UShip
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Internet, Logistics |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | Matthew Chasen, Jay Manickam, Mickey Millsap |
| Headquarters | Austin, Texas , United States |
Key people | Matthew Chasen (CEO) |
| Products | Online marketplace for shipping services |
| Website | uship |
uShip, Inc. is an Austin, Texas-headquartered Internet enterprise that operates uShip.com, an online marketplace specializing in shipping services. Both individuals and commercial entities can list items for shipment across various sectors including automobile transport, boat delivery, relocation services, and transportation of heavy industrial machinery.
On uShip’s platform, transportation providers submit competitive bids to secure shipment contracts. For categories such as boats, vehicles, and LTL freight, customers have the option to select fixed quotes or establish target prices to attract carrier bids. Shipments may be booked instantly through accepted quotes or via auction-style bidding.
History
Matthew Chasen, uShip’s CEO and founder, created the company’s business model while pursuing his MBA at the University of Texas McCombs School of Business, collaborating with co-founders Jay Manickam and Mickey Millsap. In 2004, their team claimed first place in a business competition at the University of North Texas and placed second in the Venture Labs Investment Competition. Shortly thereafter, uShip.com was launched in the U.S., with financial backing from Benchmark Capital in 2005.
From 2012 through 2015, uShip gained exposure through A&E's reality television series Shipping Wars, which highlighted independent carriers competing for shipment contracts via the platform.
The company also introduced a Shipping Price Estimator tool that provides cost approximations by analyzing weighted averages from comparable shipments within its marketplace.
Partnerships
In 2009, uShip formed a strategic alliance with Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, recognized as the largest auctioneer of heavy equipment worldwide, to offer real-time transport cost estimates for industrial machinery and vehicles sold at their auctions.
In 2011, eBay Motors incorporated uShip’s Shipping Price Estimator into its platform as a shipping option for all U.S.-based listings of automobiles, motorcycles, and powersports vehicles.
Awards and recognition
- Winner of the Environment Category at the Greater Austin Business Awards (2011)
- Listed among Inc. 500 Fastest-Growing Private Companies (2010)
- Included in Red Herring's North America Top 100 List (2010)
- Recognized as a Top Workplace by Austin American Statesman (2010, 2011, 2012)
See also
References