USHIP - not impressed

[Windjammer]

End of September, we were thinking of moving the boat to Chickamauga Lake (Chattanooga, TN) and leaving it there for a couple of months.
Put the listing on Uship and was not really impressed with the quantity or quality of the responces received. At the time, I had a window of about 15 days and both the origin and destination are within 4 miles of the interstate (I75).
Just didn't seem that anyone was really interested and prices were in the $1300 range. For an 87 mile trip, that's almost $15.00/mile. I was thinking more along the lines of $150 pick up fee and $3.50/mile. Sounded to me like a great "back haul" opportunity.. Guess I thought wrong..

 

[douglee25]

I have used USHIP before. I had a couple troubling experiences initially, which ultimately ended very well.

I had about a month window to line up a shipment. I decided to work with this one company and we worked out a deal. Long story short as I did my due dilligence, I found out the shipper had 'stolen' his previous companies DOT and Insurance numbers (claimed they were his when they were not). I informed his previous employeer and USHIP, and the shipper was shut down. I move onto the next shipper and attempt to work out the details with them. About 5 days prior to shipment, the company stopped returning calls. Everything was lined up, but I just needed a copy of the insurance paper work and DOT info to forward to my insurance company. They never responded further and I had to move on for a 3rd time. The last person was just a 'regular joe' who had the equipment, insurance, and proper paperwork to do the job. He was nice, prompt, and he did an excellent job.

As a person requesting a shipment, you really need to research their insurance and DOT number online. You really could cause yourself a head ache if something goes wrong during the shipment.

Doug

 

[Gunn]

Oh man, good timing on this one. But I have a GREAT experience with USHIP! Setting up the information was a breeze and then the bids started rolling in. From Charleston, SC to southern Maryland, about 650 miles. No hard timeline to tow my new 280DA on it's own trailer.

We ended up going with a guy who had about 30 reviews, all 100% good, FCCLCCTransport (I actually think they are a team of 2). He happened to have bid once in range with everyone else then bid again significantly lower. This was because, he explained, he had a shipment to pick up in Baltimore, and he was based out of Mrytle Beach, so he was cutting us a good deal.

When he got to the boat at 5am, the trailer coupler was all FUBAR'd and the prev. owner hadn't changed a spare tire and fixed a taillight. He waited until 8am to visit a local store to get parts for the coupler and changed the tire and taillight while he waited. Got the coupler and on the road. 45 miles north he got a flat on the trailer. Put the bald spare back on. Then a complete traffic jam.

All the while he's communicating everything extremely well through text, photos and calling. Was day late in getting it to us based on stated issues. We were understanding and flexible. When he arrived and we met him, he was the most pleasant person ever, especially towing this big thing across 650 miles with all those issues. We could actually see he was happy for us and our new boat.

He never asked for any specific dollar amount above and beyond the original bid. We gave he more for his time and effort and he was extremely appreciative.

It couldn't have went any better! Feel free to use my referral for him and tell him I sent ya, if you ever need someone.

Tom

 

[N369RM]

I bought a boat in Utah to move to Florida and had no idea how I was going to get it there. I came across Uship on the internet. I had no idea there were all these drivers in the US bidding on one way loads and driving all over the US. So I signed up and the bids started coming in right away. I figured that I would be lucky if it cost me $2500 to move the boat. First bids came in higher than that. But a couple of days later, the lower bids started coming in and before I knew it I had several bids under $2000.

I had many bids and accepted one for $1950. The driver was excellect and they picked up on schedule and delivered it 4 days and 2000 miles later.

Further, the trailer broke down in Texas with a busted axel. Working with the driver, we located a welder who went to the trailer, pulled the axel, rewelded the brackets, re-installed it and got the driver back on the road. I paid the welder $450 and was quite happy. If you ever need a welder in Ft Worth Tx in an emergency I have your guy!

No extra charge for the 6 hour delay by the shipper.

I rate them very good.

I believe the origional poster on this string made the mistake of thinking they do short hauls. These guys are long haul bidders and what they do is bid on work one way, then look for new shipments in the area they are going to and then pick up a load there.

My experience is very good.

Ron and Deborah Mason
1998 270 DA
7.4 Bravo III

 

[dicor]

Ron I noticed your avatar. Your boat has no graphics on the side. My 98 270DA has graphics. Did you remove them? If so is there a ghost image left behind?

 

[N369RM]

I literally just bought this boat and it was shipped 2000 miles to Marinemax near my home in Fl. I am traveling tomorrow to Fl and will see the boat probably on Thurs or Fri and can better answer that question then.

I assume you are referring to the stripe I see in your picture?

Here is my pick blown up.

Ron Mason

 

[moparlvr4406]

there is a show on A&E called Shipping Wars
Before considering U-Ship....watch this show.
granted this is a small sample of thier shippers it does give insight to the process and a few of the personalities

 

[firecadet613]

While Uship is great and all, going by a word of mouth reference is best. When I shipped my current boat up from Alabama, I used the same shipper a friend of mine used and my mind was at ease. I had knowledge he had just recently moved a boat with no issues and I knew what to expect. Price was competitive also.

 

[Ka1oxd]

I tired uship, with no luck, I just started asking around at the marina and ended up getting one that was recommend. He had a shipment out near where my boat was so he had all but 60 miles paid for between the two stops. He was on time at the marina.