uShip also offers logistics solutions tailored to businesses that need regular shipping services, including:
E-commerce deliveries
Returns and reverse logistics
API integrations
Freight and palletized shipping solutions (uShip)
This can help companies automate their shipping processes while tapping into uShip’s carrier network.
Key Takeaways
uShip is a shipping marketplace, not a direct carrier — it connects shippers with carriers who bid on jobs. (uShip)
You list what you need to ship, get competitive bids, and choose a carrier based on price, reviews, and service terms. (uShip)
It can be cost-effective and flexible, especially for vehicles, freight, and large items. (Clark Howard)
Carrier quality isn’t guaranteed, so reading reviews and selecting carefully matters. (FreightWaves)
Experiences vary widely — from smooth and affordable to delayed or frustrating depending on the chosen carrier. (Better Business Bureau)
FAQ
Is uShip a shipping company?
No. It’s an online marketplace where carriers bid on your shipment, similar to an auction model. You hire the carrier, not uShip directly. (uShip)
How do I get a quote?
You create a shipment listing with details, and carriers send you bids that you compare. (uShip)
Does uShip handle payment?
Yes — uShip uses an escrow system where your payment is held until delivery is confirmed. (FreightWaves)
Are carriers vetted?
Carriers have reviews and ratings, but uShip does not pre-qualify every provider before they can bid. Due diligence on your part is important. (FreightWaves)
Can I ship internationally?
uShip operates globally, but the extent of international services depends on carriers in the network and their capabilities. (Wikipedia)
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