Looking for an honest Shiply car transport review to decide if this marketplace is right for your vehicle shipping needs? Shiply operates as a transportation marketplace connecting customers with independent carriers, offering a unique bidding system that can result in competitive pricing. Unlike traditional auto transport brokers, Shiply’s model allows multiple transporters to compete for your business, potentially saving you money—but this approach comes with both advantages and drawbacks. In this comprehensive 2025 review, we’ll examine real customer experiences, pricing data, and how Shiply compares to traditional auto transport companies to help you make an informed decision.
Pros and Cons of Shiply
Advantages
- Competitive Pricing: Bidding system often results in lower-than-average quotes
- Multiple Options: Receive quotes from several carriers to compare
- User-Friendly Platform: Easy listing process and intuitive interface
- Carrier Reviews: View ratings and feedback for each transporter before choosing
- Flexible Services: Options for cars, motorcycles, boats, and general freight
- No Upfront Fees: Free to list and receive quotes
Disadvantages
- Inconsistent Quality: Carrier quality varies significantly across the platform
- Limited Accountability: Shiply acts as middleman, not direct service provider
- Communication Issues: Some users report difficulty reaching carriers
- No Direct Insurance: Must verify each carrier’s insurance independently
- Potential for Low-Ball Bids: Some carriers may underquote then add fees later
How Does Shiply Work?
Understanding the Shiply marketplace model is essential before using the platform. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Create a Free Listing: Enter your vehicle details, pickup and delivery locations, and preferred timeframe on Shiply’s website or app.
- Receive Bids from Carriers: Licensed transport companies review your listing and submit competitive bids, typically within 24-48 hours.
- Compare Transporters: Review each carrier’s profile, ratings, reviews, and pricing to find the best match for your needs.
- Accept a Bid: Choose your preferred carrier and confirm the booking through Shiply’s platform.
- Coordinate Pickup: Work directly with the carrier to schedule pickup time and location.
- Vehicle Inspection: Complete a thorough inspection with the driver, documenting any existing damage before transport.
- Track and Receive: Monitor your shipment (if tracking available) and inspect upon delivery before final payment.
- Leave a Review: Rate your experience to help future customers make informed decisions.
Pricing and Costs: What Can You Expect to Pay?
Shiply pricing varies significantly based on carrier bids, distance, vehicle type, transport method, and seasonal demand. Because it’s a marketplace, prices can be more competitive than traditional brokers. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs based on 2025 data:
| Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| 0-500 miles | $300 – $600 | $450 – $850 |
| 500-1,000 miles | $500 – $850 | $750 – $1,200 |
| 1,000-2,000 miles | $700 – $1,100 | $1,000 – $1,600 |
| 2,000+ miles | $900 – $1,400 | $1,300 – $2,100 |
How Much Does It Really Cost?
Based on 2025 customer reports and recent Shiply transactions, here are real-world examples:
- Honda Civic (Los Angeles to Phoenix, 370 miles): $385 via open transport
- Ford F-150 (Dallas to Miami, 1,300 miles): $875 via open transport
- BMW 5 Series (New York to Chicago, 790 miles): $720 via open transport
- Porsche 911 (Seattle to San Diego, 1,255 miles): $1,450 via enclosed transport
- Toyota Camry (Boston to Atlanta, 1,100 miles): $695 via open transport
Factors affecting price: Vehicle size/weight, running condition (non-running vehicles cost $100-$200 extra), season (summer and January typically cost more), pickup/delivery locations (rural areas add $75-$150), expedited service needs, and current fuel prices.
Services and Insurance Coverage
What Services Does Shiply Offer?
Through its network of independent carriers, Shiply facilitates various transportation services:
- Open Car Transport: Standard, cost-effective vehicle shipping on multi-car trailers
- Enclosed Auto Transport: Premium protection for luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles
- Motorcycle Shipping: Specialized transport for bikes of all sizes
- Boat and Yacht Transport: Watercraft shipping services
- General Freight: Furniture, equipment, and other large items
- International Shipping: Some carriers offer overseas transport options
- Expedited Delivery: Faster shipping for urgent needs (carrier dependent)
What’s Covered? Insurance Details
Insurance through Shiply requires careful attention since coverage comes from individual carriers, not the platform itself:
- Carrier Cargo Insurance: Most carriers carry $100,000 to $1,000,000 in cargo coverage
- Liability Coverage: Required by FMCSA for all licensed carriers
- Shiply Protection: Limited buyer protection program for verified transactions
- Supplemental Insurance: Available through third parties for additional coverage
Important Note: Always request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) directly from your chosen carrier before transport. Verify the policy is current and covers the full value of your vehicle. Shiply does not guarantee carrier insurance—this responsibility falls on the customer to confirm.
Customer Reviews and Ratings: What Are People Saying?
Overall Rating Breakdown
Based on aggregated reviews from multiple platforms as of January 2025:
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): Not BBB Accredited; Rating: B+ (Shiply Inc. based in Austin, TX)
- Google Reviews: 3.8/5 stars (based on 2,400+ reviews)
- Trustpilot: 4.3/5 stars (based on 45,000+ reviews)
- Transport Reviews: 3.5/5 stars (based on limited marketplace-specific feedback)
BBB Reviews
Shiply maintains a B+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, though the company is not BBB accredited. The profile shows 47 complaints closed in the last 3 years, with most issues relating to carrier disputes rather than the platform itself. Common complaint themes include difficulty resolving issues when carriers fail to perform, communication gaps, and refund processing. The BBB notes that Shiply has responded to complaints but resolution satisfaction varies.
Google Reviews
On Google, Shiply receives mixed feedback with a 3.8-star average. Recent 2025 reviews highlight the platform’s ease of use and competitive pricing as strengths. However, negative reviews often mention inconsistent carrier quality and the challenge of holding anyone accountable when problems arise. Users appreciate the bidding system but express frustration that Shiply’s customer service has limited power to resolve carrier-related disputes.
TrustPilot Reviews
Shiply performs strongest on Trustpilot with a 4.3-star rating from over 45,000 reviews. The “Excellent” category accounts for approximately 72% of reviews. Recent positive feedback from late 2024 and early 2025 praises the variety of quotes received and successful deliveries. Critical reviews mention that the lowest bidder isn’t always the best choice and recommend thoroughly vetting carriers before accepting bids.
Reddit Reviews
Reddit discussions about Shiply auto transport reveal nuanced opinions from the r/AutoTransport and r/cars communities. A December 2024 thread noted: “Used Shiply twice—first time was great, saved $200 compared to quotes elsewhere. Second time the carrier ghosted me after I accepted the bid.” Another user in January 2025 commented: “The key with Shiply is ignoring the cheapest bids and focusing on carriers with 50+ positive reviews. Did that and had zero issues.” The consensus suggests success depends heavily on carrier selection rather than the platform itself.
Real Customer Reviews
Positive Reviews
“Saved $400 and great experience” – Michael T., December 2025
“I was skeptical about using a marketplace for car shipping, but Shiply exceeded expectations. Listed my 2020 Accord for transport from Ohio to Florida and received 8 bids within 24 hours. Chose a carrier with 200+ reviews and a 4.8 rating. Pickup was on time, driver was professional, and my car arrived in perfect condition 4 days later. Paid $625 when other companies quoted $1,000+.”
“Perfect for my classic car” – Sandra M., January 2025
“Shipped my 1969 Mustang from California to Texas using Shiply. Found an enclosed transport specialist with excellent reviews. Communication was great, they sent photos during transport, and the car arrived without a scratch. The bidding process helped me find a specialist I wouldn’t have found otherwise.”
“Good value, minor delays” – Robert K., November 2025
“Overall positive experience shipping my truck from Denver to Seattle. The carrier I chose was two days late for pickup, but they communicated the delay and the actual transport went smoothly. Price was fair at $780. Would use again but build in buffer time.”
Negative Reviews
“Carrier never showed up” – Jennifer L., January 2025
“Accepted a bid, confirmed dates, and the carrier simply never arrived. No call, no explanation. When I contacted Shiply, they said they couldn’t force the carrier to honor the commitment. Had to start the process over and ended up paying more with a different carrier due to time pressure. Frustrating experience.”
“Hidden fees after accepting bid” – David W., September 2025
“The carrier’s bid was $550, but when they arrived, they claimed my SUV was ‘oversized’ and demanded an extra $200. Felt like a bait and switch. Shiply’s support said pricing disputes are between customer and carrier. Won’t use this platform again.”
“Damage claim nightmare” – Patricia H., October 2025
“My vehicle arrived with a new dent on the rear quarter panel. The carrier denied responsibility despite it clearly happening during transport. Shiply couldn’t help beyond providing the carrier’s insurance info. Been fighting with the carrier’s insurance for three months now. The marketplace model means no one takes responsibility.”
Shiply vs. Competitors
How does the Shiply marketplace model compare to traditional auto transport brokers and carriers?
| Company | Type | Average Price | BBB Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shiply | Marketplace | $400 – $1,200 | B+ | Budget shoppers, flexible timelines |
| Montway Auto Transport | Broker | $500 – $1,400 | A+ | Full-service, customer support priority |
| AmeriFreight | Broker | $450 – $1,350 | A+ | Gap coverage, military discounts |
| uShip | Marketplace | $420 – $1,250 | A+ | Similar bidding model, more oversight |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | Broker | $550 – $1,500 | A+ | Price lock guarantee, premium service |
Who Should Use Shiply?
Shiply is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious shippers who want to compare multiple bids and find the lowest price
- Experienced auto transport users who know how to vet carriers effectively
- Flexible timelines where exact pickup/delivery dates aren’t critical
- DIY-minded customers comfortable managing carrier communication directly
- Non-standard shipments like motorcycles, boats, or freight that benefit from specialized carriers
Consider alternatives if you:
- Need guaranteed dates and can’t risk carrier no-shows
- Want a single point of contact for customer service and dispute resolution
- Prefer maximum accountability from a company that stands behind service
- Are shipping a high-value vehicle and want verified, vetted carriers only
- Have limited time to research and vet individual transporters
Final Verdict: Is Shiply Worth It?
Shiply offers genuine value for the right customer—those comfortable with a marketplace model who prioritize savings and don’t mind doing extra due diligence on carriers. The bidding system can result in prices 15-25% below traditional broker quotes, and the platform’s carrier review system provides helpful transparency. However, the trade-off is reduced accountability when issues arise. Shiply functions as a connection platform, not a service guarantor, which means problems with carriers often leave customers without adequate recourse. For first-time shippers, those with tight schedules, or anyone transporting high-value vehicles, a traditional broker with stronger oversight may provide better peace of mind despite higher costs. If you choose Shiply, focus on carriers with extensive positive reviews, verify insurance independently, and document everything. The platform works well when you put in the work—but that extra effort is the price of those savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shiply a legitimate auto transport company?
Shiply is a legitimate transportation marketplace, but it’s important to understand they’re not an auto transport company themselves. Founded in 2008, Shiply connects customers with independent, licensed carriers who bid on shipments. The platform is legitimate and has facilitated millions of successful transports, but quality depends entirely on the individual carrier you select. Always verify your chosen carrier’s USDOT number and insurance before booking.
How do I avoid scams on Shiply?
To avoid scams on Shiply: only accept bids from carriers with 20+ verified reviews and ratings above 4.5 stars; verify the carrier’s USDOT and MC numbers on the FMCSA website; never pay the full amount upfront (standard is deposit now, balance on delivery); be wary of bids significantly lower than others; request a written contract with all terms; and trust your instincts if communication feels unprofessional. Report suspicious carriers to Shiply immediately.
What happens if my car is damaged during Shiply transport?
If your vehicle is damaged during transport booked through Shiply, you’ll need to file a claim directly with the carrier’s insurance company—not Shiply. Document all damage thoroughly at delivery with photos and note it on the Bill of Lading before signing. Shiply’s role is limited to providing
