How do I pay for my shipment?

So, you've received bids from drivers and you're wondering how payments are handled? That's great!

First off, CitizenShipper does not mediate the transaction between you and your driver. You'll discuss payment with them on your own terms, using our internal messaging system.

Drivers will often require payment on delivery by way of cash, check, or credit card; some also accept Venmo or ApplePay. 

However, drivers occasionally request payment upfront, in whole or in part. This is typically done so they can cover their travel expenses, which can be substantial on longer routes.

If the driver does request an upfront payment, we recommend the following precautions:

• If you haven't already, check if the driver has good feedback from previous customers. 
• Also on the driver's profile, see if they show the CitizenShipper-verified badge. 
• Choose a payment method that can be disputed, just in case things don't go according to plan. This includes credit cards and Paypal - they have safeguards in place that allow you to dispute a payment. Avoid irreversible payment methods, such as direct money transfers via Western Union or Moneygram. 

In the unlikely event that there's any trouble with payment, shippers and drivers alike can contact us at [e-mail] at any time. Our support staff is there to assist you and advise you on best practices when it comes to payments!