Founded in 2003, uShip is a unique car shipping marketplace based in Austin, Texas, that provides the opportunity to save big on auto transport. Unlike most car shipping companies, uShip offers a marketplace model similar to eBay or Craigslist, where users list details about their car shipping needs and carriers bid on the job.
uShip allows customers to quickly get and compare affordable rates, but the platform isn’t a good fit for all situations. Customers’ needs must match a truck driver’s route and timeline, which isn’t always possible. uShip doesn’t vet the providers on its platform, but it does offer safety features like limited damage reimbursement, a three-step payment process, and carrier reviews.
Some of uShip’s customer reviews report negative shipping experiences with unprofessional carriers, while others are overwhelmingly positive. If you want to use uShip, checking a carrier’s reviews before working with them is best.
Check out this guide to weigh the pros and cons of working with uShip and consider whether it’s a match for your needs.
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Key Takeaways
- uShip is a car shipping marketplace that allows consumers to book space on car carriers at discounted shipping rates.
- Customers list vehicles and other items for shipping and receive bids in real-time from various shippers, but uShip does not vet its transportation service providers. The customer experience largely depends on the quality of the shippers, which are not affiliated with uShip.
- uShip offers complimentary damage and loss coverage, a mobile app for live tracking, and an escrow-based payment system to protect customers from car shipping scams.
- uShip maintains excellent ratings across consumer feedback sites like Yelp, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau. While some customers complain of communication issues and lost or damaged items, online reviews of uShip are overwhelmingly positive.
Table of Contents
uShip: Pros & Cons
uShip operates as a digital matchmaking service between car shipping companies and customers needing transportation. This unique setup comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- Ship with Confidence Guarantee provides a $500 reimbursement for damage or loss
- Great for shipping a single large item or vehicle
- Much cheaper than traditional car shipping companies
- Three-step escrow-based payment system
- Access customer support through the uShip website or mobile app
Cons
- No local moves or full-service moving available
- May not find a shipper that matches your specific needs
- uShip doesn’t vet carriers, so quality varies
How Much Does uShip Cost?
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to 800 to ship a vehicle through uShip. This is roughly half the price you would pay with another car shipping company for comparable service.
However, it’s important to note that car shipping costs vary based on a lot of factors:
- Distance: The farther the distance, the higher the shipping cost. Long-distance hauls require more fuel and time, contributing to increased expenses.
- Vehicle size and weight: Larger and heavier items incur higher shipping costs because of the additional space and resources required for transportation.
- Urgency: Few carriers on uShip can offer last-minute or expedited shipping, but some do. If they’re available, expedited shipping options come with a higher price tag to accommodate the tighter turnaround time.
- Add-ons or upgrades: Add-ons like cargo insurance and door-to-door delivery may incur extra charges, but they offer more convenience and peace of mind.
Here’s a glimpse into how much it costs to ship a car various distances through uShip:
| Item | Distance (miles) | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | 500 | $300–$500 |
| Small car | 1,000 | $600–$800 |
| Truck | 500 | $400–$600 |
| Heavy Equipment | 1,500 | $1,200–$1,500 |
These are rough estimates, and actual costs may vary based on individual circumstances and market fluctuations. Ultimately, it’s best to request a quote through the uShip marketplace to see what carriers are willing to bid for your shipment.
uShip Services
uShip doesn’t provide services directly because it’s a marketplace. uShip.com is a platform that matches car shipping carriers and customers, primarily handling communication and payment.
However, uShip customers can purchase a range of services from carriers, including:
- Vehicle shipping: Whether it’s cars, motorcycles, SUVs, or RVs, uShip facilitates the transportation of vehicles of all shapes and sizes.
- Household goods shipping: uShip simplifies the shipping process by offering hassle-free transportation of your boxed or crated household items.
- Heavy goods transport: Need to move heavy machinery or industrial equipment? uShip’s network of specialized carriers ensures safe and efficient transportation for machinery up to 45,000 pounds.
- Animal transport: Not all carriers offer this, but some providers on uShip offer pet transport. Some even specialize in shipping exotic animals.
Customers also have the option to upgrade cargo insurance through uShip’s third-party insurance partners, offering more than uShip’s $500 Ship with Confidence Guarantee coverage. Visit the uShip website, to learn more about its insurance upgrades.
uShip vs. the Competition
uShip stands out from other auto transport companies because it’s a marketplace, not a broker. That isn’t good or bad — it simply affects how the company operates, making it a better fit for customers with specific needs.
Here’s how uShip compares to some of our other picks for best car shippers.
Montway Auto Transport
Montway Auto Transport is the way to go if you want enclosed vehicle shipping. It offers an on-time delivery guarantee for an additional fee and an impressive $100,000 in basic insurance coverage, with the option to increase the amount to $250,000 in some cases.
That’s much more reassuring than uShip’s $500 complimentary reimbursement, although many carriers also offer their own insurance policies in addition to uShip’s coverage.
Montway only offers car shipping, though, so uShip is the better option if you want to ship a variety of goods or equipment.
Easy Auto Ship
Easy Auto Ship , on the other hand, is a uShip competitor that also offers affordable pricing. Like uShip, it provides domestic and international shipments and instant quotes online. It does offer last-minute shipping, making Easy Auto Ship a better fit for customers on a tight timeline. It’s also one of our top picks for best military car shipping companies, particularly if you need to move a specialty vehicle like a motorcycle.
Let’s see how these three companies stack against each other.
| Car Shipping Company | State Availability | Better Business Bureau (BBB) Score | Available Discounts |
|---|---|---|---|
| uShip | 50 states and international | A+ rating | Military |
| Easy Auto Ship | 50 states and international | A+ rating | Cash |
| Montway Auto Transport | 50 states | A+ rating | Students, military, and seniors |
Is uShip Right for You?
uShip’s unique setup might not be the best fit for some customers. If you want to work directly with a vetted broker, options like Easy Auto Ship or Montway would be a better fit for your needs. It also isn’t the best fit for customers moving to more rural delivery locations because of limited mover availability for these routes.
However, uShip is an excellent deal if you have a flexible time frame and don’t mind shopping around for a carrier. The platform offers more affordable rates than most moving companies, making it an affordable option for anyone on a budget.
As always, it’s best to source quotes from at least three companies before selecting a carrier. We recommend getting estimates from multiple carriers on uShip and from other car shipping providers, like Easy Auto Ship or Montway Auto Transport , to get a better idea of pricing for your situation. You can also check out our car shipping calculator to help you get started.
FAQ
How much of a fee does uShip charge?
uShip charges a fee ranging from $50 to $150. Unfortunately, there’s no way of knowing how much your service fee will be until you receive bids for your move. At that point, the uShip platform calculates the fee and includes it in your cost breakdown.
How does uShip work?
uShip works as an online marketplace connecting individuals and businesses in need of shipping services with qualified service providers. Customers list their shipment details, including the type of item, pickup and drop-off locations, and desired timeline.
Service providers then bid on the shipment, offering competitive quotes. Customers review the bids, select a service provider based on their preferences, and coordinate the shipment through the uShip platform.
What types of car shipping does uShip auto transport offer?
uShip auto transport offers car shipping for multiple types of vehicles, including cars, SUVs, trucks, heavy machinery, and motorcycles. These options may include open or enclosed car shipping and door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal delivery. Customers can choose the option that best suits their preferences and budget when arranging auto transport through uShip.
