[1][2] The show follows various independent shippers who have discovered that money can be made transporting large/bulky/unusual items that traditional carriers either cannot or will not haul.

[4] In seasons 1–8, the shippers place bids on two shipments listed on uShip, in a reverse auction format.

At the end of the episode, each shipper's revenue is tallied on-screen, with the expenses (fuel, labor, late-delivery penalties, fines, etc.)

At times, a shipper will arrange to haul one or more additional loads on the same trip, with the extra money figured into their tally.

[6] David Knowles of The Hollywood Reporter states, "Though the fast paced editing scheme manages to keep the point and click bidding from feeling as droll as Internet auctions are in real life, the relentlessly quick hits of dialog and action make the proceedings feel like a teaser rather than the actual program".

[7] Monica Hesse of The Washington Post states, "Shipping Wars is mostly about the perfectly packed trunk and the ecstasy of having not an inch to spare".