Unishippers Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2024)

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise in a snapshot

Initial franchise fee
$30,000
Investment required
$16,000 – $233,000
Royalty fee
16.75%

Unishippers: Redefining Logistics for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses

Founded in 1990, Unishippers has established itself as a leader in logistics, delivering tailored shipping solutions for small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) across the United States and internationally. Operating in all 50 states and many countries worldwide, the company has become synonymous with efficiency and reliability.

As the largest non-retail UPS Authorized Reseller in the U.S., Unishippers offers businesses access to cost-effective parcel and freight shipping services. These include less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload (FTL), international shipping, and specialty freight options, providing flexibility for diverse shipping requirements.

Part of the WWEX Group—alongside Worldwide Express and GlobalTranz—Unishippers blends personalized service with the advanced technology, resources, and carrier network of a major third-party logistics (3PL) provider. This combination empowers SMBs with the tools and support they need to optimize their shipping operations.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Franchise Fees Initial Franchise Fee – $1,500 – $30,000
New Term Fee – $5,000
Real Estate Deposit and Improvements $0 – $10,000
Fixtures, Furniture, Equipment and Signage $0 – $7,500
Computer Hardware and Software $1,000 – $7,500
Initial Inventory and Supplies $250 – $1,000
Utility Deposit and Costs $50 – $500
Telephone and Broadband Internet Service $150 – $500
Business Licenses and Fees $100 – $2,500
Broker Authority, BOC-3, Unified Carrier Registration, and Licensing Fees $390 – $500
Surety Bond $600 – $1,300
Automobile $300 – $4,000
Insurance (for the first year) $525 – $2,500
Organizational Expenses $1,000 – $7,500
Travel and Living Expenses $1,200 – $8,000
Additional Funds – 3-Month Initial Period $9,000 – $150,000
Total $16,000 – $233,000

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Number of units

2024
Franchised units

198

211

209

Company-owned units

69

74

69

Total units

267

285

278

Franchise Disclosure Document

Training

Unishippers provides comprehensive training programs for franchisees and their personnel. The training includes New Owner Training, Basic Sales Training, and Advanced Sales Training.

These programs cover a wide range of subjects such as compliance, administrative matters, marketing, and sales techniques, ensuring franchisees are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate their business effectively.

Additionally, specialized optional advanced training sessions may be offered, focusing on areas like business development, sales management, and customer relations.

The franchisor requires certain personnel to attend these sessions and complete them satisfactorily. Training locations include major hubs like Dallas, Texas, and Melbourne, Florida, and may also be conducted virtually.

Although Unishippers currently does not charge for these training sessions, franchisees are responsible for travel, lodging, and other related expenses for attendees.

Territory Protection

Unishippers provides a defined territory to its franchisees, but it does not guarantee exclusive territory protection. The franchisor retains the right to change its business model, which may include the ability to compete within a franchisee's assigned area or allow other franchisees or the franchisor to operate in the same territory.

This flexibility is intended to support the overall growth and adaptability of the Unishippers system. While franchisees are assigned specific marketing areas, the franchise agreement emphasizes the franchisor's discretion to make operational adjustments as deemed necessary.

Franchisees are expected to adhere to the franchisor's guidelines, which may influence how territories are managed. This approach allows Unishippers to maintain a competitive and dynamic presence in its markets, ensuring alignment with its broader business strategies.

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