What is CitizenShipper's Booking fee and how much does it cost?

Understanding CitizenShipper’s Booking Fee: What It Is, How Much It Costs, and Why It Matters

When you're ready to book a driver on CitizenShipper, you’ll notice a booking fee during the "Review" step of the checkout process. This one-time fee is a key part of how our marketplace works, and we’re here to break it down so you know exactly what you’re paying for and why.

What is the Booking Fee?

The booking fee is a service charge collected by CitizenShipper when you book a driver for your shipment. It’s a separate payment from the driver’s bid and helps support the tools, safety features, and customer service that make our marketplace work smoothly for everyone.

You only pay this fee once you accept a driver’s bid and proceed to book. It’s not charged to create a shipment listing during the initial messaging or quote comparison process.

This fee allows us to:

• Background-check and vet all drivers in our network.
• Offer the Booking Assurance Guarantee.
• Maintain a secure and easy-to-use messaging and booking system, and continuously improve it.
• Offer ongoing support throughout your shipment journey 7 days/week.

How Much Does the Booking Fee Cost?

The booking fee varies depending on the type of shipment you’re posting. For pet and vehicle transports, the fee is scaled based on the estimated mileage for the trip. For boats, motorcycles, household items, and other types of shipments, the fee is based on the driver’s bid.

For boat transportation fees, please refer to this table.

For pet transportation fees, please refer to this table.

For vehicle transportation fees, please refer to this table.

For motorcycle transportation fees, please refer to this table.

For all other types of shipments, please refer to the fee scale here: Standard Shipping Booking Fees

Where can I check the Booking Fee for my shipment?

The booking fee is presented in the drop-down menu of the messaging chat even before you reach the checkout process.

You’ll also see the booking fee on the "Review" step before checkout once you click the “Proceed to Booking” button.

After booking, we will also send an order confirmation email with a breakdown of the costs, listing the booking fee.

Need help understanding how to pay for the shipment? This help article walks you through it.
 

Is the Booking Fee Refundable?

In most cases, booking fees are non-refundable. However, there are exceptions. For more details, please refer to our Refund Policy. Always reach out to our support team if you're unsure about your eligibility.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the booking fee to receive quotes from drivers?
No. Creating a shipment listing, receiving quotes, and communicating with drivers are completely free. The booking fee is only charged after you select a driver and proceed with booking.

Is the booking fee included in the driver's bid?
No. The booking fee is a separate charge collected by CitizenShipper and is added on top of the driver's quoted price. The fee does not come out of the driver's earnings.

Why does CitizenShipper charge a booking fee?
The booking fee helps support the marketplace and the services available to customers, including driver background checks, the Booking Assurance Guarantee, customer support, and ongoing improvements to the platform and messaging system.

How is the booking fee calculated?
The calculation depends on the shipment category. For pet and vehicle shipments, the fee is based on the estimated mileage of the trip. For boats, motorcycles, household moves, and most other shipment types, the fee is based on the driver's bid amount.

Can I see the booking fee before I book a driver?
Absolutely! The booking fee is displayed in the messaging area before checkout and is shown again during the Review step before you complete your booking. You'll also receive a breakdown of the charges in your booking confirmation email.

Is the booking fee refundable?
In most cases, booking fees are non-refundable. However, some exceptions may apply. Please review our Refund Policy or contact customer support at support@citizenshipper.com if you have questions about your specific situation.

Does the booking fee vary from one shipment to another?
Yes. Booking fees vary by shipment category and are calculated using either the shipment mileage or the driver's bid amount, depending on the type of transport. This means the fee may differ from one shipment to the next.

What happens after I pay the booking fee?
Once the booking fee is paid, your booking is confirmed, and you'll receive a confirmation email with a cost breakdown. You can then coordinate pickup, delivery, and any remaining arrangements directly with your driver.

If you’re ready to book or just want to explore more, check out our guide on how to book a driver.

Still have questions? Our support team is always here to help! Simply reach out at support@citizenshipper.com.