How to Find Moving Company Complaints Before You Hire?
TM
Written by TheMoveTips Editorial Team
Updated 6 min read
Quick Answer
Search for moving company complaints using the FMCSA national database to see safety and regulatory records.
Check Better Business Bureau filings to spot patterns of unprofessionalism or billing disputes.
Always verify that your mover provides mandatory federal publications regarding your rights and arbitration.
Finding accurate information about a service provider can feel like navigating a maze. When you need to know how to find moving company complaints, the public record is your best starting point. Many people rely on star ratings alone, but those numbers rarely tell the whole story about legal disputes or safety issues.
Moving house ranks as the third most stressful life event for many families. With roughly 36 million Americans moving annually, the demand for service remains high. Some companies cut corners or engage in dishonest business practices. You deserve a clear picture of who you are trusting with your belongings before you sign a contract.
Where can you find official moving company complaints?
Official government channels provide the most reliable data on mover performance. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration acts as the primary regulator for interstate household goods movers. Their database allows you to search by company name or USDOT number to see if a mover has been flagged for violations.
Searching the FMCSA database
The FMCSA maintains a public portal that lists every registered interstate carrier. You can see their current registration status, safety history, and any documented complaints filed by other consumers. This is the first place you should visit before getting a quote. You can verify a mover's license to ensure they are actually authorized to operate across state lines.
Using the Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau serves as a secondary source for consumer sentiment. While these reviews are not government verified, they often highlight recurring themes like hidden fees or late deliveries. Look specifically for unresolved complaints. A company with a few resolved issues is often better than a company that ignores customer concerns entirely.
State attorney general offices
Your state attorney general keeps records of consumer protection complaints filed within your local jurisdiction. If a mover operates primarily within your state, this office may have information not found in federal databases. Checking these records takes more time, but it provides a local perspective on how companies handle legal disputes.
What patterns indicate a dishonest moving company?
Not all negative reviews are created equal. Some complaints arise from simple miscommunication, while others point to systemic failures. You need to distinguish between a bad day for a driver and a bad business model for the company.
Issue Type
Common Sign
Red Flag Level
Billing
Hidden fees at delivery
Critical
Timeline
Missed pickup windows
Moderate
Communication
Calls ignored post-deposit
High
Damages
Refusal to follow claims process
Critical
When you read through reports, look for consistency. If multiple customers describe the same bait and switch tactic on move day, move on to a different company. Small issues happen in every industry, but patterns of withheld property or sudden price hikes are deal breakers. You should also try our moving cost calculator to understand what a fair quote looks like for your specific move.
What legal protections do you have as a customer?
Federal law mandates specific protections to keep the moving industry accountable. All interstate household goods movers are legally required to participate in an arbitration program to resolve disputes over loss, damage, or disputed charges. This information must be provided to you in writing before you sign any bill of lading.
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.'
If a company fails to provide these documents, consider it a major warning sign. These publications explain exactly how to handle disputes if things go wrong. Remember that a moving broker arranges your move but does not do the physical moving itself. Brokers must disclose their status as a broker rather than a carrier before you book any services.
How do you stop a scam before it starts?
Prevention is far more effective than trying to fix a bad situation after the truck is loaded. Most scams thrive on speed and confusion. When a mover pressures you to pay a large cash deposit immediately, walk away. Legitimate companies provide clear, written estimates based on the weight or volume of your items.
Demand an in-home or virtual survey
Avoid companies that only provide quotes over the phone without seeing your items. A professional mover wants to see what they are moving to give an accurate price. If they insist on guessing the weight, they might be planning to increase the price significantly on the day of your move.
Check the specific company name
Scammers sometimes create shell companies with names very similar to established, reputable brands. Confirm the USDOT number matches the name you are researching. If you find yourself unsure about a specific business model, you can browse more cost guides to learn what standard practices should look like.
Keep your own documentation
Always keep a copy of your inventory list and the initial estimate. Take photos of your high-value items before the movers arrive. If a dispute arises later, having documented evidence makes the process of filing a formal complaint through the FMCSA or your local consumer agency much easier.
Is it common for moving companies to have some negative reviews?
Yes, even reliable companies often have a handful of negative reviews because moving is an inherently unpredictable and stressful process. You should focus on how the company responds to these complaints rather than the mere existence of them. A good company works to resolve the problem professionally, while a bad one will ignore the customer or hide behind fine print.
Can I sue a moving company if they lose my items?
You have the right to seek justice through an arbitration process or, in some cases, small claims court. Federal law requires movers to participate in arbitration for disputes over lost or damaged goods. Before taking legal action, ensure you have followed the internal claims process outlined in the documents the mover provided to you.
Why do brokers have more complaints than carriers?
Brokers often have more complaints because they act as middlemen who do not actually handle the trucks or the labor. Miscommunication between the broker and the actual carrier can lead to missed dates, unexpected fees, or coordination failures. Always clarify if the company you are speaking with will be the one physically moving your items or if they are farming the work out to others.
Take the time to verify your mover through official channels before handing over your house keys. Start by checking their status with the FMCSA and confirming they have provided the required consumer rights literature. Use these tools to build your move on a foundation of facts, not just marketing promises.
