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.
Nexus Auto Transport
|
Sherpa Auto Transport
|
Navi Auto Transport
|
Why You Can Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint
Our mission at FreightWaves Checkpoint is to provide readers with data-driven, unbiased car shipping information and company reviews.
Using our own unique rating system, we evaluated 2,400 car shipping companies nationwide based on key factors like pricing, services, availability, and customer satisfaction. We also dig deep into online consumer reviews to pinpoint what real people have to say about each company and identify recurring pain points and areas of praise.
Our in-house team of experts fully fact-checks all content to ensure our content is up-to-date, accurate, and relevant to what you want and need to know.
Key Takeaways
- uShip is a car shipping marketplace that allows consumers to book space on car carriers at discounted shipping rates.
- Customers list vehicles for shipping and receive bids from various shippers, but uShip does not vet its providers.
- uShip offers complimentary damage and loss coverage, a mobile app for live tracking, and an escrow-based payment system.
- uShip maintains excellent ratings across consumer feedback sites like Yelp, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau.
Table of Contents
uShip: Pros & Cons
uShip operates as a digital matchmaking service between car shipping companies and customers needing vehicle or item 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 variety of factors:
- Distance: The farther the distance, the higher the shipping cost
- Vehicle size and weight: Larger and heavier items incur higher shipping costs
- Urgency: While few carriers on uShip can offer last-minute or expedited shipping, you’ll pay more if you find one that does
- Add-ons or upgrades: Add-ons like cargo insurance and door-to-door delivery may incur extra charges
Here’s a glimpse into how much it costs to ship an item 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 will 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.
When you pay, uShip’s three-step escrow-based payment system is designed to make transactions more secure for both sides. You’ll submit payment through uShip, the funds are held until the shipment is completed, and then the carrier receives payment.
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.
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 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.
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: Transportation of your boxed or crated household items
- Heavy goods transport: For machinery up to 45,000 pounds
- Animal transport: Some providers on uShip offer pet transport, and some even specialize in shipping exotic animals
Carrier vs. Broker vs. Marketplace
- Carrier: Owns the truck/trailer and physically moves the vehicle; provides the driver, equipment, and cargo insurance
- Broker: Middleman that books your shipment by matching you with a carrier; manages quoting and scheduling, but usually does not own the truck
- Marketplace: Platform where carriers match or bid; the carrier performs the transport
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.
Policies and “Fine Print”
- Service areas: uShip connects customers with carriers in all 50 states, but availability can be more limited for rural routes and less common lanes
- Transport methods: Depending on the carrier, customers may find open or enclosed transport, plus door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal delivery options
- Payment & deposits: uShip uses a three-step escrow-based payment system, and service fees are added to the total cost once you accept a bid.
- Discounts: The main savings come from uShip’s bidding marketplace, where carriers compete for your shipment and may offer lower-than-average rates
- Cancellation: Cancellation terms vary by carrier
- Tracking options: uShip offers shipment management through its website and mobile app, including live tracking on eligible shipments
uShip Reviews at a Glance
| Review Site | Rating | Positive Reviews Mention | Complaints Include |
|---|---|---|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) | A+ | Successful matches with carriers, completed deliveries | Pricing disputes, communication issues |
| Trustpilot | 4.4 / 5 | Easy booking, helpful coordinators, smooth pickup and delivery | Occasional service issues on specific shipments, expectation gaps |
| ConsumerAffairs | 3.4 / 5 | Convenient app experience, marketplace usability | App-specific support or workflow friction |
Real Customer Reviews
★★★★★ “Flawless Service!”
Rating: 5/5 (Trustpilot)
“As a shop that creates large-scale metal art, shipping is always our biggest stressor. We recently used uShip … and the experience was perfect. Not only was the price competitive, but the white-glove service and exemplary communication kept us at ease the entire way. It arrived without a hitch. We will absolutely be using them again for shipping across the country or anywhere else!.”
– Carlos
★★★★★ “Great price, communication and very responsive.”
Rating: 5/5 (Trustpilot)
“Had a driver break down before pick up, they found another driver quickly, vehicle arrived without any damage and in condition as noted by dealer. New driver misunderstood directions for payment and requested cash payment of a “balance” when delivered, when none was due. uShip reached out and got a refund issued and was very professional got everything corrected. Thank you.”
– Kyo
★★★☆☆ “I have used USHIP 3 times in the past and had a great experience.”
Rating: 3/5 (Trustpilot)
“It took 5 weeks to get my vehicle from Madera CA to Houston TX due to truck breaking down and no contact was made and calls not answered. Shippers contracting with USHIP need to be in constant contact between USHIP and customer.”
– Joe
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.
Nexus Auto Transport
uShip and Nexus Auto Transport both offer car shipping nationwide, but they serve very different kinds of customers.
uShip operates as a shipping marketplace, a format that can result in lower prices, especially for flexible customers. The online interface is easy to use, making it appealing for those comfortable managing the shipping process themselves. However, service quality varies widely depending on which carrier is selected. Pricing can change, communication can be inconsistent, and customer support is limited once a booking is made.
Nexus Auto Transport, by contrast, is a full-service broker that manages the entire shipping process. They work with a vetted network of professional carriers, offer a more consistent customer experience, and handle communication and logistics from start to finish. While Nexus may cost a bit more than some uShip bids, they offer better reliability, transparency, and support throughout the process.
If you’re looking for the cheapest possible rate and don’t mind doing the legwork, uShip might be a fit. But if you want a smooth, dependable shipping experience, Nexus is the smarter choice.
Sherpa Auto Transport
uShip and Sherpa Auto Transport are both solid options for shipping a car, but they offer very different levels of service.
uShip acts as a listing platform, not a broker. It’s potentially a low-cost option, but the tradeoff is a lack of pricing guarantees and little quality control. Because uShip doesn’t vet carriers or oversee service after booking, customer experiences vary greatly.
Sherpa Auto Transport offers a more polished and reliable approach. With their Price Lock Promise, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying up front. Sherpa handles everything from carrier selection to customer support, and their smaller, hand-picked network helps ensure higher service standards. While Sherpa typically costs more than uShip, it removes most of the stress from the process and delivers consistently strong results.
If you want a hands-off experience with predictable pricing and vetted service, Sherpa is the better pick. uShip works best for budget-conscious customers who are comfortable navigating the process on their own.
| Car Shipping Company | BBB Rating | State Availability | Free Cancellations? |
|---|---|---|---|
| uShip | A+ | 50 states | Varies by carrier |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | A+ | 49 states (not in AK) | No |
| Nexus Auto Transport | A+ | 50 states | Yes (before carrier is assigned) |
|
Nexus Auto Transport
|
Sherpa Auto Transport
|
Navi Auto Transport
|
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 Sherpa or Nexus 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 companies.
As always, it’s best to source quotes from at least three companies before selecting a carrier. We also recommend getting estimates from multiple carriers on uShip to get a better idea of pricing for your situation.
FAQ
How much of a fee does uShip charge?
uShip charges a fee ranging from $50 to $150. 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.
Is uShip legit?
Yes. uShip is a legitimate shipping marketplace that connects customers with carriers, processes bookings through its platform, and offers built-in shipment protections. However, your experience can vary a lot depending on the carrier you choose.
What is the Ship with Confidence Guarantee?
uShip’s Ship with Confidence Guarantee is a limited protection program that can reimburse up to $500 for certain payment disputes or for damage, loss, or theft when other coverage does not apply. It is helpful, but it should not be treated as full insurance.
Does uShip offer insurance beyond the $500 guarantee?
Yes. On many shipments, customers can buy the optional uShip Protection Plan at checkout for extra protection beyond the free $500 guarantee. Availability depends on the shipment.
How do I choose a good carrier on uShip?
Start with the carrier’s feedback score, read recent reviews, confirm licensing details when relevant, and compare responsiveness, not just price. uShip specifically recommends using provider reviews and compliance info to avoid poor matches.
