How to Find Moving Company Complaints Before You Hire?
TM
Written by TheMoveTips Editorial Team
Updated 5 min read
Quick Answer
Check the FMCSA National Consumer Complaint Database to see if your mover has a history of federal violations.
Always verify that your mover is a registered carrier rather than a broker by using our Verify a mover's license tool.
Review your contract for broker disclosures because brokers cannot perform the physical move themselves.
Knowing how to find moving company complaints is the best way to protect your belongings and your bank account. You do not want to realize you hired a bad company after your furniture is already loaded onto a truck. Federal data shows that thousands of Americans face issues with movers every year, but you have the power to vet them before you sign anything.
Researching a company prevents you from falling for deceptive pricing or service delays. If you do not perform a background check, you risk trusting your life's possessions to an operator with a poor track record. Protecting yourself requires just a few minutes of online research through official channels.
Where can you find official moving company complaints?
The federal database is your primary resource
The federal government maintains a specific portal for tracking household goods movers. You can file and search for complaints about a moving company for free through the FMCSA National Consumer Complaint Database. This system tracks patterns of issues, such as missing items or unexpected price hikes, which helps you see if a company is repeat offender.
Local agencies and third party sites
Beyond federal records, you should visit the Better Business Bureau to see if a company responds to consumer concerns. While some bad actors ignore these reports, a professional company will often attempt to resolve issues publicly. Local state attorney general offices also track patterns of fraud or unlicensed operation within their jurisdiction.
Distinguishing carriers from brokers
One common source of confusion involves the difference between a carrier and a broker. A moving broker arranges your move but does not do the physical moving itself. According to federal regulations, brokers must disclose their status as a broker rather than a carrier before you book your move. Check their documentation to ensure they are being transparent about who will actually handle your goods.
What red flags do expert movers hide?
Common signs of trouble
If a company pushes you to sign a contract without providing the two mandatory FMCSA publications, you should walk away. Every interstate mover is required to give you copies of Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move and Ready to Move. Ignoring these documents is a sign that the company may not prioritize your consumer rights.
Understanding the cost breakdown
Movers often provide quotes that seem too good to be true. You can Try our moving cost calculator to see what a professional move should realistically cost based on distance and volume. If a company gives you a price that is significantly lower than these averages, they may be planning to demand more money once your belongings are already in their possession.
Factor
Industry Standard
Warning Sign
Quote Process
In home or video survey
Phone quote with no visual
Broker Status
Clear disclosure provided
Claims they are the carrier
Liability
Full value protection offered
Only basic weight based cover
Documentation
FMCSA booklets provided
No rights documents mentioned
How to verify moving company reputation
Checking the DOT number
Every legitimate interstate mover must have a Department of Transportation number. Use this number to look up their safety record and see if their registration is active or suspended. A company with a history of suspended registration is a major risk that you should avoid at all costs.
Reading between the reviews
Customer reviews can be helpful, but they are not always reliable. Look for detailed accounts of the moving process rather than vague complaints about a bad attitude. If multiple people mention that the final price was much higher than the initial quote, take that as a warning.
Always demand an in person or virtual video survey before receiving a binding estimate to avoid hidden fees that appear on moving day.
Comparing quotes properly
Do not just look for the lowest number when you compare quotes. Look for a detailed line item list of services included in the price, such as packing materials, stairs, or long carry fees. A company that provides a clear and detailed estimate is usually more professional than one that gives you a single round number. You can Browse more cost guides to learn what services usually cost extra during a standard move.
How do you protect your rights after hiring?
Documenting everything
Take photos of your items before they are loaded onto the truck. Having a visual record of your belongings helps if something goes missing or arrives damaged. You should also keep a folder with your original quote, the inventory list, and all correspondence with the company.
Handling disputes calmly
If you have a problem, try a peaceful resolution first. Contact the company management directly to discuss your concerns. Most professional movers prefer to solve issues without legal action, as a negative review can impact their future business.
Knowing your legal options
If the company remains unresponsive, you have the right to escalate. You can file a formal complaint with the FMCSA or your state attorney general. In cases where significant value is at stake, a small claims court is often the final venue for seeking justice.
Is it possible to track all complaints against a mover?
The FMCSA database is the best place to track complaints involving federal interstate moves. While no single site contains every complaint, federal data provides the most reliable look at a company's regulatory history.
Why do some moving quotes change after booking?
Quotes often change because the initial estimate did not account for all your items or specific moving conditions. You can prevent this by providing a detailed inventory and requesting a binding estimate to lock in your price.
What should you do if a mover holds your items hostage?
Contact local law enforcement immediately because holding goods to force an unauthorized payment is illegal. You should also report the incident to the FMCSA and your state consumer protection agency right away.
Take the time to verify your mover today before you hand over your keys or your deposit. Use the federal licensing tools and our cost calculators to ensure you are working with a legitimate company. Making the right choice now will save you from a major headache on moving day.
