Shipping something valuable can feel like a leap of faith. Whether it’s your car, furniture, or a one-of-a-kind antique, you want it to arrive safely. The good news? If you’re shipping with uShip, in most cases, it will, since uShip boasts some of the lowest damage rates in the industry.
Still, life happens. Accidents are rare, but they can occur. That’s why uShip gives you two levels of confidence: expert, user-rated carriers who treat your items with care, and the uShip Protection Plan, which offers all-risk protection against damage or loss and a simple, fast claims process if something goes wrong.
This guide walks you through what to do before, during, and after shipment to protect your items and handle any issues smoothly, whether you purchased the uShip Protection Plan or need to file through your carrier’s liability coverage.
0. Document Your Shipment Before Pickup
The best protection starts before your shipment ever leaves your hands. Whoever is present at pickup (you, a family member, or staff) should carefully inspect and document the item’s condition.
Here’s what to do:
- Clean and inspect the item so any existing marks or scuffs are visible.
- Take clear, time-stamped photos and videos from every angle, including close-ups of small details.
- Photograph the packaging or how it’s secured (for example, shrink-wrapped furniture or strapped-down machinery).
- Upload your photos to your uShip messages or cloud storage so they’re easy to access later.
- If possible, have the carrier acknowledge the item’s condition in writing or through the uShip platform at pickup.
These pre-pickup photos act as your “before” record, providing crucial evidence if you ever need to show that your item was in good condition before transport.
1. Inspect the Shipment Upon Arrival
Once your shipment arrives, take your time before signing the Bill of Lading. This step confirms the delivery condition, so it’s worth doing carefully.
Here’s what to check:
- Examine every side of your shipment for dents, cracks, torn wrapping, or crushed corners.
- For vehicles or large equipment, look inside and out.
- Take new photos and videos in good lighting.
- If damage is visible, note it clearly on the Bill of Lading (for example, “cracked handle” or “scratch on top panel”) and ask the driver to sign.
Tip: If your shipment arrived damaged, don’t delay. You have seven business days from delivery to file a claim with the uShip Protection Plan or notify your carrier of damage.
2. Document Everything Thoroughly
The more detailed your documentation, the smoother your claim will go.
Step 1: Take clear, high-resolution photos.
Include full shots of the shipment, close-ups of the damage, and images of packaging, labels, and tracking numbers.
Step 2: Write specific notes.
Avoid vague descriptions like “damaged item.” Instead, write detailed statements such as:
“Tabletop corner chipped, splintering along the left edge.”
“Box #2 crushed on top, contents visible and dented.”
Step 3: Keep all packaging.
Hold on to boxes, crates, foam, or wrapping materials. Adjusters may need to inspect them to understand what happened.
Step 4: Ask for carrier acknowledgment.
If the driver or carrier is present, request that they document or sign off on the visible damage.
3. File a Shipping Damage Claim Promptly
If you purchased the uShip Protection Plan, you’re covered by our All-Risk Protection, meaning your shipment is protected against loss or damage from most causes, not just carrier negligence.
Here’s how to file:
- Log in to your uShip account.
- Go to your shipment page and select “File a Case.”
- Upload your documentation: photos, delivery receipts, and proof of value (like receipts or invoices).
- Submit within seven business days of delivery to stay eligible.
Our support team will review your case and typically respond within one business day. Most cases resolve quickly, with reimbursement or repair options provided once approved.
If you didn’t purchase the uShip Protection Plan, contact your carrier directly through your uShip messages. They’ll provide a claim form based on their liability limits, which are often only a few dollars per pound of freight.
4. Understand How Claims Are Reviewed
Every claim is evaluated based on three main factors:
- Extent of damage: Major damage or total loss typically results in higher reimbursement than minor cosmetic issues.
- Evidence quality: Detailed photos, receipts, and inspection notes help move your claim forward quickly.
- Coverage type: With the uShip Protection Plan, your claim is evaluated under “all-risk” coverage. Carrier liability, by contrast, is limited and only covers damage caused by carrier negligence.
Possible outcomes:
- Full reimbursement or repair under the uShip Protection Plan
- Partial reimbursement under limited carrier liability
- Denial if documentation or timelines aren’t met
5. Prevent Future Shipping Damage
While uShip’s network already sees industry-low damage rates, you can further reduce risk by preparing properly:
- Choose top-rated carriers: Read reviews and verify their experience handling your type of shipment.
- Package smartly: Use durable materials, cushion fragile parts, and label items “Fragile” or “This Side Up.”
- Consider white-glove service: For delicate or high-value shipments, this in-home pickup and delivery option ensures extra care.
- Purchase protection: The uShip Protection Plan offers affordable protecion based on your declared value, giving you peace of mind before your shipment leaves your hands.
6. When to Reach Out to uShip Support
If your shipment arrives damaged or your claim is delayed, our team is ready to help. Contact uShip Support if:
- The carrier isn’t responding or updating your claim.
- You need clarification on protection coverage or timelines.
- You want help mediating with your carrier through our support team
Keep all your documentation, messages, and photos within your uShip account so Support can assist faster.
7. Carrier Liability vs. Full-Value Protection
Carrier liability is the default coverage you get when you don’t purchase protection. It’s limited, usually paying only a few dollars per pound, and only if the carrier is proven negligent.
The uShip Protection Plan, on the other hand, covers your shipment for its full declared value against a wide range of risks, including damage, loss, or theft. It’s available at checkout for a small percentage of your shipment’s value and includes a hassle-free case submission process.
For high-value, irreplaceable, or delicate shipments, full-value protection is always the smart move.
Final Thoughts
Shipping damage is rare with uShip, but preparation is your best safeguard. By documenting before pickup, inspecting on arrival, and understanding your coverage, you can handle any situation with confidence.
uShip’s combination of blanket-wrapped, door-to-door shipping and the uShip Protection Plan gives you one of the most reliable and stress-free ways to ship large or valuable items.
If your shipment arrives damaged, don’t panic: document, file promptly, and let uShip’s team guide you through every step. And if you’re booking your next shipment, consider adding the uShip Protection Plan at checkout for true peace of mind.
Ship safely, ship confidently, and know uShip is here to help, from pickup to delivery.
