How Much Does a Unishippers Franchise Cost?
Data from the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document
Investment Summary
Total Investment
$30K – $233K
Franchise Fee
$30K
Royalty
Greater of (i) 18.5% of Gross Profit Margin (shipments <= 150 lbs) or 15% (shipments > 150 lbs); or (ii) Minimum royalty ($17.50/4-week month or $21.88/5-week month)
Ad Fund
1.0%
Cost Breakdown
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for Unishippers is $30K. This one-time payment covers the right to operate under the brand, access to proprietary systems, and initial training programs.
Total Investment Range
Opening a Unishippers franchise requires a total investment of $30K – $233K. This range typically includes real estate or leasehold improvements, equipment and fixtures, initial inventory, signage, insurance, and working capital to sustain operations during the ramp-up period.
Working capital alone ranges from $9K to $150K.
Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial investment, Unishippers franchisees pay ongoing fees. The royalty structure is: Greater of (i) 18.5% of Gross Profit Margin (shipments <= 150 lbs) or 15% (shipments > 150 lbs); or (ii) Minimum royalty ($17.50/4-week month or $21.88/5-week month). The advertising or brand fund contribution is 1.0% of gross sales. There is also a technology fee of $65.
Net Worth & Liquid Capital Requirements
Unishippers requires working capital of $9K – $150K to cover initial operating expenses. This is the liquid cash you should have available beyond the franchise fee and buildout costs.
What Can You Earn?
According to Unishippers's Item 19 financial performance representation:
This figure comes from Item 19 of the FDD. Gross sales are not the same as take-home profit. After deducting royalties, ad fund fees, rent, labor, and COGS, net income is typically a fraction of gross revenue.
How Do Banks View Unishippers?
SBA Loans Issued
28
Default Rate
0.0%
The SBA (Small Business Administration) tracks loan performance for franchise brands. Unishippers has 28 SBA-backed loans on record. The default rate is 0.0%, which is below the franchise industry average, indicating relatively lower lending risk. A lower default rate generally indicates that lenders view the franchise as a safer investment, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
Next Steps
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