How to Find Moving Company Complaints Before You Hire?
TM
Written by TheMoveTips Editorial Team
Updated 8 min read
Quick Answer
Check the FMCSA SAFER database for mandatory USDOT and MC numbers to ensure the company is legally authorized.
Search the Better Business Bureau for formal complaints and look for patterns of unprofessional conduct or damage claims.
Read reviews on multiple independent platforms rather than relying solely on the testimonials featured on the company website.
Finding a reliable moving company requires more than a simple Google search. You need to investigate the history of any business handling your furniture and personal belongings. Learning how to find moving company complaints is the most effective way to identify potential red flags before you hand over a deposit. While 36 million Americans move each year, a small portion of those experiences turn sour due to poor communication, hidden fees, or property damage.
You should treat the hiring process like a background check. Reliable movers want you to see their credentials and history of service. Scammers or unprofessional operators often hide behind slick marketing and fake testimonials. By digging into public databases and independent review sites, you can quickly separate legitimate carriers from those you should avoid at all costs.
Where to check legal records for movers
The first step in your research should always be the federal government. Every legitimate interstate mover must have a USDOT number and an MC number. You can verify both for free using the FMCSA public SAFER database. This platform provides a snapshot of the company history, including their safety rating and any history of operating authority violations. If a company lacks these numbers, stop your research immediately and look elsewhere.
Using the FMCSA SAFER database
The SAFER database is your primary tool for validating legitimacy. It tracks whether a company has the legal right to transport household goods across state lines. If you cannot find a company in this database, they are not a registered interstate carrier. You can verify a mover's license through our quick lookup guide to ensure they are compliant.
Checking state and local licensing
Some states require additional permits for companies moving goods within their borders. You can visit your state consumer protection office or the attorney general website to see if a company has active complaints on file. These agencies often track patterns of local misconduct that federal databases might miss. It is a simple step that takes ten minutes but provides peace of mind.
Distinguishing brokers from carriers
Many companies you find online are not actually moving companies. A moving broker arranges your move but does not do the physical moving itself. Federal rules require brokers to disclose their status as a broker and not a carrier before you book. Check their records carefully to see if they are actually the ones driving the truck to your new home.
Navigating these official databases is only part of the process because it only covers legal status, not customer service quality.
How to spot a bad moving company
Online reviews are helpful, but they can also be misleading if you only look at the stars. A company might have a high average rating based on fake reviews, while the actual customer experience is buried in the negative feedback. You should look for specific recurring issues like items arriving broken, final costs exceeding the estimate, or crews failing to show up on time.
Comparing reputation and service costs
When researching, try to look at a variety of platforms to get a balanced view of the company. If you are starting your search, you can try our moving cost calculator to see what a fair price for your move should look like. Use the table below to understand the typical indicators of a reliable mover versus a risky one.
Factor
Reliable Mover Indicator
Risky Mover Indicator
License Verification
Provides USDOT and MC number
Missing or refuses to provide
Pricing Method
Detailed written estimate
Vague, lowball, or over the phone
Company Identity
Clear website, brick and mortar
Broker or shell company
Complaints History
Resolves issues professionally
Unresponsive or rude
Reading between the lines of reviews
Focus on the middle of the road reviews rather than just the five star or one star entries. Someone giving three stars often provides a detailed, honest account of the logistical hiccups that occurred. Look for mentions of staff communication and how they handled the transition from the quote to the actual moving day.
Recognizing the signs of a scam
Aggressive sales tactics or demands for a large cash deposit are major warning signs. A professional company will never force you to make a decision on the spot. If the price seems too good to be true, it likely is. Most legitimate companies offer competitive market rates, not deep discounts that undercut the competition by thousands of dollars.
Before your move, an interstate mover is required to give you copies of two FMCSA publications: 'Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move' and 'Ready to Move.'
These documents explain your protections in detail and help you avoid common pitfalls. Once you have narrowed down your list of candidates, you can browse more cost guides to help finalize your budget.
What to do when you find bad reviews
Seeing a negative review does not always mean you should disqualify a company immediately. Every business occasionally faces a logistical mistake. It matters how they respond to those complaints. If a company engages with the reviewer and works toward a solution, they likely value their reputation.
Evaluating the company response
Check to see if the company owner or manager publicly replied to the complaint. A polite, solution oriented response often indicates a company that cares about customer satisfaction. Conversely, a defensive or aggressive tone in a public comment section is a sign that you should take your business elsewhere.
Identifying patterns of behavior
A single complaint about a late truck is different from a string of complaints about theft or damaged goods. When you notice a pattern of the same complaint appearing across multiple review sites, take it seriously. Multiple reports of the same issue usually point to a systemic failure in their operations.
Using third party complaint platforms
The Better Business Bureau remains a standard place to check for formal disputes. Companies often respond to these complaints because they want to maintain their accreditation. If a company has many unresolved complaints, it shows they do not prioritize keeping their customers happy.
If you have verified the company is legal and their reviews look decent, you are ready to request an in home estimate.
Why movers quotes change
Estimates often change between the initial quote and the final bill due to changes in inventory or access. Professional movers should explain these possibilities before they start packing. If you are worried about the final price, be honest about every box and piece of furniture you plan to move.
Weight and volume inaccuracies
Most long distance moves are calculated based on weight or the volume of your items. If your actual load is heavier or takes up more space than the initial estimate, the price will naturally adjust upward. Accurate inventories help prevent these surprise charges on moving day.
Service additions at the destination
Additional services like long carries, flight fees for stairs, or shuttle services for narrow streets can add to your bill. Ensure these potential costs are mentioned in your written estimate. A transparent company will list these possibilities clearly so you are not caught off guard at the delivery point.
The impact of seasonal demand
Moving during peak season often costs more due to higher demand for labor and trucks. Many companies adjust their capacity based on the time of year. Booking early is the best way to secure a firm price and ensure you get the dates you need.
How can I tell if a moving company review is fake?
Fake reviews often sound generic and lack specific details about the move or the crew involved. Look for a cluster of positive reviews posted on the same day or within the same week. Genuine customers usually mention specific locations, crew names, or unique challenges they faced during the relocation.
Should I pay a deposit to a moving company?
Most reputable movers require a modest deposit, but it should never be a massive amount of cash paid upfront. Be extremely cautious if a company demands a huge deposit or requires you to pay the entire balance before your items are even loaded. A large, non-refundable deposit is a common tactic used by scammers to lock you into a service.
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 the original estimate, you are likely the victim of a scam. You should file a report with the FMCSA and contact your local police department. Do not ignore your right to seek justice through the state attorney general or small claims court.
You are now equipped with the tools to perform a thorough background check on any potential mover. Start by verifying their federal credentials in the SAFER database and look for consistent, professional behavior in their reviews. Take your time, ask questions, and trust your gut before you sign that contract.
