How to Find Moving Company Complaints Before You Hire?
TM
Written by TheMoveTips Editorial Team
Updated 7 min read
Quick Answer
Start by checking a mover's USDOT and MC numbers in the FMCSA public SAFER database.
Look for patterns of negative reviews on sites like the BBB or third party consumer forums rather than focusing on a single isolated bad rating.
Ensure your contract includes an arbitration clause, which is a federal requirement for all interstate household goods movers.
Knowing how to find moving company complaints before you hand over your deposit is the most effective way to avoid a stressful relocation. You are one of the 36 million Americans moving this year, and you deserve a service provider that honors your trust. If you fail to do your homework now, you might find yourself dealing with hidden fees or damaged property later.
Most moving scams rely on your rush to get a quote and sign a contract. Take a breath and realize that a legitimate company will always provide federal consumer publications like Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. If a mover refuses to provide these or acts like your questions are a nuisance, walk away immediately.
How to check the official FMCSA records
Your first step in verifying any interstate mover is the federal database. Every legitimate company must hold a USDOT number and an MC number. These are not optional badges of honor. They are legal requirements that show the company has registered with federal authorities to operate across state lines.
Visit the FMCSA public SAFER database to look up the company by name or identification number. This tool reveals if the company has active authority and proper insurance coverage. If you cannot find a company in this system, do not book them under any circumstances. You can verify a mover's license here to ensure they are legally cleared to handle your belongings.
What federal records tell you
The federal records will show you if the company has recently updated their registration or if there have been lapses in their operating authority. An active status is the baseline for safety. You want to see that their insurance is listed as current, as this protects you in the event of a total loss during transit.
Looking beyond the surface
Keep in mind that the federal government records won't show every minor customer service complaint. These databases track legal compliance and safety violations. They are your primary defense against unlicensed operators or fly by night companies that lack the capacity to move your goods across state lines.
Once you have confirmed their legal status, you should transition to checking how they handle day to day disputes.
How to spot a company with a bad reputation
Online reviews are a mixed bag of genuine feedback and marketing fluff. You need to look for specific red flags rather than just reading star ratings. A high volume of reviews that all sound identical often indicates paid promotion or fake activity. Search for complaints that mention specific issues like sudden price hikes or failure to show up on time.
Check the Better Business Bureau for formal complaints. While not every small company has a profile there, a large carrier with many unanswered complaints is a major warning sign. Look at the company's response rate to those complaints. A business that ignores customers is not one you want handling your household goods.
Patterns to watch for in reviews
Issue Type
Common Sign of Trouble
Consumer Risk Level
Pricing
Quotes changing significantly after booking
High
Communication
Ghosting after taking a deposit
Critical
Timeline
Delivery windows missed by 2 weeks or more
Medium
Equipment
Using rented vans instead of branded trucks
Medium
Understanding the arbitration process
Legitimate movers are required to participate in an arbitration program. This is a federal requirement designed to resolve disputes over loss or damage without going to court. Before you sign a bill of lading, the company must provide you with a written summary of this program. If they cannot explain how their arbitration process works, they are likely not following federal regulations.
Before your move, an interstate mover is required to give you copies of two FMCSA publications titled Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move and Ready to Move.
After verifying their dispute resolution process, you can move on to getting accurate price estimates to avoid future headaches. You can try our moving cost calculator to see what a fair market price for your move should look like.
Why do moving quotes change after booking
One of the most common complaints involves a price that jumps significantly on moving day. This usually happens because the initial inventory was estimated incorrectly or because the company added hidden service fees. You should always demand a binding estimate in writing to avoid this bait and switch tactic.
When a company gives you a quote over the phone without seeing your items, the price is almost always just a placeholder. Experienced movers prefer to perform a video survey of your home to see exactly what you are moving. If a company refuses to look at your items, their price is not reliable.
The weight vs volume issue
Interstate moves are often calculated by the weight of your goods. Some companies quote by volume or cubic feet to make the price seem lower than it really is. This leaves the door open for them to re-weigh your items and demand extra payment before they release your property at the destination.
Avoiding the hidden fee trap
Read your contract specifically for terms like fuel surcharges or long carry fees. These are frequently used to inflate final bills. If you see a laundry list of extra charges, ask the sales agent to explain them before you put down any money. A transparent company will explain their pricing structure without hesitation.
If you have confirmed their legal status and feel comfortable with their pricing, you are nearly ready to finalize your moving plans. You can browse more cost guides to see how other regions compare to your specific situation.
What to do when you find legitimate complaints
Finding one or two negative reviews does not always mean a company is a scam. Even the best companies occasionally have a bad day or an unhappy customer. Focus on how the company handled the complaint instead of the mistake itself. Did they offer a refund or an apology? Did they work with the customer to fix the broken item?
If the complaints involve theft or holding goods hostage for more money, cross that company off your list immediately. There are too many qualified movers in the market to settle for a provider with a history of predatory behavior. Trust your gut if something feels wrong about their sales process or their responsiveness to your questions.
Documenting everything during your move
Once you hire a company, keep a folder of all your paperwork. This includes your original estimate, the inventory list, and all communication with the sales representative. If something goes wrong during the move, you will need this documentation to file a claim or report the business to the authorities.
When to escalate a formal complaint
If you have a genuine grievance that the company refuses to address, you have paths for recourse. You can file a formal complaint with the FMCSA or contact your state Attorney General. Keep your interactions professional and focused on the facts of the contract and the services you were promised.
Can I see if a mover has been sued by previous customers?
You can search public court records in the county where the moving company is headquartered to see if they have been sued. While not every dispute makes it to court, a pattern of litigation is a strong indicator of an untrustworthy business.
Is there a database for blacklisted moving companies?
There is no single official blacklist for moving companies. Instead, you should rely on the FMCSA SAFER database to verify their legal standing and check consumer forums for common patterns of complaints.
How do I know if a moving quote is too good to be true?
If an estimate is significantly lower than quotes from three other reputable companies, it is likely a lure to get you to book. Once they have your deposit, they will often find reasons to increase the price on move day.
The best way to protect yourself is to combine federal license verification with a thorough check of the company’s recent complaint history. Use our verify a mover's license tool to get started today, and you will be much better prepared to spot a dishonest mover before they ever touch your boxes. Always demand everything in writing and keep your documents safe until the final item is off the truck.
