Bidding Policies

To maintain fair competition and transparency across the marketplace, all bids placed on CitizenShipper must reflect realistic, good-faith pricing for completing a shipment. Any efforts to manipulate bid placement, pricing, or platform fees are strictly prohibited.

Mandatory Good-Faith Bidding

Drivers must place a fair and reasonable bid before messaging a customer. The bid should reflect your actual estimated cost based on distance, time, care requirements, and vehicle type.

Not allowed:

• Submitting $1 or other artificially low “placeholder” bids solely to gain attention

• Placing and immediately retracting a bid for the purpose of messaging

• Repeatedly adjusting a bid solely to stay below other bids

• Submitting bids that are misleadingly low or inconsistent with the fair market value required to complete the transport safely and reliably

Consequences:

• First violation: Warning + confirmation of agreement to comply

• Subsequent violations: $25 administrative fee per confirmed infraction

• Continued violations may result in temporary or permanent account suspension

Artificial Bid Lowering to Reduce Booking Fee

Drivers may not intentionally submit an unrealistically low bid with the goal of lowering the Customer Booking Fee, then raise the price privately after contact.

This behavior constitutes fee manipulation.

Consequences:

• The driver’s account may be restricted immediately while the situation is reviewed

• The driver may be required to pay an administrative unlock fee, typically equal to the booking deposit that should have been paid based on the correct price

• Repeated violations may result in temporary or permanent account suspension

Encouraging Customers to Change Pickup/Dropoff Locations to Reduce Booking Fee

Drivers may not ask, suggest, or encourage customers to alter shipment details (such as mileage or location) for the purpose of reducing platform fees.

Consequences:

• The driver’s account may be restricted immediately while the situation is investigated

• The driver may be required to pay an administrative penalty fee, typically equal to the original booking deposit amount based on the correct mileage

• Repeated violations may result in temporary or permanent account suspension
   

Why These Policies Matter

These rules protect:

• Fair bidding opportunities for all drivers

• Transparent and honest pricing for customers

• The integrity and sustainability of the marketplace

Thank you for supporting a fair environment for everyone on CitizenShipper.