Choosing someone to transport your pet, vehicle, or belongings is an important decision. You want to feel confident that the person you choose is who they say they are and that reasonable steps have been taken to help keep the marketplace safe.
CitizenShipper connects customers with independent transporters and provides verification, screening, and monitoring processes to help customers make informed decisions.
What does CitizenShipper check before a transporter can bid on shipments?
Before a transporter can bid on shipments, they must complete several verification steps:
- Identity verification: Transporters must verify their identity to confirm that the person operating the account is the person who created it.
- Background check: Transporters must submit information for their background screening as part of the onboarding process.
- Manual account review: Once the required verification steps are complete, the account is manually reviewed before the transporter can bid on shipments.
These steps are designed to add another layer of information and accountability to the process of choosing a transporter.
Additional requirements for pet transporters
Pet transportation comes with additional responsibilities, which is why there are requirements specifically for transporters who provide pet transportation services.
USDA registration
As of April 22, 2026, pet transporters using CitizenShipper are required to have a class T registration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under applicable Animal Welfare Act requirements. You can learn more about the requirement here.
Pet Transporter Agreement
Pet transporters must also agree to CitizenShipper's Pet Transporter Agreement, which sets expectations for providing pet transportation services through the platform, and reinforces the responsibilities that come with transporting animals.
Together, these requirements provide additional safeguards for customers looking for a transporter for their pet.
What happens after a transporter is verified?
Verification isn't simply a one-time check. CitizenShipper continues to monitor transporter accounts and can review concerns that arise during a transporter's time on the platform. Customer reports, transporter interactions, and other relevant information may be considered when evaluating whether an account continues to meet CitizenShipper's requirements.
When concerns are identified or reported, CitizenShipper may take appropriate action based on the circumstances and information available.
This ongoing approach means that a transporter isn't simply verified once and then left without further review. Their activity and reported conduct can continue to be evaluated while they use the platform.
What can I check before booking?
Besides the verification process, CitizenShipper offers you information through the platform to help you evaluate the transporters and decide who is the right fit for your shipment.
Before booking, you can review a transporter's:
- Profile and experience
- Customer ratings and reviews
- Verification information and additional credentials
- Photos and information about their services
- Bid and communication with you
We also encourage asking questions before booking about the transportation arrangements, timing, experience with similar shipments, communication during the trip, payment terms, and any special requirements.
Taking a few minutes to review this information and talk with a transporter before booking can help you feel more comfortable with your choice. For more guidance on this, please check out our article: How CitizenShipper Helps You Choose a Reliable Transporter
What if I have a concern?
If something concerns you before or after booking, you can contact CitizenShipper’s support team. Our team can help answer questions about the platform, verification information, or concerns about your experience.
Keeping communication and shipment details on the CitizenShipper platform can also help maintain a record of your interactions.
We take safety and accountability seriously and strongly encourage you to submit a formal report if you encounter concerning conduct or suspect a policy violation. Find the steps and form in our article: Reporting a Concern: Our Community Standards.
An important note about verification
CitizenShipper’s verification processes are intended to provide customers with additional information and safeguards when choosing an independent transporter. They are not a guarantee that a transporter will perform a shipment in a particular way or that an incident can never occur.
Transporters on CitizenShipper are independent service providers, not CitizenShipper employees or agents. They are responsible for the transportation services they provide.
Additional drivers and team members verification
Transporters often work in teams to ensure smooth, timely deliveries. When an account includes secondary drivers or helpers, our Account Management Policy requires them to be reported to CitizenShipper and undergo a background screening process. We also suggest confirming your transport team with your driver ahead of time so you know everyone involved in handling your delivery.
The goal of our verification and monitoring processes is not to tell you who you must choose. It is to give you more information and create a more structured, accountable marketplace so you can make a decision you feel comfortable with.
You don't have to make that decision without information. Review the transporter’s profile, verification information, experience, and customer feedback, ask questions before booking, and reach out to our support team at support@citizenshipper.com if you have questions or concerns.
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