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 federal FMCSA SAFER database to view official safety records and consumer complaint logs.
Check state level records through your Attorney General office or local Better Business Bureau to identify patterns of bad behavior.
Always verify that your mover holds an active USDOT number and MC number before you sign any service agreements or pay a deposit.
Finding hidden issues before you sign a contract saves thousands of dollars and prevents immense stress. Moving is considered the third most stressful life event by many, and bad actors in the industry take advantage of that vulnerability. You do not need to be an expert to spot red flags if you know exactly where to look.
Most people wait until after their belongings are held hostage or damaged to search for company reputations. That is the wrong time to start your research. By investigating how to find moving company complaints today, you put yourself in the driver seat of your own relocation.
Where can you find official mover complaints?
The federal government keeps a public record of every licensed interstate mover. This is your primary resource for safety history. Every legitimate interstate mover must maintain a USDOT number and an MC number to operate legally.
Use the FMCSA database
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration maintains the SAFER database. You can search by company name or their USDOT number to see if they have a history of safety violations or consumer complaints. If a company does not have these numbers, stop your search immediately and look for another provider.
Understand the regulatory requirements
Regulators require interstate movers to provide you with two specific publications before your move. These are Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move and Ready to Move. If a company tries to skip this step, it is a sign of poor professional standards. You can verify a mover's license to ensure they are compliant with these federal mandates.
Look for arbitration history
Interstate movers are legally required to participate in an arbitration program to resolve disputes over loss or damage. If a company fails to disclose this information, they are violating federal rules under 49 CFR 375.211. You should ask about their specific dispute process during your initial interview.
The regulatory environment is designed to provide you with clear data, so use it to your advantage before committing to a price.
What do moving complaints actually mean?
Not all complaints are created equal, and you should learn how to distinguish between minor service hiccups and systemic business failures. A company might have one isolated report about a late truck, which happens in logistics. Frequent reports of price gouging or damaged goods are major warning signs that you should heed.
Complaint Type
Severity Level
Recommended Action
Minor scheduling delay
Low
Ask for a concrete arrival window
Unprofessional communication
Medium
Proceed with caution
Hidden final charges
High
Do not sign a contract
Property theft or damage
Critical
Remove from your list immediately
If you suspect a company is overcharging or acting unprofessionally, contact your state Attorney General office to see if they have open investigations against the mover.
Before you commit, try our moving cost calculator to see what a fair price looks like for your specific move. Knowing the market rate helps you identify if a quote is suspiciously low, which is a common tactic used by fraudulent companies to hook customers before adding surprise fees.
How to spot a scam during the quote process?
Many scams start with a phone estimate that sounds too good to be true. A professional mover will usually want to see an inventory of your items, either through a virtual tour or an in person visit. If a company refuses to look at your items and gives you a flat price over the phone, be very skeptical.
Watch for pressure tactics
Scammers often create artificial urgency by claiming their trucks are filling up fast or that a discount will expire today. A legitimate mover will give you time to review their quote and verify their credentials. Never feel pressured to pay a large deposit upfront before you are certain of the company reputation.
Check the company website
Legitimate companies have physical office addresses and transparent contact information. If you cannot find a physical office location or a clear service area, treat the company with extreme caution. You can browse more cost guides to learn what standard contracts and insurance policies should look like.
Listen to your instincts
If the customer service representative is rude or dismissive when you ask about insurance or dispute resolution, take your business elsewhere. Your trust is the most valuable part of the transaction, and it is not worth risking your household goods for a slightly lower price.
A small amount of skepticism in the beginning is the best way to ensure your items arrive safely at your new home.
What are your recourse options if things go wrong?
If you find yourself in a dispute, start with a written attempt to resolve the issue directly with the company. Keep a paper trail of all communications including emails and receipts. If the company remains unresponsive, escalate your complaint to the authorities listed above.
Document everything early
Take photos of your items before they are packed and again when they arrive. Keep a log of every conversation with the moving crew and any managers you speak with. This evidence is vital if you need to file a formal claim for damages later.
File with third parties
If the company does not make things right, file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. While not a government agency, it is a platform where many companies are motivated to protect their reputation. You can also report them to the FMCSA directly if you believe they violated federal safety or licensing rules.
Seek small claims court
As a final step, some consumers find success in small claims court for unresolved financial disputes. This process varies by state, so research the local filing requirements if you reach this point. You have the right to seek justice if your mover fails to provide the service they promised.
Is the Better Business Bureau the best place to find complaints?
The Better Business Bureau is a useful starting point for checking local company behavior, but it should not be your only resource. It does not replace the official safety and licensing data found in the federal FMCSA database. You should use both sources to build a complete picture of a mover.
How do I know if an interstate mover is legal?
A legal interstate mover must have an active USDOT number and an MC number assigned by the federal government. You can verify these numbers quickly using the official FMCSA public SAFER database. If a company cannot provide these numbers or refuses to share them, they are likely not authorized for interstate moves.
Can I sue a moving company for damaged goods?
Yes, you have the right to hold a mover accountable for damage through their arbitration program or in small claims court. Federal law requires interstate movers to have an arbitration process in place to resolve these specific types of disputes. Make sure you document all damage thoroughly with photos and written logs immediately upon delivery.
Protecting your move is entirely in your hands, so prioritize thorough research over a low price. Start by verifying your potential mover today and keep a close eye on their federal records before moving forward.
