uship.com

Well, as many probably already know, there is a new show on A&E called Shipping Wars.

It is pretty funny to watch. When I first saw it, I was thinking to myself, how are they even bidding? Then I found out, they use uship.com.

Went on, and saw what was available for my area. There was actually a few listings, with some decent prices, depending on your overall costs for things.

Anyways, figured for those of you who have the equipment, might be something worth while for you to check out.

Same here. I probably would only deal with automobile moves myself from there. Really just depends on what they want hauled, and if I know I can do it, and they agree to my price really.

Originally Posted by Gnraxlrose88

The problem is, now that they made the show, every person with a truck and/or trailer is going to think that they can do this...so like the various storage unit shows made people they they could become millionairs bidding on storage lockers, thus the crowds at said auctions are growing excessivly. I personally don't seem like this is a good area to get into

There is a big difference between idiocy and realism.

With idiocy, you have those, that as you mentioned, who believe that they will become rich bidding and winning on storage lockers, thanks to the show you mentioned.

I won't lie and say that you cannot make a good living off of storage auctions, but it is definitely NOT always a win. I know a few people on this forum alone that does storage auctions and make out decently. All depends on how well you know what your doing.

With realism, you simply have those, that don't believe 100% into those tv shows to much, and know there is always a gamble and risk in anything you do. They take precautions and should plan out things good and both to be prepared for both.

I am not saying people will become rich off uship.com or any company/website similar to it.

My intentions was for anyone who did not know about the site, could check it out, and if they have the proper equipment, and manage to snag a gig that will pay them deceny, then go for it.

what kind of insurance would one need for those types of jobs?

Originally Posted by IdahoScrapper

I'll be going to Denver for a wedding later this year.

I wonder how PTS feels about crashing weddings?!

Insurance???That's a laugh!! They should have cargo liability - at least. But most people using uship have no idea of liability laws or due diligence and have never heard of FMSCA. That's why legitimate carriers will never use uship. What shippers get away with paying wouldn't even cover fuel costs.

Originally Posted by Mick

Insurance???That's a laugh!! They should have cargo liability - at least. But most people using uship have no idea of liability laws or due diligence and have never heard of FMSCA. That's why legitimate carriers will never use uship. What shippers get away with paying wouldn't even cover fuel costs.

Granted, I cannot speak as to the professionalism or anything else of uship.com, but since they are putting their name and reputation on the line, of having carriers on their site to bid for your shipments, that they are not just going to let any yahoo with a truck and trailer onto it.

Most people who will ship anything will either have their own insurance for the item(s), as well as take advantage of any insurance provided by the carrier.

I do agree with you though mick, some of the prices I have seen the bids go for, are definitely not even worth a bid.

However, that is like I said, you take into consideration what the item(s) is, where you picking it up from and dropping it off at, gas, if you need any labor help, etc. Then you bid accordingly.

If I ever do bid on any of those gig, I definitely will only bid what I know I can comfortably do the job for and walk away with a profit.

Other wise, wouldn't be worth it.

I also agree that Cargo Liability should be had. Hell, any kind really, but as long as it will cover the items if damaged or destroyed while in your care.

Originally Posted by Mick

Insurance???That's a laugh!! They should have cargo liability - at least. But most people using uship have no idea of liability laws or due diligence and have never heard of FMSCA. That's why legitimate carriers will never use uship. What shippers get away with paying wouldn't even cover fuel costs.

Well insurance was the first thing that popped in my mind when I saw this site. It has to be high and some of those bids are so low that that's what thought, concerning fuel costs and whatnot. I myself have never heard of FMSCA either.

uship has a disclaimer that they are NOT acting as a broker, simply a site where shipper and carriers can meet. Uship accepts no responsibility for any aspect of a transaction.

Actually FMCSA - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. It's a site where you can check out a carrier for proper registration, insurance, safety record and so on ("due diligence").

As examples - What would you do if someone picked up your stuff and simply disappeared? Or, if you were real smart and got a bill of lading but the guy called you from three states away and wanted another $100 before he'd deliver the cargo? By federal law, that's legal - as long as it's on his truck, he owns it. Or, he gets in an accident and your stuff is damaged?

Yeah it's funny you bring this topic up because just the other day I downloaded the uship app to my iPhone but it's pretty much worthless if you are trying to be a carrier unless you have a dot number.

Originally Posted by Mick

uship has a disclaimer that they are NOT acting as a broker, simply a site where shipper and carriers can meet. Uship accepts no responsibility for any aspect of a transaction.

Well, I personally can see where they might claim not to be a broker, but on the other hand, they kind of are. They may NOT physically be taking in the shipment orders, and contacting carriers to get the lowest, possible bid for the shipments. However, they are providing a website, where people can list the shipments, carriers bid on them, and when the bid is accepted, the client pays uship.com, and then contact information is swapped, judging from their video that is. So, yes, in my opinion they do act as a broker.

Either way, as Mick is pointing out and I do agree with him 100%, whether you choose to use uship.com or any other site, or ever do it for an existing client, ALWAYS make sure your behind is covered so if anything goes wrong, you are protected. You damage any item, and depending on the client, they can own everything you own, plus that have your kids, grandkids, and so forth.

Like I said before, and others have commented on, this to me would be something if your looking to add to other shipments.

Some of those guys on the show for instance, will take 2 or 3 or more shipments at a time, just to cover things.

From what I've seen, the client pays the shipper that won the bid, when the item is delivered.