Top 5 uShip Alternatives for Pet & Furniture Shipping

Transporting a pet, an oversized piece of furniture, or even the contents of an entire home often calls for professional help. A quick online search turns up a dizzying array of options — everything from motorcycle haulers to boat shippers. In fact, the American domestic package delivery industry is so big in the US that it is worth over $160 billion in 2023, with 350 billion packages shipped worldwide. Taking a few minutes to review your choices is important when you’re moving valuable items.

One of the first names you’ll see is uShip, a well-known shipping marketplace. Before you hit the ‘Book’ button, though, it pays to explore a few uShip alternatives. Whether you had a mixed experience or just want to compare your options before committing, you’re in the right place. We’ll walk through five alternatives — including what each one is actually good at (and where they fall short) — so you can make the right call for your shipment.

1. CitizenShipper

“We just used CitizenShipper to ship our new puppy from FL to MA. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience in locating a shipper to match to our route. We previously tried using UShip and never had any luck. With UShip it was hard to see reviews or the shippers and whether they were legitimate or not. With CitizenShipper the process was a breeze. The app is so user friendly and once I set up a profile, I was immediately texted and emailed with multiple quotes from highly praised shippers, bidding for our shipping job. It was so easy to communicate back and forth through the app.” — Michael D., Google Review

Michael’s experience isn’t unusual — it’s what happens when you have a system where drivers compete for your business, and you can read real reviews before choosing.

Pros: CitizenShipper is an online peer-to-peer shipping marketplace. Like classified ads, it offers greater flexibility and value than large carriers such as UPS or FedEx — but with an added safety net.

Benefits of CitizenShipper include:

• A booking assurance guarantee — this policy provides refund protection, a driver replacement guarantee, and customer support.
• Transporters you can trust — all transporters on CitizenShipper undergo a stringent background check.
• Direct contact with drivers — using an internal messaging system similar to Google Chat or WhatsApp, you’ll be able to contact the transporter throughout the trip.
• Top-rated marketplace — CitizenShipper is the highest five-star rated transportation marketplace on Trustpilot.

Getting started with CitizenShipper is refreshingly straightforward. First, post your shipping details on the website. Next, professional drivers will contact you with bids — many posts receive bids within minutes. After looking through the bids and checking the reviews on each driver’s profile, you make your selection.

You can use the messaging system to discuss details of the shipment and feel confident in the transporter you choose. Thanks to CitizenShipper’s unique reverse bidding system, you’ll not only save money compared to traditional carriers like UPS, but you’ll also connect with dedicated drivers who treat your shipment with the personal care it deserves.

Cons: While CitizenShipper connects you with trusted drivers throughout the U.S. and parts of Canada, our network currently focuses on North American routes rather than broader international transport.

Want to see how CitizenShipper compares for your specific route? List your shipment for free and get quotes from background-checked drivers — you’ll never pay until you choose one you trust.

2. FedEx

Pros: For decades, FedEx has been a brand synonymous with shipping. A considerable advantage of FedEx is they can arrange for your package to be delivered anywhere in the world. This is an excellent option if you’re sending Christmas gifts to relatives overseas.

Cons: One challenge with FedEx is that you may not always get the convenience of door-to-door service—especially frustrating if you or your recipient misses the delivery window. Depending on your location, you may need to take your package to a FedEx depot or drop-off point.

3. UPS

Pros: UPS is one of the leading worldwide shipping companies for packages and specialized logistical and transportation services. Like FedEx, it’s a good choice for international shipping needs. Another significant advantage of UPS is its well-functioning tracking number system. The tracking number ensures that you always know where your package is and when it arrives.

Cons: While UPS has a great reputation, they also have a long list of items they refuse to ship. This can be a problem if you are trying to send something fragile, extremely valuable, made with animal products (like snakeskin or mother-of-pearl inlay), or that demands special care.

4. Using General Classified Ads

Pros: Various online marketplaces, such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, offer an alternative to professional shipping companies. The biggest advantage of using open marketplaces is that they’re usually cheaper than professional shipping alternatives. Hiring an independent transporter through a classified ad also provides more flexibility for special care objects and other individual needs.

Cons: The challenge with this approach is that you’re on your own if something goes wrong — without the peace of mind that comes from working with vetted professionals and having support when you need it. Additionally, you’ll be working with non-professional drivers who might have less knowledge and experience in taking care of your shipment.

5. Renting a U-Haul and Doing it Yourself

If none of these options fit your budget or comfort level, you can always take the do-it-yourself approach! Most people transporting bulky items long distances use U-Haul, but there are other alternatives.

Pros: When you take the DIY approach, your shipping is under your control, and you can give your shipping the care it needs.

Cons: Organizing your U-Haul takes more work, energy, and definitely more time, which can be overwhelming in tight time schedules. You also take on a lot of risk moving your precious items. Depending on the value of the items, you may want to take out extra insurance in case something goes wrong.

Summary of the uShip Alternatives

We have compiled a comprehensive comparison table to help you make an informed decision when choosing the perfect shipping service. In our “Top 5 uShip Alternatives” table, we showcase the key features, pros, and cons of each alternative, emphasizing CitizenShipper as the premier choice among them. Discover why CitizenShipper outshines its competitors and offers unparalleled flexibility and trustworthiness in the shipping industry.

Still comparing? The fastest way to decide is to see real quotes. Post your shipment details in under 2 minutes and let drivers come to you.

While uShip is a popular choice for people moving items long distances, there are many alternatives or uShip competitors that can save you money or feel more personal. Whether you’re moving a cherished family heirloom or transporting a beloved pet, these aren’t everyday decisions—they deserve careful consideration to ensure you find the right partner for the journey.

Doing it yourself is the most time-consuming but cost-effective approach. CitizenShipper brings together the best of both worlds: the personalized service and competitive pricing of a peer-to-peer marketplace, combined with the security and professionalism you need for peace of mind. Meanwhile, FedEx and UPS offer the established reliability of large-scale carriers.

In the end, everyone will have different needs, and among all the options, CitizenShipper offers the flexibility to meet most people’s requirements, making it the top uShip competitor. See what CitizenShipper drivers would charge for your route.

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