The human cost of fast shipping
Marketplace Tech
American Public Media
4.6 • 1.2K Ratings
🗓️ 7 May 2025
⏱️ 10 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
E-commerce sites like Temu and Shein might not be quite as cheap as they were a week ago now that tariffs are kicking in on even small-dollar imports. But these platforms known for selling low-cost goods from China have also sought to cut costs on delivery.
They contract in the U.S. with companies like UniUni, which promises to dispatch packages for $3 or less — well below the industry standard. How UniUni delivers on those low rates is the subject of a recent investigation by reporter Theo Wayt at The Information. He tells Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino that drivers are hired through a network of subcontractors and UniUni pays them per item rather than an hourly wage.
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Starting a business can be overwhelming. |
| 0:03.3 | You're juggling multiple roles, designer, marketer, logistics manager, all while bringing your vision to life. |
| 0:10.0 | But for millions of businesses, Shopify is the ultimate partner. |
| 0:14.3 | Shopify is proud to power many sources of UK e-commerce, from brands like Mattel and Jim Shark to new entrepreneurs. |
| 0:21.2 | Build a stunning online store with Shopify's ready-to-use templates, |
| 0:25.4 | boost content with AI-powered product descriptions, |
| 0:29.0 | page headlines and enhanced photography. |
| 0:31.9 | Marketing is easy with built-in tools for email and social media campaigns. |
| 0:36.9 | Plus, Shopify simplifies everything from inventory to shipping and returns. |
| 0:41.9 | If you're ready to sell, you're ready for Shopify. |
| 0:44.9 | Turn your big business idea into with Shopify on your side. |
| 0:49.2 | Sign up for your £1 per month trial today at Shopify.com.uk. |
| 0:52.8 | Try. |
| 0:53.9 | Go to Shopify.com.uk.uk slash try. Go to Shopify.com.uk. |
| 0:55.5 | UK slash try. Shopify.com. UK slash try. Those ultra cheap retail platforms have some hidden costs. |
| 1:06.4 | From American Public Media, this is Marketplace Tech. I'm Megan McCarty Carrino. |
| 1:26.2 | E-commerce sites like Timo and Sheean might not be quite as cheap as they were a week ago, |
| 1:29.6 | now that tariffs are kicking in, even on small dollar imports. But these platforms known for selling low-cost goods from China have also sought |
| 1:35.8 | to cut costs on delivery. They contract in the U.S. with companies like U.N. U.N. which promises |
| 1:42.5 | to dispatch packages for three bucks a pop or less, well |
| 1:46.9 | below the industry standard. How Uni-O-U-Ni delivers on those low rates is the subject of a recent |
| 1:53.2 | investigation by reporter Theo Wait at the information. He says drivers are hired through a network |
... |
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