UShip Reviews
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With an expansive network of car carriers offering a wide variety of car shipping services, uShip is one of the auto shipping industry’s largest providers. Our team took a deep dive into uShip reviews from customers and carefully examined the shipping marketplace’s pricing and auto transport options.
In this article, we’ll share our uShip findings and mention some other highly rated car shipping companies with high standards similar to those often mentioned in uShip reviews. It’s always wise to compare price quotes from multiple leading transporters so you can find the one that best suits your needs.
Pros | Competitive marketplace pricing, countless carriers, broad shipping availability |
Cons | No guaranteed insurance, doesn't vet carriers |
Bottom Line | uShip gets 4.4 out of 5.0 stars for the extent of its shipping marketplace, though drivers must be careful when picking carriers. |
Table of contents
uShip Rating: 4.4 Stars
Based on our in-depth research, we awarded uShip 4.4 out of 5.0stars and named it our Best Shipping Marketplace. The company gets high marks for its huge selection of services and excellent industry reputation. Plus, uShip’s ability to serve just about any auto transport need makes it an attractive choice.
Some uShip reviews report issues with how the company has negotiated disputes between carriers and customers, but the vast majority of uShip reviews are positive. Thanks to its business model and reputation, uShip is widely considered one of the top providers in the auto shipping industry.
Reputation |
4.5 |
Price |
4.0 |
Services |
4.5 |
Customer Service |
4.6 |
uShip Overview
Founded: 2003
Headquarters: Austin, Texas
Availability: US mainland, Hawaii, Alaska, and international locations
The business model of uShip differs from most car shipping companies in that it’s a virtual marketplace where you choose a car carrier rather than a broker pairing you with one. To find the best car shipping rates, you post your transport needs on the uShip website, and auto carriers bid to take your contract.
The company was originally founded by Matt Chasen, who in 2001 struggled to find a way to move his belongings from Seattle to Austin, Texas. Eventually, he settled on the uShip marketplace as an effective way to connect customers with shipping providers.
The model used by uShip has become quite popular, as seen by its 6 million customers and 41,000 service providers. The provider claims to have received over 9.1 million listings through the course of its life, and it was the focus of the series "Shipping Wars" on A&E.
According to uShip reviews, this model allows the company to offer extremely competitive pricing in its marketplace. The provider is equipped to meet almost any car shipping request, which you can make on the uShip website and through the uShip mobile app.
How Popular Is uShip?
In our 2021 car shipping survey of 1,000 customers, we found that about eight percent used uShip to move their vehicles. This makes it a moderately popular auto transporter, though the not the biggest one in the industry. Below are the findings from our survey:
While uShip isn't the most popular car shipping company, it is one of the most reputable options on the market. Most uShip reviews make clear that those who pick the company come away largely satisfied with their decisions.
uShip Cost
Because uShip is an online marketplace and not a traditional auto transport broker, it’s difficult for the company to provide standard rates. However, once you’ve set up a uShip account and entered your shipment details, you'll receive instant quotes from carriers.
If you’re not in a hurry to make a selection, you can also post your request as a listing. Carriers will then bid for your shipping order, driving the price down. According to uShip reviews, a listing is usually the best way to get affordable quotes.
uShip Sample Rates
With uShip’s instant quote feature, we received the quotes below for a 1,556-mile vehicle shipment from Los Angeles to Houston.
Vehicle Model |
Shipping Method |
uShip Cost |
|---|---|---|
Toyota RAV4 |
Open carrier |
$1,255.60 |
BMW 7-Series |
Open carrier |
$1,619.50 |
It’s important to note that these are instant quotes. We may have received lower car shipping quotes online if we had listed our shipment on the marketplace. Keep in mind that uShip charges a service fee of $25 to $150 in addition to the car shipping fee.
What Factors Affect Car Shipping Costs?
Auto transport companies use various factors to determine car shipping costs. Here are the most important ones to keep in mind if you’re looking to get the cheapest car shipping prices:
- Shipping distance: Most carriers charge a per-mile fee for car shipping, making long-distance shipping almost always more expensive than transporting cars over a shorter distance. However, carriers also lower their per-mile rate for longer distances, like cross-country shipments, such as New York to California.
- Pickup and drop off options: The cheapest way to ship a car is with terminal-to-terminal shipping, which picks up and drops off your vehicle at centralized locations. Door-to-door shipping allows you to choose your pickup and delivery locations but is significantly more expensive.
- Vehicle type and size: Smaller vehicles generally cost less to ship, meaning vans, SUVs, and trucks will be more expensive to ship than sedans, coupes, and similar vehicles.
- Time of year: The cost of shipping fluctuates depending on the time of year. January and the summer months are generally the most expensive times to transport your vehicle.
- Open vs. enclosed shipping: While open carrier shipping is less expensive than enclosed transport, it leaves your vehicle exposed to road hazards and weather conditions. An enclosed container offers added protection with the extra cost.
- Urgency of request: If you require a short time frame for your vehicle shipment, expect to pay a higher rate.
Other factors may also play a role in determining your car shipping cost. Many uShip reviews say that asking for car shipping quotes through the marketplace is the best way to get reliable and accurate estimates on your upcoming vehicle shipment.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
Drivers typically spend between $1,000 and $2,000 when they opt for one of the best car shipping companies, though exact pricing varies by type of shipment, transport distance, and vehicle make and model. Below is the cost data we received in our 2021 auto transport survey:
One thing that customers mention a lot in uShip reviews is how easy it was to find affordable rates on the company's online marketplace. But it's still good to compare prices from various other auto transporters if you want to make sure you receive the best possible prices for your move.
uShip Services
- Terminal-to-terminal shipping: This shipping method lets auto transporters pick up and drop off vehicles at a terminal instead of at a specific address. It's cheaper but adds extra hassle for customers because they have to travel further from home to go pick up their cars.
- Door-to-door shipping: In this case, a car shipping company will pick up and drop off shipments at a specific address. While convenient, door-to-door shipping isn't the cheapest option.
- Enclosed transport: Vehicles are transported inside an enclosed carrier to keep them safe from environmental factors or flying objects while on the road. Enclosed trailers usually come at a high price, but are often worthwhile for classic cars or luxury vehicles.
- Open transport: The standard option, open transport shipping is relatively affordable but keeps your car at a slightly higher risk of damages during the shipping process.
- Expedited delivery: This option lets uShip customers pay extra to fast-track a vehicle shipment.
Additionally, uShip offers shipping to Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico along with international locations. While it'll likely cost more, the auto transporter can generally ship vehicles just about anywhere.
Types of Vehicles uShip Can Move
As one of the most flexible auto transporters around, uShip delivers just about any type of vehicle. According to uShip reviews, the company knows how to handle specific car transport needs often overlooked by other service providers. Below are a few of the vehicle types that uShip will carry:
- Standard cars and trucks
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles and mopeds
- Boats and personal watercraft
- RVs and commercial trucks
- ATVs and power sports equipment
- Farm and construction equipment
The company can move just about anything, so expect the uShip marketplace to have plenty of shipping options regardless of your order.
uShip Insurance Coverage
Not all car carriers found on the uShip marketplace provide car shipping insurance, which is one of the major downsides found in uShip reviews. Carefully read each offer you receive from uShip to see if insurance coverage is included in your carrier’s plan.
Insurance is a critical aspect of the car shipping process, according to uShip reviews. After all, open vehicle transport often involves your car being moved during inclement weather, which means exposure to the elements. Your vehicle is also vulnerable to being hit by rocks and other flying objects unless you’re using an enclosed transport carrier. Auto shipping insurance protects your car from these potential damages.
If you crave peace of mind with regard to your shipment, it might be worth buying cargo insurance through one of uShip’s third-party insurance companies. This is especially true if your carrier isn’t insured. Cargo insurance, which provides coverage for direct physical losses or damages to the vehicle being shipped after you pay a deductible, is typically available for purchase at checkout.
Ship With Confidence Guarantee
Many drivers mention the "Ship With Confidence Guarantee" when writing positive uShip reviews. This benefit offers up to $500 for those without cargo insurance who paid for a shipment that never occurred or who never received reimbursements after their car was damaged, lost, or stolen during transit.
How Does uShip Work?
You can find an instant quote calculator for standard shipping services on uShip.com, but most customers head to the site for its online marketplace. Through the company's marketplace, transporters will bid on the shipment of everything from household items to heavy equipment and everyday vehicles.
To set up a bid, upload general information about your shipment to the uShip marketplace. Once your listing is posted, you’ll receive offers from car carriers. Be sure to read uShip reviews about each carrier since not all carriers come with insurance coverage. When you find an offer that meets your needs, select your carrier and close your listing.
uShip Cancellation Process
The uShip cancellation process is extremely straightforward if you end up not needing a shipment. According to uShip reviews, customers can log into their account, leave a detailed explanation for canceling, and submit their request. Most customers who cancel receive a full refund.
uShip Reviews
When it comes to uShip, you'll generally find find excellent industry reviews and relatively high customer ratings. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) awards the company an A+ score for its strong customer service, and uShip reviews from past customers are overwhelmingly positive.
Customers give uShip an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.0 stars on the BBB website. On Trustpilot, uShip earns 4.1 out of 5.0 stars, with 82 percent of the nearly 11,000 reviewers giving the company the highest possible rating of “excellent.”
Positive uShip Reviews
The positive reviews for uShip consistently mention excellent service, an easy shipping process, and a helpful website. The company’s auto shippers and movers often garner five-star ratings.
“As a first-time user of uShip, I found the process fairly easy. The estimate and listing process was straightforward. The website guided me through the steps. The communication was very good, and I found excellent drivers within 1-3 days of my listing.”– Susan G. via BBB
“Our uShip facilitators, Chelsa and Frankie, were responsive, objective, and extremely professional throughout a difficult discussion with the shipper. . . . uShip stood up to its 'Ship with Confidence' promise.”– Nina via Trustpilot
Negative uShip Reviews
A relatively small number of customers report negative experiences with uShip. Most of these poor uShip reviews pertain to the individual car carriers and truck drivers, not uShip itself.
“I am extremely disappointed. . . . What frustration. I used them to save money, and now it’s as expensive as a regular carrier.”– Robert G. via BBB
“After several false starts over several days, the shipment arrived after an eight-hour wait in the heat. It turns out the shipper was really just another broker making his cut and doing a very poor job.”– David S. via Trustpilot
Oftentimes, a customer service representative will respond to a negative uShip review in hopes of resolving the matter with a less-than-satisfied customer.
Is It Worth It to Ship a Car?
First-timers often wonder whether shipping a car is actually worthwhile when they could drive a vehicle themselves. While there are some situations when it's better to avoid car shipping companies, they're often the right choice.
In our 2021 auto shipping survey, we asked 1,000 customers whether they were satisfied with the car shipping process they experienced. A large majority came away pleased with their vehicle's shipment and delivery, showing that the process was handled well. Below is the customer satisfaction data we received:
The plethora of positive uShip reviews found online backs up these statistics, showing that car transport services are often a great move for those hoping to reduce wear and tear along with extra hassle on the road.
uShip Mobile App Reviews
While uShip is one of the few transportation service providers with an app, customers don’t seem too pleased with it. The uShip app gets 2.3 out of 5.0 stars on the App Store, and a slightly better 3.6 out of 5.0 on Google Play.
Through the app, you can list shipments on the marketplace, accept and decline bids, book shipments, and pay for uShip services. The uShip mobile app may not be overly popular, but not all auto shipping companies offer this type of service.
Best Shipping Marketplace
Best Car Shipping Companies
Although transporting a vehicle through uShip has its benefits, this option may not be ideal for everyone. Our experts always recommend comparing no-hassle quotes from providers before deciding how to spend your money. Based on our research, we suggest checking with the following two shipping brokers in addition to the uShip marketplace.
Montway Auto Transport: Our #1 Rated Provider
Montway Auto Transport is one of the premier moving companies in the auto shipping industry, topping our list of the best car shipping companies. Montway offers a wide range of shipping options, including door-to-door shipping, expedited shipping, and guaranteed pickup dates.
The broker ships cars to Alaska, Hawaii and international locations. It's also very popular for its competitive pricing, smooth transactions, 24/7 customer support, and robust network of more than 15,000 carriers.
Get to know this provider better in our Montway Auto Transport review.
Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
Our #1 Rated Provider
Easy Auto Ship: Best Added Benefits
Easy Auto Ship has a reputation as a low-cost auto transporter, and its benefits help place it near the top of our list of the best car shipping companies. Not many other auto transport providers offer services such as a rental car reimbursement for late shipments or a free detail and car wash after delivery. If customer care like this appeals to you, Easy Auto Ship is a solid choice.
Discover whether this shipping provider suits your needs in our Easy Auto Ship review.
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Best Added Benefits
uShip: Conclusion
We rate uShip 4.4 stars, which makes it one of our highest-rated car shipping companies. Below are our shipping review standards and frequently asked questions about uShip:
Our Shipping Review Standards
Our review team prides itself on sharing accurate and unbiased information with consumers. We have accumulated data from dozens of car shipping companies to formulate our rankings of the industry’s best providers. Auto transporters receive a score out of 5.0 overall, as well as a rating in each of the following categories:
- Price: Comparing providers can be difficult due to the many factors that influence cost. To determine this score, we employ a secret shopper analysis using different vehicles, distances, and routes.
- Services: A wide variety of services is essential to support the differing needs of customers. We take into account the types of services available, insurance coverage, and the ability to guarantee pickup and dropoff dates. We also consider whether a car transport company is a broker or a provider.
- Customer Service: The level of customer service and care provided by a shipping company is an important consideration. Our review team sifts through customer reviews and complaints from reputable sources such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. We also consider the responsiveness of each company’s customer service team based on our secret shopper analysis.
- Reputation: Good auto shipping providers consistently provide quality experiences. Our team takes into account BBB ratings and the company’s history of reliable service when giving this score.
Q & A
What is the uShip fee?
In addition to what you pay the carrier for auto shipping, uShip issues a service charge ranging from $25 to $150 per transaction.
Does uShip work in Canada?
Yes. In addition to all 50 states, including Hawaii and Alaska, uShip offers auto transport services in Canada. The company offers international shipping to and from the US and Canada as well.
What popular TV show was uShip featured on?
Fans of the TV show "Shipping Wars" may know uShip from its role on the program. The show follows six independent truckers who use uShip to find clients for their trucking businesses.
Is uShip legitimate?
Founded in 2003, uShip has been a well-respected company since its early days. It holds accreditation and an A+ rating from the BBB, and there are thousands of positive uShip reviews across various websites. Customers shouldn't worry about being scammed by uShip.
How long does it take to get bids on uShip?
It typically takes anywhere from minutes to two days to receive bids on uShip, according to the company's website. Make sure to carefully watch your inbox to make sure you're receiving all possible shipping quotes.
Where is uShip based out of?
uShip is based out of Austin, Texas, though it offers shipping services across the entire US and to international destinations.
Are uShip shipments insured?
Not all carriers on the uShip marketplace offer insurance on car shipments. That's why you'll want to speak with your specific trucker to make sure that your potential transport comes with an extensive insurance policy.
Stephen Kenney is a writer and editor who focuses on car insurance, auto financing, and vehicle shipping services. He's a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and has experience covering categories ranging from travel to sports to environmental sustainability. In his free time, Stephen enjoys going on long-distance runs, trying out new recipes, and exploring his adopted hometown of Cincinnati.
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