When it comes to shipping a vehicle, many people stumble across uShip — an online marketplace where carriers and brokers place bids on your transport request. While this can seem like a convenient way to save money and get your car moved, there are important factors you should consider before choosing a platform like uShip over working directly with a professional auto transport company.
Let’s break down the key differences and what you need to know.
How uShip Works
uShip is essentially an auction-style platform where you post the details of your shipment and transport providers place competing bids. The idea is that you, as the customer, can select the offer that best fits your budget and timeline.
While this approach can offer flexibility, it also comes with certain risks that are not immediately obvious to first-time users.
The Hidden Costs of uShip
One of the most common misconceptions is that using uShip will always save you money. However, many of the companies bidding on your shipment are the same carriers and brokers you’d reach out to directly—except through uShip, they have to factor in uShip’s service fees on top of their offer.
This means you might end up paying more overall, or worse, a company might underbid just to win your job and then look for ways to cut corners to stay profitable.
Lack of Direct Communication Until It’s Too Late
Another major downside is that you cannot speak to a live agent or carrier until you accept an offer. This creates uncertainty because you’re making a decision without knowing:
- Who exactly will be handling your vehicle.
- Whether they’re properly insured.
- Their history or reputation for service quality.
With a professional auto transport company, you’re in direct contact with a real person from the start—someone who can walk you through the process, answer your questions, and give you peace of mind.
Unvetted and Unlicensed Carriers Can Slip Through
While uShip has some basic requirements for carriers to join their platform, they do not actively monitor or verify licensing and insurance beyond registration. This means it’s possible to receive bids from uninsured or improperly licensed carriers.
Choosing a low bid from an unknown carrier might seem like a win at first, but it exposes you to serious risks if something goes wrong during transit.
Where uShip Might Make Sense
To be fair, uShip can be a useful tool for certain types of shipments, such as:
- Non-standard freight (boats, heavy equipment, etc.)
- Highly flexible timeframes where pickup/delivery timing isn’t critical.
- Situations where the customer is experienced and knows how to vet a carrier independently.
However, for customers who are shipping a personal vehicle — often one of their most valuable assets — working directly with a trusted, licensed auto transport company offers far more protection and transparency.
The Benefits of Working Directly with a Professional Auto Transport Company
When you book direct, you get:
- Personalized service from start to finish.
- Pre-vetted, insured, and licensed carriers.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- A dedicated point of contact you can reach any time.
- Guidance through the entire process, so there are no surprises.
Ultimately, while platforms like uShip offer a do-it-yourself approach to car shipping, they often lack the personalized service, reliability, and safety assurances that come with working directly with a professional auto transport company.
Conclusion
Before choosing a bidding platform like uShip, consider what’s most important to you: Is it just finding the lowest number, or is it having peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in good hands?
At State 2 State Auto Transport, we provide direct, professional, and transparent auto transport services without the guesswork. No hidden fees, no random bidders—just honest, reliable shipping from a team you can trust.
Call to Action:
Get a free quote today and let us show you the difference professional service makes. Contact State 2 State Auto Transport now.
