Starting as a public relations and marketing intern in Fall 2005, Heather has served in key managerial and leadership roles over the last 18 years, including Chief Operating Officer (2019-2022) and interim CEO since January 2023.

As COO, she oversaw human resources, recruiting, facilities, customer operations, legal, risk and payments, product and design, and analytics.

Heather is taking on uShip’s CEO role at an exciting time for the company, which exited 2022 profitable despite macroeconomic challenges that included inflationary pressures, geopolitical strife, and record-high fuel costs.

In this new role, Hoover-Salomon is tasked with maintaining and accelerating the company’s growth notwithstanding a difficult economy, adapting to the shifting needs of its customers, and navigating a supply-chain industry that is still struggling to recover from the tumult of the past few years.

“uShip has been my home for most of my career and being able to take on the role of CEO is the culmination of nearly two decades of hard work,” Heather said.

“I’m ready to advance our existing investments, push us into new growth areas, and place calculated bets to maintain our profitability. Ultimately, we’ll continue to deliver the quality services and technology our customers have come to expect.”

“Heather has played a pivotal leadership role in uShip’s success, making her a natural fit to take on the CEO role,” said Jim Martell, Executive Chairman of uShip’s board of directors.

“After 18 years, no one knows the ins and outs of uShip better than Heather. She’s had a remarkably positive impact on virtually every aspect of the business. We fully support her and her vision as uShip enters its next phase of growth this year, which will see the company focused on key verticals such as Vehicles, Household Goods, LTL Freight, and Motorcycles.”

Heather is uShip’s fourth CEO since the company was founded in 2003.

The post Intern-to-CEO: uShip Names Hoover-Salomon Chief Executive appeared first on The uShip Blog.

Buying a daily driver is a whole different ball game than buying a truck for towing. You need your vehicle to be able to perform and keep up with the weight of the work on its shoulders.

Whether you are picking up hotshot loads or hauling a cross-country move, you are only as reliable as your truck. Listed below are five of the best heavy-duty trucks for towing can buy in 2023 as rated by uShip car shipping:

2023 Ram 2500/3500

The Ford F-series pickup trucks were most notably known for having the most lb.-ft torque ratio in their respective classes, but Ram has made an impressive push to claim the top spot in the class 3 pickup industry. According to Car and Driver, the turbo-diesel Cummins inline six-cylinder engine packs a punch of 1075 lb.-ft of torque.

Step aside, Ford. The Ram can also haul a class-leading 7,390 lbs., topping the F-350 in terms of payload capacity. The position on top of the freight capacity mountain is fittingly held by a Ram.

Hotshot drivers can pull out the big guns with the 3500’s fifth wheel tow rating of 30,000 lbs. The other trucks on this list don’t even come close.

2023 GMC Sierra 2500/3500

To put it simply: You can tow a helluva lot of things if you arm this bad boy properly.

For drivers who plan on moving a hefty amount of freight should look no further than the GMC 3500 series. This truck is available in both three-quarter- and 1-ton configurations, so there’s no need to worry about its frame or muscle when moving cargo. An exhaust braking system that helps keep the Sierra’s speed in check when going downhill without losing the “oomf” to generate 400 horsepower.

Both six-speed automatic engines power this monstrous metal machine under the hood, but it’s brawn doesn’t overshadow its refined, sharp look on the inside. A surprisingly quiet highway ride is something drivers can look forward to, especially if their truck is working hard to tow a massive load behind them. What’s more, this truck gets more than 12 miles per gallon when towing a 8,500 lbs.

2023 Nissan Titan XD

It’s always a surprise when we see trucks not a part of the Ford, Ram, or General Motors family make the list. The new 2023 Nissan XD is also about to introduce numerous upgrades you won’t want to miss. One of the most impressive things about this truck is the XD variant. While this model slots somewhere between the light-duty and heavy-duty segments, this truck is ready for any heavy-duty lifting thrown at it. At this time only the crew cab setup is currently available, but you can expect lots of exciting premium features to enjoy.

The Nissan Titan XD boasts a new twin-turbo engine instead of the 5.6-liter V8 engine, but it will provide more or less the same performance as the original Titan. The goal is the perfect balance of power and efficiency in one useful package.

2023 Ford F-250/350

Sorry about what we said earlier Ford, the F-250 and 350 both deserve the spotlight in 2023. This classic has been redesigned with eye-catching styling elements, updated powertrains, and new technology including an onboard generator, new trailering assists, a head-up display, and access to a 5G wireless network. If you’re looking for a smooth, comfortable ride with all the power to tow up to 8000 pounds of payload or towing up to 40,000 pounds worth of trailer.

2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500

Long-time Chevy drivers are also some of the most loyal truck owners out there. It’s hard not to fall for this all-American brand, whose commercials were once illuminated by the golden chords of Detroit’s finest product, Bob Seger.

In terms of performance, the Silverado is, as Seger once bellowed, like a rock. While Ram says it has class-leading tow capacity, the term has become nuanced in regard to how it’s measured, which has led to different brands claiming the top spot. Car and Driver says the Silverado 3500 can carry more in its bed and tow more weight behind its trailer hitch than the Ford F-series and nearly as much as the Ram’s fifth-wheel towing king.

Similar to the GMC Sierra, its corporate brother, the Silverado offers gas-powered or diesel V-8 engines, prospective owners have a multitude of options in terms of bed length, cab configurations, and even trim levels. Its exoskeleton doesn’t offer the most muscle mass – a trend that’s against the wind in the industry – but hotshot drivers could benefit from a sturdy, powerful truck that’s more than capable of hauling heavy objects over long distances.

Earn More with the Best Trucks for Towing & uShip

uShip.com is the first online shipping marketplace where having one of the best trucks for towing helps you earn more on the side. Try us out risk free!

The post The 2023 Best Trucks for Towing appeared first on The uShip Blog.

Rallies are more popular than ever, with some dating back more than 70 years, and some still in their youth. For casual riders and die-hards alike, these are the top 6 best biker rallies in America courtesy of uShip:

1. Sturgis Motorcycle Rally:

The quintessential rally known the world over, this gathering has been around since 1938. Every August, the small town of Sturgis, South Dakota, plays host to one of the largest biker rallies in American history. Riders from all across the globe make their way to the small western town to partake in multiple events. The rally originated as a celebration with roughly two dozen racers participating in a few functions, including a half-mile race and various ramp jumps, the South Dakota Office of Tourism says. The gathering has grown exponentially since then, with more than 730,000 riders in attendance in 2015, an all-time high; the rally typically sees around 500,000 people each year. Hidden in the northern quadrant of the South Dakota Black Hills, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has a picturesque backdrop and miles of open roads in close proximity for riders to explore. Normally a town of under 7,000 residents, Sturgis happily hosts the throngs of bikers that entertain the senses with growling engines and the smell of exhaust, and brings in an estimated $800 million yearly.

Photo courtesy of Pediment.com

2. Daytona Bike Week:

Similar to its northern counterpart, Daytona Bike Week has been running for almost 70 consecutive years. The event was first held in 1937 as a motorcycle race held on a sand and road course. This tradition lasted until 1942 when the American Motorcycle Association canceled the event due to Word War II. Although the race was canceled, people still showed up for an unofficial party that became Daytona Bike Week. The rally attracts 500,000 bikers over a 10-day stretch and includes a number of parties, various forms of entertainment, camping and even weddings. With warm weather and proximity to tourist attractions like the Kennedy Space Center, Silver Springs state park and themed water parks, Daytona Bike Week provides an avenue of entertainment for every biker in town.

Photo courtesy of Daytona Bike Week

3. Laconia Motorcycle Week:

In terms of overall size, Laconia Motorcycle Week is slightly below the likes of Daytona and Sturgis, but the small-town New Hampshire gathering is actually the oldest bike rally in the country. The quaint New England scene on Lake Winnipesaukee would be enough to put this rally on our list, but its fun and unique events like the largest beer belly contest make this festival a must-see. Thrill-seekers can participate in the rally’s many races, while others can just cruise the tree-lined roadways along the state’s largest lake. If you attend, don’t miss out on riding the Mount Washington Auto Road, ascending the highest peak in the northeast at 6,288 feet.

Photo courtesy of Laconia Motorcycle Week

4. Myrtle Beach Bike Week:

If there’s a recurring theme here, it’s that all of these biker rallies are at the grandfather stages of their respective lives. Myrtle Beach Bike Week is also in its 70s, and the scenery along South Carolina’s eastern coastline would be enough to attract any non-bike enthusiast for a visit. The traditional racing and events are planned at Myrtle Beach, as well as custom motorcycle shows and a vibrant live music scene. Moreover, there are a number of attractions within hours’ driving distance, including wildlife reserves, a former USS Battleship, and a couple of castles for the history buffs.

Photo courtesy of SBB

5. Rolling Thunder:

Although Rolling Thunder hasn’t been around quite as long as the other bike festivals, its purpose may be the most important. Held each year in Washington, D.C., on Memorial Day weekend, the rally is dedicated to the veterans of the Vietnam war. Founder Ray Manzo, a former Marine, also wanted to bring attention to the fact that American servicemen had been abandoned as prisoners of war at the end of the struggle – a fact he found out in 1987 while visiting the Vietnam Memorial. Rolling Thunder started in 1988 in New Jersey, but it has since gathered thousands of former military service members who congregate in the nation’s capital to pay homage to the fallen. The event isn’t just for bikers either, thousands attend simply with the goal of displaying and celebrating their patriotism. The rally isn’t exclusive to Washington, as smaller events occur in various parts of the country. However, the best annual turnout is in D.C. because rally-goers attend the Vietnam Memorial each year.

Photo courtesy of Rolling Thunder

6. ROT Biker Rally:

Although its just 18 years old, the Republic of Texas Biker Rally in the state’s capital is the largest ticketed motorcycle rally in the nation, according to the ROT website. The event is so large that the City of Austin has joined forces with ROT Biker Rally by closing off about 50 blocks downtown for a massive parade and party that is typically held the second weekend in June – one that’s expected to draw more than 200,000 people. This year’s ROT Rally is scheduled for June 12 to 14 and will use the Travis Co. Expo Center as its headquarters. The mass gathering isn’t just known for the congregation of cool and unique bikes, either. Austin’s self-proclamation as the “music capital of the world” has seen great musicians pass through central Texas, and the ROT rally is just another reason to attract great acts. Past rally headliners have included Willie Nelson, Joan Jett, Eddie Money, Twisted Sister, Charlie Daniels, and Hank Williams Jr. This June, ZZ Top headlined the rally’s entertainment.

Photo courtesy of ROT Rally

Heading to one of these biker rallies soon?

Let our marketplace help you ship your motorcycle faster, easier, and cheaper. We connect you with thousands of customer-reviewed transporters ready to haul your bike at a discounted rate.

Get Instant Rates To Ship A Motorcycle!

Editor’s note: This article was first published in 2014 before being updated for current publishing.

The post The 6 Best Biker Rallies In The Country appeared first on The uShip Blog.

But being stuck at home with the fam doesn’t have to be all bad. This year’s holiday season may come with added stress, but with a little creativity and holiday entertainment planning, you can make 2020 extra special. You may not be able to take the kids on the Polar Express train or stroll through your town’s Trail of Lights, but you can still create your own magic right at home.

No matter what your family traditions are, take this holiday season to find new ways to enjoy your time together. To help kickstart the process, we’ve put together some fun ideas on how to upgrade your family’s holiday entertainment at home, along with some hand-selected pieces from Etsy, eBay, and Chairish.

Upgrade Movie Night

We all have our favorite holiday movies that we rewatch every year… “Miracle on 34th Street,” “A Christmas Story,” “It’s a Wonderful Life”… the list could go on. You may have watched these films on your TV, laptop, or entertainment console, but have you watched them on the big screen at home? Make the most of movie night with your very own projector. Purchase your own screen, hang up a sheet, or just point the projector at a blank wall. Then, throw some blankets and pillows on the floor and get cozy with the fam.

Movie projectors available on eBay.

Get Things Poppin’

Speaking of movie nights – how will you make popcorn for the whole family? Do you really want to heat up individual packs in the microwave all night? We didn’t think so. This year, make the holidays extra festive with a classic, full-size popcorn machine. Let the unmistakable smell of buttery, freshly popped popcorn sweep through the house and announce to everyone that it’s movie time. Don’t forget the other snacks!

Paramount 16oz Commercial Popcorn Maker Machine, available on eBay.

Spread Warmth and Good Cheer

Whether you live in a place with cold winters or mild ones, a fire pit is always a sure way to bring people together. Bundle up, make some s’mores, play holiday tunes, and enjoy the brisk night air under the stars. Fire pits, a growing trend in the COVID era, are also great options when hosting smaller groups. Being able to keep people comfortable outside can double your entertaining space and allow for more social distancing when needed.

PyroMania Shangri-La Fire Pit Table, $1199, available on Chairish.

Keep the Good Cheer Flowing

Sustain that holiday cheer with a custom home bar cabinet. Stock up on your favorite holiday spirits or Martinelli’s sparkling apple cider. Whatever you fancy, make it look classy. Mix in a little extra festivity with twinkling lights, a cup of hot cocoa, or fun holiday glasses. We especially like this cabinet that closes, making it easier to store when guests are gone.

Antique Handcrafted Home Bar Cabinet by magusdesignsjaipur, $4078, available on Etsy.

The Grandkid Shuffle

With everyone in town, that usually means multiple generations and lots of grandkids. While the little ones are adorable, they can also take up a lot of space. Make the holiday kid-wrangling a little easier with a bench that the kiddos can sit on during meals or picture time. Need a few quiet moments before the next big activity? Park the bench in front of the TV. It’s okay – we all do it.

Audley Cane Back Bench in Beige, $1999, available on Chairish.

Up the Ante

Did the holidays even happen if you didn’t have a family game night? Stir up a little healthy competition between generations and bring out the board games, playing cards, and poker sets. Up the stakes and place some bets… even if you’re just using candy canes. If you feel like upgrading from Monopoly or Scrabble, find something unique like this dartboard cabinet that will really get the party started.

Deluxe Dartboard Cabinet by ClarkeshopBoutique, $523, available on Etsy.

Rocking Around…

Now that you have your favorite games and movies all setup, what about your favorite holiday album? Music deserves a spotlight too. Instead of playing from your Bluetooth speaker and dealing with the perpetual “low battery” noise, travel back in time and enjoy your favorite tunes the way they were meant to be heard – on vinyl. As everyone mingles, cooks, or relaxes together, let the warm sound of the record player drift through the house, making for an extra memorable time.

Record players available on eBay. (Don’t forget the stand)

Next Level Photo Booth

It’s easy to set up streamers and make a DIY photo booth, but why not go all out and make your booth the most epic one on the block? Pack the family into an inflatable, life-size snow globe and get the best pictures your Facebook friends have ever seen. Extra points if everyone wears their ugly sweaters and reindeer ears.

Giant Snow Globe, $2500, available on eBay.

Light Up the Block

Can’t make it to the light show? Bring the light show to you (and the entire neighborhood). Nothing says “festive” like this 18-foot Frosty the Snowman in your front yard. We’re pretty sure people will be lining up around the block to see the spectacle.

Frosty The Snowman Giant 18 Ft Inflatable Light Show, $375, available on eBay.

Have you found the perfect fire pit or old-fashioned popcorn machine that needs to be shipped and delivered in time to bake cookies and watch “Home Alone” with the fam? uShip has you covered with professional transporters that specialize in shipping oversized items. Because this holiday season, your entertainment planning should be the only thing you need to worry about. Create your free listing to start getting quotes from carriers today.

The post Not-So-Home Alone: 9 Ways to Keep the Family Entertained This Holiday Season appeared first on The uShip Blog.

But talk and hashtags are cheap. To take action, uShip is making a significant donation to social justice non-profits focused on supporting and advancing racial equality and stopping racial injustice.

Further, our open, neutral, balanced marketplace will continue to provide opportunity for small business owners and entrepreneurs, regardless of race, just as it has since 2004.

Among the thousands of active carriers who move large and bulky items on uShip, what sets them apart IS their diversity along with gumption, fortitude, grit, problem-solving ability, and above-and-beyond customer service. We’re proud to provide this platform that supplies the opportunities where businesses are built and livings are made.

In addition to our donation and our existing marketplace dynamic, we will challenge ourselves as a company to continually look at the roles we play and find ways to be an active part of the solution.

The post uShip Stands Up for Black Lives appeared first on The uShip Blog.

That’s why uShip has teamed up with SimpleConsign, the web-based management solution for consignment shops, to provide its sellers with fast, easy, and affordable delivery options for shipping large, oversized items.

Traditional shipping options have proved inefficient for consignment sellers, leaving them to deal with high fees and high damage rates. Parcel carriers, like USPS, simply aren’t equipped for these large jobs, and often result in exorbitant, unpredictable rates. On the other hand, freight carriers can carry large items via Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping, but require sellers to spend extra time and money carefully packing and palletizing items that they don’t want damaged in transit.

ONE-STOP SHOP FOR OVERSIZED SHIPPING

With uShip, SimpleConsign users get way more than just bare-bones shipping options.

uShip’s solution for SimpleConsign sellers includes blanket wrapping, home delivery, and full tracking for both buyers and sellers. Consignment store owners can also rest easy thanks to instant shipping price estimates; affordable, full-coverage insurance; and first-to-final mile service, which can result in significantly lower damage rates.

On top of these features, SimpleConsign sellers get a key edge on competitors by having the ability to choose their own carriers. Every carrier on uShip has its own profile, which includes helpful information, like reviews and ratings from real customers, cancellation rates, and transport equipment. Before booking, SimpleConsign sellers can review each carrier who interacts with their listing and communicate about the shipment in advance, giving them the power to choose the right shipping partner for their store.

MAKE MORE SALES WITH PREDICTIVE PRICING

Though today’s buyers have never been more confident purchasing large items online, 47 percent of Americans still say that high delivery costs at checkout caused them to look elsewhere for the same or similar item. For sellers of large antiques, offering free shipping might seem impossible, but with uShip’s shipping portal, sellers can utilize uShip’s predictive pricing so they can roll the cost to ship into each item, making free shipping a true reality when shipping oversized consignment items.

Not sure which is the right shipping price strategy for your business? Take this quiz to find out.

WHAT ARE OTHER SELLERS SAYING?

Brad Stanwick operates an online store specializing in English antique furniture. His store, The Parsons Nose, now either offers free shipping on its items, with shipping rolled into prices, or displays a flat, up-front delivery rate right on the item’s listing.

“Using uShip has been better for my bottom line,” Brad says. “I ran the numbers and figured out that I can ship my furniture almost anywhere in the country for about $250 to $300 through uShip. So, I took a leap.”

A WIN-WIN SHIPPING SOLUTION

Better shipping options for SimpleConsign users doesn’t just benefit the seller. With this latest partnership, SimpleConsign customers can now easily get the perfect one-of-a-kind item shipped directly to their room of choice. In addition, both seller and customer can have the peace of mind provided by full tracking, feedback-rated carriers, and first-to-final mile delivery.

SimpleConsign Seller Exclusive: If you’re a SimpleConsign user, check out the uShip + SimpleConsign landing page to see how you can start shipping consignment with uShip today.

The post uShip + SimpleConsign: Modern Day Shipping for Consignment Stores appeared first on The uShip Blog.

If you are unable to deliver a shipment, or if you have an active shipment that you are having difficulty delivering, please reach out to uShip Support anytime at support@uship.com or by calling 1-800-698-7447 during our normal business hours.

With the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) now being felt across so many aspects of everyday life – including logistics supply chains around the world – the well-being of uShip shipping customers, carriers, and employees continues to be our top priority today.

To ensure the health and safety of our community, the uShip staff is currently conducting all business functions remotely. We know that many people rely on our platform to make a living and keep their businesses afloat, which is why we will continue to support those logistical needs however we can.

As this is an ever-changing and fast-evolving situation, we’re closely monitoring operations and proactively communicating should we see any potential developments that may impact pickup and delivery for both shippers and service providers. Rest assured, though we may be working from home offices and couches, our team is here and ready to provide the same level of support our users have come to expect.

A Reminder for Shippers and Service Providers

While we may be an online marketplace that virtually connects shippers with transporters, we feel a responsibility to remind both parties who may have person-to-person contact (such as a handshake) of the importance of health and safety measures.

Given that a transporter can be in physical contact with multiple customers in a given day — often in entirely different cities and states – there’s a heightened potential for both parties to share, pass, or contract COVID-19. As a result, we strongly recommend the following actions:

*Please note that a limited number of states have implemented checkpoints to screen the health of drivers. Although commercial activity is permitted at this time, please be sure to check federal, state, and local restrictions for specific entry and delivery requirements. We recommend carriers travel with a copy of their BOL to ensure proof of work.

DO NOT SHAKE HANDS.

It may feel awkward rejecting a customary handshake but for everyone’s safety, please avoid it. Medical professionals say shaking hands is the easiest way to spread the virus.

PROVIDE THRESHOLD SERVICE ONLY.

At this time, we are advising carriers who service our business shippers to refrain from making room-of-choice deliveries. To ensure everyone’s safety, transporters should only be offering threshold service.

PROMOTE HEALTH ETIQUETTE.

If the situation allows, provide your driver with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or a place to wash their hands – or accommodate their request for it. They’ve likely been on the road and may not have had a recent chance to wash up.

PRACTICE PATIENCE.

If either party faces extenuating circumstances related to the virus, show some understanding. We’re all in this together.

See our guide for more carrier resources on keeping yourself and others safe during the coronavirus outbreak. We also encourage everyone to follow health and safety guidelines recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), as well as state and local health agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Delivery

Should drivers continue to deliver to people’s homes?

As a carrier, please use your best judgment and pay close attention to CDC, state, and local guidelines when bidding on and completing residential shipments. If you would prefer to not enter the pickup or delivery location, please proactively communicate your plans with the customer before bidding or picking up the shipment. If you already have the shipment in your possession, please communicate your preferred method of delivery with the customer as soon as possible.

As a customer, please exercise patience and understanding should a driver seek delivery alternatives and please let your carrier know if you prefer a “no contact” delivery.

What is a “no contact” delivery?

A “no contact” delivery is completed when the driver drops your items on a porch, outside a garage, or at some other location that does not require them to enter your home.

Is uShip providing a “no contact” delivery option?

We have no plans to create a new delivery type through our product at this time. We’re asking that carriers and customers take appropriate precautions based on government regulations and guidelines.

Is uShip planning to lower or suspend fees?

There is no plan to decrease uShip fees at this time as customers and transportation service providers continue to be able to do business through our site as they normally would. Fortunately, we haven’t seen the outbreak cause major disruption in pickup and delivery operations for shipments booked through the uShip platform and our entire staff is working as normal from home.

Cancellations

What if a shipment becomes delayed or canceled due to travel restrictions?

At this point in time, we are not seeing and do not expect to see widespread restrictions on travel within the US. It is the responsibility of the carrier to check regional limits on travel or delivery before bidding on or picking up a shipment. You will not be penalized for cancellations related to COVID-19 restrictions. Please reach out to uShip Member Support if you run into any issues.

Will uShip alert users to any travel restrictions that will impact active bids or picked up shipments?

uShip will continue to provide regular updates as the situation evolves. With a constantly changing landscape of city, county, state, and national travel guidelines, it is ultimately the responsibility of the carrier to check regional limits on travel or delivery before bidding on or picking up a shipment.

What if I am in possession of a customer’s shipment and travel restrictions prevent me from making the delivery?

If you believe that newly enacted travel restrictions are preventing you from delivering a shipment that is in your possession, please take the following steps:

• Immediately contact the shipper to alert them that the delivery will be delayed.
• If the shipper accepts a delayed delivery and you are able to store the item, please make arrangements to store the item until delivery is possible.
• If the shipper would like the item returned to its origin or you are not able to store the item, please make a reasonable effort to return the item to the pickup location.

You will not be penalized for cancellations related to COVID-19 restrictions. Please reach out to uShip Member Support if you run into any issues.

What if a TSP is in possession of my shipment and travel restrictions prevent the delivery from taking place?

If you believe newly enacted travel restrictions may close a delivery location or otherwise prevent a scheduled delivery from being successfully completed, please take the following steps:

• Immediately contact the TSP to alert them that delivery may not be possible.
• Inform the TSP of your preference for delayed delivery or return of the item to its origin.

Please reach out to uShip Member Support if you run into any issues.

Business Continuity

How is COVID-19 impacting shipments on uShip? 

While the overall market is uncertain at the moment, it appears at this time, the US is open for business to flow for interstate carriers — and uShip continues to be a viable source for shipments by transporters who continue to perform this essential service. In addition, we’re staying in close contact with our high-volume shipping partners as they monitor the impact of COVID-19 on their sales volumes — and therefore on their shipment volumes. The safety of our communities remains uShip’s top focus and we will continue to update this blog post as state and local regulations shift.

Does uShip have a business continuity plan in response to COVID-19?

Yes, uShip has a plan in response to COVID-19 which outlines all business functions/areas of work and appropriate resource and personnel backup. As a part of this plan, all employees are on mandatory work-from-home as of Monday 3/16/2020.

LTL Guidance

How can I make sure my LTL Shipments are successfully picked up or delivered?

Things are changing rapidly with state and local regulations surrounding business closures. Make sure to contact your shipper or receiver of the freight at the location you are moving to ensure that they will be available to release or receive your freight. If you are concerned about a consignee not being available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. it would be wise to add a delivery appointment.

How can I avoid additional charges for LTL Shipments due to COVID-19?

To avoid charges for pickup dry runs, redelivery, and storage it is best to make sure that the pickup and delivery locations are available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. In the event of business closures and freight being returned to terminals for storage, the impact of COVID-19 could delay your shipment being redelivered. Please note that uShip is not liable for any transit delays, shipment refusals, or additional costs due to COVID-19. *If you need to delay an LTL shipment for pickup or delivery please contact LTL Support at 888-579-1240.

Can I still book Guaranteed LTL Rates?

uShip is still offering Guaranteed LTL rates on our platform. However, due to COVID-19, many LTL carriers are not issuing refunds if freight delivers go past the Guaranteed transit time. Freight booked at a Guaranteed rate will still move more quickly than a Standard Rate shipment, however, they may not provide reimbursement if this shipment is delayed. We recommend reaching out to your carrier to confirm their current policy, as the situation is changing rapidly.

As always, you can still contact uShip Member Support if you have any questions or concerns. We thank you for your continued use of uShip and look forward to helping get your shipment on the road!

The post Coronavirus Update: Working Remotely and Ready to Support Our Customers appeared first on The uShip Blog.

How to Pack Your Vinyl Records Well

First, snag some poly sleeves for each record in your collection. Every record, no matter how beaten up, needs an acid-free paper liner, a sturdy jacket (aka the album cover or 12″ sleeve itself), and a poly sleeve to stand the test of time in your archive. The goal is to protect each record from dust, heat, and moisture, so make sure your records can’t fall or roll out from the cover.

Poly plastic sleeves will protect them from all types of outside wear. Use caution when packing boxes full of your most righteous LP’s. You want them to fit snugly together without being squeezed too tightly, which could cause warping. Pack some newspaper or bubble wrap in the space left in the box–this will give your records some shock absorption during the ride. Don’t stack your vinyl on top of one another when putting them in a box; stand them vertically next to each other.

Moving Your Records? Always Remove Jackets. Here’s why.

This may be counter-intuitive, but many experts recommend that you remove a record from its jacket (aka the cardboard album cover) to prevent the jacket from being imprinted with an ugly, discolored depressed ring from the vinyl itself.

Take the record out of its jacket and place it vertically next to the jacket (for which you should have a poly sleeve). ONLY DO THIS IF your record has an acid-free paper liner that protects it inside the jacket. (Definitely stock up on those liners) By placing the record in a liner and jacket inside of a poly sleeve, you are also protecting your jacket from bending on the edges of the sleeves along with ring wear and other superficial nicks and scrapes.

Always Use Sturdy Boxes

There are several options when choosing boxes to pack your collection. As long as the box dimensions are at least 14″ x 14″ x 14″,  your records should fit. There shouldn’t be too much extra room for jostling around during the move. Try to find newish boxes if possible. A box that falls apart is no box at all–it’s a heap of cardboard. U-Haul, the Container Store, and reusable moving boxes from BungoBox all make boxes sized specifically for shipping vinyl records.*

*Insider tip: Used wine boxes fit 12″ LP’s perfectly.

Give the LP’s a Little Padding

Line the bottom and/or sides of your box with newspaper, bubble wrap or styrofoam to make sure that they have some protection against the jostle of a moving truck. Double-thick cardboard isn’t enough to keep your collection safe. Also be sure to indicate which side of your box is “up.” Though movers and service providers generally treat other people’s things with the utmost care (at least they should), a smooth ride is not guaranteed.

Get Where You’re Going

Be it on an 18-wheeler (check out LTL freight for huge collections), on a rental truck, or in the backseat of your car, your collection will need to take a ride. There is some debate about climate-controlled vs. non-climate-controlled moving trucks, but in reality, there is no need to spend the extra cheddar on a climate-controlled vehicle. If you pack your records correctly and stack them vertically, a hot move won’t bother them. The main concern is direct sunlight. As long as you don’t dawdle in Phoenix in mid-July and protect them from direct sunlight during pickup and delivery, your babies will be fine.

The post The Vinyl Frontier: How to Move Your Record Collection appeared first on The uShip Blog.

Like last week, during your monthly visit to the gym, was that clean-and-jerk on the free weights really necessary? Do the words “Lift with your KNEES” mean anything?! C’mon, man, what are you trying to prove?

So here’s the thing, you’ve got a big household move coming up. Yep, the fam’s 4BR-3BA relo going 1200 miles to Pensacola for the new job. Trust me, you’re stressed about it. All of it. I can tell. But you’re STILL thinking about doing it yourself. Clearly you’ve forgotten the DIY moves of 2011, 2013, and 2014. Dark times for our relationship. Dark times.

So, as a reminder, I’ve been trying to send you subtle hints and reminders that you should NOT DIY again, dude. Notice that dull ache down your left leg last week? That was me. Or waking up a bit stiff yesterday. Me again.

Do yourself a favor and hire a professional, man. It’s ok! No one will think any less of you. I’ll be good for a long time, even until AFTER your upcoming golf trip to Cabo. I know how much you’ve been looking forward to that. I do appreciate it when you do massages on these trips even if it kinda freaks you out when people touch you.

Anyway, let’s talk about money. You’re a tad seduced by the lure of saving it on this move, thinking you can tackle all the boxes, couches, armoires and furniture like you’re John Cena. But have you really done the math? I mean, REALLY done the math, including pain and suffering? How do you plan to haul that ATV? Or that giant birdbath? (yeah, I don’t like it either). Oh, don’t forget the patio furniture, bbq, piano, washer and dryer, canoe AND kayak, and that grandfather clock that’s not even working. And that’s just the tip of your logistical iceberg. #attic #basement

So, please do me a favor and get professional help. Oh, you know what I mean. A professional moving company. I hear there are a ton on uShip looking to help stubborn fellas like you and their families. It’s what they do. And they are good at it, based on what past customers have said. You can even put in a price based on your budget.

There’s a good chance it’ll run you about the same, if not a bit less than doing it yourself. All without the blood, sweat and tears. Just so you know, all five Lumbar Brothers and the Sciatica Twins agree with me.

Do yourself and all of us a favor. Get on uShip, man.

Love you.

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The post Don’t DIY! An Open Letter from Your Lower Back appeared first on The uShip Blog.

Click here for a high res version of the above chart.

What tax forms does uShip provide?

Short answer: None. Long answer: Service providers who utilize our online marketplace to source loads are neither contractors of uShip or uShip employees, and therefore we cannot provide tax forms.

How can I calculate income from uShip bookings?

Go to Transaction History while logged in. You can then select the date ranges you need. There are the options to print it or export to a spreadsheet by clicking “Download to Excel.”

What deductions can I claim?

First, before you begin your deductions, separate business and personal accounts for easier deduction calculations. For more specific details about deductions we’ve used tax preparation software TaxSlayer.com as a source for this and put together a table.

Any tax tips when claiming deductions?

Yes. For owner-operators there are some deductions that shouldn’t be claimed to help avoid being audited. Make sure not to deduct any of the following:

• Time incurred working on your own equipment
• Income lost for dry runs and unpaid mileage
• Downtime
• Everyday clothing
• Commuting costs
• Utilities not used for business purposes
• Personal loan interest
• Personal vacations
• Student loan interest or principal

TL;DR For Tax Tips

• Track all business expenses – Fuel, maintenance, insurance, and meals can be tax deductions.
• Understand self-employment taxes – Owner-operators must pay both income tax and self-employment tax.
• Know per diem rates – Meal expenses can be deducted using IRS per diem rates.
• Separate business & personal finances – Keeping separate accounts simplifies tax filing and audits.
• Take advantage of depreciation – Deduct the cost of your truck and equipment over time.
• Make quarterly tax payments – Avoid penalties by paying estimated taxes throughout the year.

We hope these tax tips are helpful. For best results, we suggest working with a tax professional.

The post Tax Tips for Owner-Operators appeared first on The uShip Blog.