How to Find Moving Company Complaints Before You Hire?
TM
Written by TheMoveTips Editorial Team
Updated 6 min read
Quick Answer
Start your search by checking the FMCSA SAFER database for mandatory USDOT and MC numbers.
Look for consistent patterns of behavior in reviews rather than focusing on a single negative score.
Always verify if your mover is a carrier or a broker because brokers have different reporting requirements.
Finding reliable information on moving companies feels like navigating a maze. You want to avoid the companies that overcharge or handle your furniture like they are playing a game of lawn darts. Most of these problems can be avoided if you know how to find moving company complaints before you sign a contract.
There are approximately 36 million Americans moving every year. This massive demand creates space for both professional movers and opportunistic scammers to operate. When you start your research, you need to be systematic. Relying on a single star rating is rarely enough to tell you how a company treats its customers.
Where to look for official moving company records
The best place to start is the federal government. Every legitimate interstate mover must possess a USDOT number and an MC number. These are not optional badges of honor. They are legal requirements. You can verify a mover's license through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database. If a company refuses to provide these numbers or does not show up in the search, walk away immediately.
Official databases track safety records and past violations. This data is objective. Unlike online reviews, which can be manipulated or deleted, federal records show exactly what authorities have found during inspections. You can see if a company has a history of major accidents or unresolved consumer complaints filed directly with the Department of Transportation.
Check the Better Business Bureau for additional context. While the ratings there can be influenced by the company's own responsiveness, the text of the complaints is usually very revealing. Look for patterns. If five different people mention that their final bill was double the original estimate, that is a red flag. You should also try our moving cost calculator to see what a fair price should look like for your specific move.
How to spot red flags in online reviews
Reviews are useful, but you must know how to filter them. Start by looking for the most recent feedback from the last six months. A company that was great in 2021 might be under new management and struggling in 2026. Ignore the one-sentence reviews that say nothing but "great job" or "terrible people." You want the reviews that tell a story about the process.
Watch for specific recurring complaints about communication. Does the company go silent after they take your deposit? Do they consistently blame "truck breakdowns" for missing delivery windows? These are the real warning signs of a company that lacks infrastructure. A good moving company will have a clear, documented process for handling delays and communicating them to you.
Issue Type
What to Watch For
Impact on You
Pricing
Hidden fees or sudden weight adjustments
Higher costs at delivery
Timeline
Frequent rescheduling of pickup dates
Increased storage or travel costs
Communication
Calls go to voicemail or emails ignored
Extreme stress and uncertainty
Licensing
Refusal to provide USDOT or MC numbers
No legal recourse if items are lost
Check the tone of the responses from the company to negative reviews. Does the mover sound defensive, rude, or dismissive? A professional company will address the problem and offer a path to resolution. If the owner is arguing with customers in the comment section, you are looking at a company that does not prioritize customer service.
Understanding the difference between brokers and carriers
Many people do not realize that the company they book with might not be the one that actually touches their boxes. A broker is simply a sales office that sells your move to an actual trucking company. Brokers are required by law to disclose their status before you book. If they act like they are the movers but are actually just middle-men, they are breaking federal rules.
Always ask specifically if the company owns its own trucks. If they tell you they use "a network of professional carriers," you are dealing with a broker. This adds a layer of complexity to your research. You have to investigate both the broker and the actual carrier they plan to use. This is where most people get stuck.
All interstate household goods movers are legally required to participate in an arbitration program to resolve disputes over loss, damage, or disputed charges, and must summarize this program in writing before you sign the bill of lading.
If you are working with a broker, ask for the name of the carrier that will be performing the move as soon as it is assigned. Once you have that name, repeat your research process for them. If the carrier has a string of safety violations or poor reviews, you should refuse the assignment. You have the right to know exactly who is entering your home and driving your life across the country.
What you should do if you get wronged
Sometimes, even with the best research, a move goes sideways. If you find yourself in the middle of a bad experience, do not wait until the move is over to document everything. Take photos of your items before they are loaded. Keep a copy of your inventory list and every document the driver provides. If your items arrive damaged, note the damage on the inventory sheet before the movers leave.
If you cannot resolve a dispute peacefully with the moving company, use the official channels. You can file a formal complaint with the FMCSA. They collect these complaints to build a history of the company's performance. You can also contact your state's Attorney General if you feel the company has engaged in deceptive business practices.
Small claims court is the final option for many consumers. It is a slow process, but it allows you to present your evidence to a judge. Keep a paper trail of every email, text message, and call record you have with the company. Browse more cost guides to help understand what protections and insurance coverage should look like for a standard move.
Are online reviews for moving companies trustworthy?
Online reviews are helpful for identifying patterns, but they should never be your only source of information. Some companies pay for fake positive reviews or aggressively bury negative ones. Always balance review sites with verified government data from the FMCSA website.
How do I know if a moving company is a scam?
A common sign of a scam is a company that demands a large cash deposit before providing a written, binding estimate. If a mover refuses to provide their USDOT number or avoids questions about their physical office location, you should be very cautious. Legitimate movers will always be transparent about their credentials and the terms of your contract.
What should I do if a mover holds my goods hostage?
If a mover refuses to release your belongings until you pay an amount far higher than your estimate, you should contact the FMCSA or your local police immediately. This is a common tactic used by bad actors to extract extra fees. Never sign an altered bill of lading that does not reflect your original price agreement.
The most important step you can take is verifying that your mover is properly licensed and has a clean history with federal regulators. If the company cannot show you a clear path to resolving disputes through arbitration, look for another option. Before you commit, cross-check their reputation against official databases to ensure you are hiring a professional.
