uShip vs. Shiply: Which Solution Fits Your Needs?
A side-by-side look at how uShip and Shiply stack up for oversized shipping
When it comes to choosing the right large and bulky shipping platform, understanding the differences between uShip and Shiply will help you make an informed decision.
In this guide, we’ll compare the key features, user experience, and value both platforms offer so you can determine which one best suits your shipping needs.
About uShip
Based in Austin, TX, uShip is an online shipping marketplace that connects people who need to ship big things with a nationwide network of transporters. Since 2004, uShip has facilitated millions of deliveries across the US, Canada, and Mexico, offering a platform where users can receive quotes, select carriers based on verified feedback, or instantly book shipments at set prices. This transparent and competitive pricing model simplifies the shipping process, taking the guesswork out of oversized shipping.
About Shiply
Founded in the UK, Shiply is an online shipment marketplace that connects shipping companies and customers. Since 2008, Shiply has facilitated millions of shipments across the UK and Europe, providing a platform where users can receive quotes and choose the best option for large and bulky shipping.
Side-By-Side Comparison
uShip and Shiply offer similar base features, each making it easier to move large items. While they appear alike on paper, uShip stands out with US-based customer service, industry-leading low damage rates, carrier scoring, and white-glove in-home delivery.
To make this comparison as easy as possible, we’ve built the following side-by-side guide.
Shiply |
uShip |
|
|---|---|---|
| US-Based Operations | No | US-Based |
| Massive US Carrier Base | No | 35,000+ active carriers nationwide |
| Customer Support | Email/ticket system only, no phone support | Dedicated US-Based Customer Support line based in Austin, Texas |
| Freight Shipping | Yes | Yes |
| LTL Shipping | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle Shipping | Yes | Yes |
| Household Goods Shipping | Yes | Yes |
| White-Glove In-Home Delivery | No | Includes blanket-wrapping, room-of-choice delivery, and debris removal |
| Side-by-Side Quote Comparison On Platform | No – you’ll get an email for each quote | Yes. This makes it easy to compare apples to apples in one spot. |
| Industry-Low Damage Rates | No | Yes |
| Side-by-Side Quote Comparison On Platform | No – you’ll get an email for each quote | Yes. This makes it easy to compare apples to apples in one spot. |
| Decades of Transparent Pricing Data | No | 20+ years and 35k active carriers ensure you get the best prices possible |
Shiply and uShip both connect you with carriers for moving freight, vehicles, household goods, and anything else large and bulky, but uShip has a much stronger presence in the US. Our industry-leading low damage rates come from our commitment to quality. Carriers on uShip are required to blanket-wrap items, ensuring they arrive as expected, leading to satisfied customers and repeat business.
Another key difference is customer support. uShip, with 20+ years of experience, offers US-based phone support, while Shiply (based in the UK) only provides email and online ticket options for US customers.
Lastly, uShip makes it easy to compare carrier quotes side-by-side, unlike Shiply, where you’ll sift through numerous emails.
Safety and Security
Shiply |
uShip |
|
|---|---|---|
| Secure Payments | Only the deposit + Shiply’s fee | The entire payment is secure |
| Protection Options | Third-party coverage up to $5,000 | In-house all-risk protection options up to $200,000. |
| Included Protection Option | Unknown | For cases that can’t be resolved, a goodwill compensation for damage/ loss of up to $500. |
| Carrier Scoring to Protect Shippers | No | Yes — bad carriers on uShip get booted |
| GPS Tracking | Unknown | Available on mobile app (must be enabled by all parties at time of booking) |
Shiply claims that its deposit and fee are secured, but after that, it recommends cash on delivery or other off-platform payment options.
At uShip, the entire payment process is secure. In fact, we don’t release funds until delivery of goods is confirmed. To protect all users on the uShip platform, we allocate safety scores to carriers and investigate rule violations. Users who break our rules, may be penalized and even removed from the platform as needed. Users who violate uShip’s rules or engage in fraudulent activity will need to find another platform for their misconduct. Unfortunately, we are not aware of Shiply having comparable checks and security measures in place.
The uShip Protection Plan, our optional in-house asset protection assurance program, covers loss or damages of up to $200,000. Shiply’s third party insurance plan only covers $5,000 in damages or loss. With our industry-leading low damage rates and fast reimbursement times through our in-house program, uShip stands out as the clear winner.
Features
Shiply |
uShip |
|
|---|---|---|
| Mobile App | No | Of course! |
| Tracking | On website via shipping order ID | In the uShip app and on the website |
| Instant Bookable Pricing | No | You bet! |
| Integrations | eBay | eBay and Shopify |
| API | No | Free |
uShip offers a robust mobile app with shipment tracking baked right in. Shiply allows tracking on their website only, as they don’t currently have a mobile app.
uShip also offers an Instant Bookable Pricing option that lets you book a shipment faster at the displayed rate. With Instant Bookable Pricing, you can avoid the hassle of waiting for and comparing quotes from different carriers, letting you focus on what really matters.
User Experience
Customer Satisfaction
Most of Shiply’s feedback and ratings collected on drivers are from the UK, making it difficult for US users to accurately gauge their services. On the other hand, uShip has a broad range of highly-rated feedback from US customers, underscoring our commitment to customer satisfaction across the country, without sacrificing our support for international shipments.
Ease of Booking
Shiply’s system sends quotes via email, cluttering your inbox and making it hard to compare options. This isn’t much different from shopping for individual carriers, adding pressure to constantly watch your email inbox, instead of focusing on your move or business. And, since Shiply does not have a mobile app, you have to switch back-and-forth between your email and the Shiply website to book or manage your shipment. On the other hand, with uShip, you can easily compare quotes side-by-side, saving time and effort in finding the best carrier.
Shipping Reliability
Shiply’s limited presence in the US means there’s little recourse for shippers against bad actors, leading to reliability issues. Additionally, Shiply Support is available only on email, which can be slow and inconvenient. In contrast, uShip enforces strict standards, removing carriers that don’t meet expectations, which boosts trust and reliability on our platform. Furthermore, uShip offers multiple support channels, including a fast and easy support chatbot, prompt email support, and a US-based hotline where users can speak to a real customer support agent. uShip prioritizes user trust and confidence, ensuring our platform is the preferred choice for shippers.
