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matt@uship.com (12/4/2007)
You bring up a great point about the Shipping Price Estimator. The algorythm for relevance that results in the 10 "most comperable" shipments is pretty complex. It takes into account type of goods, weight, overall distance, specific lane/route and recency of match among other factors. These factors have different weights, and the recency of the match is not one of the most important factors - so you may see older shipments in the comps if the other aspects of the shipment are very similar.Also, all of the data we use for comps is 2006 or newer - so, while gas prices have risen steadily over the last 3 years or so, current prices are not that different from average prices across this timeframe. We do not just show low bids - these are actual shipping prices paid (accepted bids) as opposed to all bids received. As you might expect, average bid prices are significantly higher than the average shipping price - but the tool is designed to show actual transaction prices vs. average bid prices. We are working on a tool to measure how transportation prices change over time and plan to adjust past shipments for these changes when we use them for the purposes of providing and estimate. Regards, Matt Matt The theory of using an average or mean of similar shipments sounds good........in theory only. It doesn't consider the variables and ever changing conditions and costs so it can never be consistently accurate. It is a complete failure and simply injects another confusion factor for the shipper........and since confusing the shipper is of such a paramount importance to you that any explanation of the uShip fees is not allowed because it confuses the shipper........it would be a contradiction if you keep it. An example, specifically for automobiles.....the "ship it now" prices from DAS and others pop up. Frequently there is as much as a 300% variation between the "ship it now" prices. Now you inject another price from the shipping price estimator..........CONFUSED.......hell yes the shipper is confused! As a tool for some commodities, perhaps it could be useful although extremely spread all over the spectrum so it isn't realistic. It serves only to further cloud the shipper's mind and expectations. You should eliminate it and let the bids control the price..........period. If you are serious about enhancing the site you might consider a separate directory for US DOT compliant/insured carriers. I personally would be willing to pay a reasonable annual fee for credential and insurance verification........ IF......you would establish a separate directory for compliant carriers with insurance.......... AND......... implement a selection for the shipper when listing where they must choose if they would accept offers from (1) a compliant carrier with insurance, (2) an uninsured carrier/non compliant carrier, or (3) any service provider. Once the shipper selects the "compliant/insured carrier" category, only bids from those verified carriers would be allowed and presented to the shipper. Benefits...... .....reduce the criticism of uShip for harboring, and not distinguishing the hoards of illegals; further insulate uShip from liability for the illegal rip offs; elevate the awareness and knowledge level of the shipper; and influence me stop writing letters, emails, and calling my congressional representative petitioning her to initiate an investigation by DOJ, DOT, and FTC, of uShip for its business ethics and possible illegal operations. BTW.......what happened to the conference call with Mickey? There are some good ideas out here if you established a method of communicating them directly, clearly, and without the ad hoc and irrelevant comments (such as this one) being attached. Sorry....it will not happen in the forum... ... Just my 2 cents.... ...that's what the forum is for........isn't it? Don
Designated Observer I support the mission of  *** "STOP ILLEGAL TRUCKING" ***
*****Counseled & Advised by Bup, The Adventure Dog***** 1473552 - 556329  (temporarily inactive..)
****************************** SEMO Motor Transport Service
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Group: Forum Members
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matt@uship.com (12/4/2007)
You bring up a great point about the Shipping Price Estimator. The algorythm for relevance that results in the 10 "most comperable" shipments is pretty complex. It takes into account type of goods, weight, overall distance, specific lane/route and recency of match among other factors. These factors have different weights, and the recency of the match is not one of the most important factors - so you may see older shipments in the comps if the other aspects of the shipment are very similar.Also, all of the data we use for comps is 2006 or newer - so, while gas prices have risen steadily over the last 3 years or so, current prices are not that different from average prices across this timeframe. We do not just show low bids - these are actual shipping prices paid (accepted bids) as opposed to all bids received. As you might expect, average bid prices are significantly higher than the average shipping price - but the tool is designed to show actual transaction prices vs. average bid prices. We are working on a tool to measure how transportation prices change over time and plan to adjust past shipments for these changes when we use them for the purposes of providing and estimate. Regards, Matt matt@uship.com (12/4/2007)
You bring up a great point about the Shipping Price Estimator. The algorythm for relevance that results in the 10 "most comperable" shipments is pretty complex. It takes into account type of goods, weight, overall distance, specific lane/route and recency of match among other factors. These factors have different weights, and the recency of the match is not one of the most important factors - so you may see older shipments in the comps if the other aspects of the shipment are very similar. Also, all of the data we use for comps is 2006 or newer - so, while gas prices have risen steadily over the last 3 years or so, current prices are not that different from average prices across this timeframe. We do not just show low bids - these are actual shipping prices paid (accepted bids) as opposed to all bids received. As you might expect, average bid prices are significantly higher than the average shipping price - but the tool is designed to show actual transaction prices vs. average bid prices. We are working on a tool to measure how transportation prices change over time and plan to adjust past shipments for these changes when we use them for the purposes of providing and estimate. Regards, Matt Matt The theory of using an average or mean of similar shipments sounds good........in theory only. It doesn't consider the variables and ever changing conditions and costs so it can never be consistently accurate. It is a complete failure and simply injects another confusion factor for the shipper........and since confusing the shipper is of such a paramount importance to you that any explanation of the uShip fees is not allowed because it confuses the shipper........it would be a contradiction if you keep it. An example, specifically for automobiles.....the "ship it now" prices from DAS and others pop up. Frequently there is as much as a 300% variation between the "ship it now" prices. Now you inject another price from the shipping price estimator..........CONFUSED.......hell yes the shipper is confused! As a tool for some commodities, perhaps it could be useful although extremely spread all over the spectrum so it isn't realistic. It serves only to further cloud the shipper's mind and expectations. You should eliminate it and let the bids control the price..........period. If you are serious about enhancing the site you might consider a separate directory for US DOT compliant/insured carriers. I personally would be willing to pay a reasonable annual fee for credential and insurance verification........ IF......you would establish a separate directory for compliant carriers with insurance.......... AND......... implement a selection for the shipper when listing where they must choose if they would accept offers from (1) a compliant carrier with insurance, (2) an uninsured carrier/non compliant carrier, or (3) any service provider. Once the shipper selects the "compliant/insured carrier" category, only bids from those verified carriers would be allowed and presented to the shipper. Benefits...........reduce the criticism of uShip for harboring, and not distinguishing the hoards of illegals; further insulate uShip from liability for the illegal rip offs; elevate the awareness and knowledge level of the shipper; and influence me stop writing letters, emails, and calling my congressional representative petitioning her to initiate an investigation by DOJ, DOT, and FTC, of uShip for its business ethics and possible illegal operations. BTW.......what happened to the conference call with Mickey? There are some good ideas out here if you established a method of communicating them directly, clearly, and without the ad hoc and irrelevant comments (such as this one) being attached. Sorry....it will not happen in the forum...... Just my 2 cents.......that's what the forum is for........isn't it? Don
Designated Observer I support the mission of *** "STOP ILLEGAL TRUCKING" *** *****Counseled & Advised by Bup, The Adventure Dog***** 1473552 - 556329 (temporarily inactive..) ****************************** SEMO Motor Transport Service
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| Here is another very typical example of why the Shipping Price Estimator should be eliminated. comment from Q & A.....Response: hey, thanks, but 250.00 is firm uship say's 211.77 quote. has to be in range of 211 to 250. if you can come to terms with that im cool with a deal?? The listing is for transporting a 2008 7k 18 ft Flatbed Car Hauler trailer from MO to WV, an estimated distance of 611 miles. When you do the math it comes out to $ .32 per mile. Not even close to realistic, but obviously the shipper is taking the estimate as a legitimate "should cost" fact. Come on uShip......it is time to get rid of the ridiculous "Shipping Price Estimator" and quit misleading shippers. But on the other hand....some simple minded idiot will probably do it for $200 anyway.
Designated Observer I support the mission of *** "STOP ILLEGAL TRUCKING" *** *****Counseled & Advised by Bup, The Adventure Dog***** 1473552 - 556329 (temporarily inactive..) ****************************** SEMO Motor Transport Service
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Matt, we are in an era of unpresidented fuel volitility. You should figure out a way to use gasbuddy.com on the listed shipments route to help your algorythem work. Otherwise there is no way to compensate for daily price changes in fuel costs alone.
Let's also consider that everything else has risen just as fast. You would have to look at maintenance costs and other supplies for example window washer fluid last year was $1.59 and today at Pilot is $2.79! Been to McDonalds lately? Used to get a whole meal for $4.00 now costs $6.50! How about that $5.00 shower... $10.00 today!
I fear you must seriously consider losing this estimator thing (at least temporarily) until it does take ALL of todays costs into consideration. At the very least you'll see higher rates which means better fees......
Maybe you could tell it to compare fuel costs last year to this year, derive a percentage and multiply everything previously done by that %# then add another 15% to that?
Robert A.
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| Don and Robert made some very valid points. I am a huge advocate to seeing the estimator abolished altogether, as expressed in the poll I posted regarding this very same topic, simply because it is based solely on historical data compiled on previous shipments( one if not both parties, not to mention uship's bottom dollar suffers when this is done this way) and not real time figures. However, as I believe Robert is suggesting, I am not opposed to having it remain active should real time figures(meaning realistic general operating costs such as fuel prices, time of year, weight and categoric issues-no two loads are the same) be somehow factored into what estimate is provided to the consumer. Lets face it....... for the consumer it is an appealing tool but ONLY to the consumer. At the same time that very same customer is the one that suffers. A lower target or a response that tells me that "the estimator said so" is going to deter quality transporters from placing that bid. Subsequesntly they wind up with a TSP that doesn't do this site or the customer any favors. I, for one, will pass on a listing that has a rediculously low target. It does a domino effect(can't deny that). When a lower bid gets accepted uship gets less money out of the bid, the TSP gets less and with todays figures that just can't work. This is not advocating ripping anyone off with bids but until that estimator gets real with the provided numbers no-one wins. Until it is fixed I still say eliminate it. If there are intentions or plans to fix it lets get the ball rolling but lets get real with it.
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1MeanDog (3/20/2008)
Here is another very typical example of why the Shipping Price Estimator should be eliminated.comment from Q & A.....Response: hey, thanks, but 250.00 is firm uship say's 211.77 quote. has to be in range of 211 to 250. if you can come to terms with that im cool with a deal?? The listing is for transporting a 2008 7k 18 ft Flatbed Car Hauler trailer from MO to WV, an estimated distance of 611 miles. When you do the math it comes out to $ .32 per mile. Not even close to realistic, but obviously the shipper is taking the estimate as a legitimate "should cost" fact. Come on uShip......it is time to get rid of the ridiculous "Shipping Price Estimator" and quit misleading shippers. But on the other hand....some simple minded idiot will probably do it for $200 anyway. at todays diesel prices even me running my 1ton dodge cummins diesel it still cost on avg of $.40 to $.60 depending on weight of shipment. a mile just in fuel the estimator is no where near realistic... and very misleading to the shipper they think they can get there car 2200 miles for 600 bucks. lets just say you get 10 mpg avg accrosed a whole trip from new york to seattle and you get all your diesel for 4.15 a gallon. $415 per 1000 miles its aprox 2500 miles $1045 in just fuel cost so now im paying to ship there car... lets not forget the high cost of insurance $230 a peice tires x6 in my case and even if you do your own oil changes $30 bucks in oil and a $10 filter, $25 dollar fuel filter. the list go's on.
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| Hi guys, I have been busy earning a living and unable to annoy you ion my normal loving way ;>P I read many similar thread in many similar topics and the ONE question that keeps bugging the heck out of me is this (and it was prompted by the ludicrous email from uship today concerning their bid buddy or whatever the heck it is called) USHIP seems to me an excellent business model for the owners. They have found a niche market place and exploited it without falling foul of the law. For that they should be applauded. But then we come to the imponderable. Given that USHP relies on fees why the heck do they insist on asking everyone to join in the race to the bottom??? Here is a broad hint Matt and company the lower the prices the LESS you guys make. Someone one somewhere and I suspect it is Sean keeps tabs on the number of shipments listed and the number of matches made. Now please feel free to correct me ( I was wrong once before but hey after 17 years I wised up and divorced her !) Think this through and help us all to help each other. The lowest price means the lowest income for USHP is that REALLY what you guys are striving for??? 
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| I will have to beg the difference on the point that uship can mointor who uses this site...I have used when I have had a very large company only big trucks. They are programed that you Have to use a valid dot and or MC they check also.....I was there for several years it a good company. They are very strict, But are not set up like an Ebay site as is here. Just a little news..... Dale Wheres Lou Dobbs when I need him.......
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mignweldfabdelivery (5/13/2008)
I will have to beg the difference on the point that uship can mointor who uses this site...I have used when I have had a very large company only big trucks a site called Getloaded.com They are programed that you Have to use a valid dot and or MC they check also.....I was there for several years it a good company. They are very strict, But are not set up like an Ebay site as is here. Just a little news..... Dale Wheres Lou Dobbs when I need him.......
If you read the Uship agreement you signed to become a member it explains why they don't and it also tells everyone how to use the sight for there protection and benifit. Most do not read it. bumpus
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