AUSTIN, Texas — March 28, 2018 — With this summer’s moving season just around the corner, a new report — America, We Ship — reveals that Florida is the nation’s most active state for shipping large items like cars, furniture, and boats. In 2017, shipping platform uShip saw Florida rank No. 1 per capita with 92,907 shipments, followed by Colorado (22,002) and Nevada (12,956).
By comparison, California — the most populous state — ranked 15th per capita (119,041 shipments), while Texas ranked 6th (89,123) and New York ranked 40th (44,655).
Not only is Florida the most logistically active, it’s also the destination of some of the most unusual shipments, from his and hers thrones to a Star Wars Yoda Lego display, according to the uShip report.
America, We Ship also serves as a barometer of things to come as 40 million Americans brace themselves for moving day. Based on last year’s findings, June is the month that should be avoided due to high volumes (and cost) as families relocate once summer break begins.
“Shipping large items have historically been a very challenging and complicated process because it can be difficult to know where to begin or how much it should cost. And for those who want to take the DIY route, it’s invariably more expensive than expected,” says Mike Williams, CEO at uShip.
“Technology has stepped in to change the entire process. It’s never been easier to get great rates and to connect with feedback-rated transporters. Our data shows this shift has been truly embraced by Floridians, whether it’s a move by seasonal snowbirds, downsizing retirees, those relocating for jobs, or college students heading off to a warm weather school.”
Nearly 1 million people move into or out of Florida annually, according to The Palm Beach Post. Of the Florida-related shipments on uShip, 82 percent were interstate (into or out of the state), while 18 percent were intrastate, staying within Florida.
Game of Thrones — Florida Edition
Florida, more than any other state, also had its share of unusual and extreme shipments enter the state in 2017. For example, a Miami resident rang in the New Year with a delivery of a 55-pound golden King’s Throne that arrived from Texas, while a his-and-hers matching set of thrones was shipped to Ocala, Fla., just a few weeks prior.
Other whimsical items that safely got from A to B last year include:
- Heaviest Shipment: 211,688 pounds. A giant Caterpillar rock truck weighing the equivalent of a giant blue whale was shipped from Tennessee to Kansas
- Longest Distance Shipment: 5,024 miles. A 22’ 2008 SeaSwirl Striper boat was shipped from Miami to Anchorage
- Cutest Shipment: Two red baby miniature donkeys were shipped from North Carolina to Connecticut
- Nerdiest Shipment: A LEGO Store Star Wars Yoda display was shipped from Tennessee to Virginia
The Most Shipped Car in America Isn’t Even American
In a bit of a vehicular twist, uShip’s report also found the BMW 3 Series beat out two quintessential American cars — the utilitarian Ford F-150 and classic Ford Mustang — as the most shipped automobile in America. Here’s a look at the top five from the report, which also shares top shipped motorcycles:
- BMW 3 Series
- Ford F-150
- Ford Mustang
- Toyota Camry
- Jeep Wrangler
The strangest “car” shipped was actually not made for driving, but for crashing: two vintage bumper cars were hauled across the country last April.
To view the full America, We Ship report, click here.
Research Methodology
The America, We Ship report reflects internal logs on uShip.com between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2017. As an online shipping platform, uShip’s data provides one of the most unique views into the large and hard-to-ship items people and businesses are shipping across the United States.
About uShip
uShip makes it quick, easy, and affordable to ship large or bulky items. From cars to cranes and furniture to freight, our straightforward and transparent platform helps people, businesses, e-commerce sellers, and multinational logistics companies ship with greater speed and efficiency. Launched in 2004, uShip is based in Austin, Texas. Find out more at uship.com, facebook.com/uship or on Twitter at @uship.
