How to Find Moving Company Complaints Before You Hire?
TM
Written by TheMoveTips Editorial Team
Updated 6 min read
Quick Answer
Start your search at the FMCSA SAFER database to verify a mover has an active USDOT and MC number.
Search the Better Business Bureau website for patterns of unresolved consumer complaints and poor ratings.
Check cross referenced reviews on multiple platforms like Google and Yelp to spot consistent red flags.
Finding real information on moving companies feels like detective work because many online reviews are paid for or filtered. You need to look beyond the star rating on a company website to find the truth about their past behavior. Scrutinizing public records and consumer watchdog databases is the only way to ensure you are hiring a professional.
When you learn how to find moving company complaints, you protect yourself from common scams involving hidden fees or damaged property. Thousands of families experience issues every year, but doing your due diligence early can save you from a stressful relocation nightmare.
Where can you legally verify a moving company?
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 issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You can verify both for free using the FMCSA public SAFER database.
If a company cannot provide these numbers or refuses to display them, walk away immediately. Operating without proper authority is a hallmark of an amateur or fraudulent operation. Do not trust a company that claims they do not need these registrations for interstate moves.
Once you confirm they are licensed, you should search for official complaints filed through federal and state channels. The Better Business Bureau tracks how businesses respond to issues, providing a window into how a company handles conflict resolution. If you notice a high volume of unresolved complaints, it indicates a lack of interest in customer satisfaction.
Every interstate household goods mover is legally required to participate in an arbitration program to resolve disputes over loss, damage, or disputed charges, and they must summarize this program in writing before you sign the bill of lading.
After checking these databases, verify a mover's license to ensure their operating authority has not been revoked. This simple check takes less than five minutes but provides the most accurate picture of a mover's legal standing.
What do official complaint reports usually show?
Most formal complaints involve disputes over final pricing, damage to household goods, or delivery delays. When you dig into these reports, look for recurring themes that appear across different reviews. A single negative comment might be an outlier, but a pattern of similar grievances should be treated as a warning sign.
You can often find these patterns by checking the following sources:
Source Type
What to Look For
Impact on Your Move
FMCSA SAFER
License status and safety record
Avoids illegal or unlicensed companies
Better Business Bureau
Resolution of past complaints
Signals if they fix their mistakes
Google Reviews
Recent trends and service speed
Shows current operational quality
State Attorney General
History of legal actions or fraud
Protects you from predatory practices
It is helpful to compare these findings with your own budget estimates. You can try our moving cost calculator to see how your quotes align with industry averages for your route. If a company quotes you significantly lower than the average, be extra cautious about their reputation.
How to spot fake reviews when researching movers
Internet reviews are often manipulated by companies trying to hide their poor performance. If you see dozens of five star reviews posted within a single week, be skeptical of the legitimacy of that feedback. Real customer experiences usually vary in length, tone, and specific details about the move.
Look for reviews that mention the specific crew, the packing process, or the final bill accuracy. Detailed accounts are much harder to fabricate than vague praise that simply says the movers were fast. If the company responds to negative reviews in a professional manner, it suggests they care about their public reputation.
Avoid companies that delete or bury negative comments on their own social media pages. A transparent company will often address public complaints by offering a clear path to resolution or an apology. When you see a company that only highlights perfect scores, ask yourself why no one ever has a bad experience with them.
What to do if you discover serious complaints
If you find multiple reports of theft, intentional overcharging, or harassment, move on to a different company immediately. There are plenty of reputable movers who treat their customers with respect and transparency. Your goal is to narrow your list to providers with a solid history of safety and honesty.
Before signing any contract, make sure you receive the two mandatory FMCSA publications, Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move and Ready to Move. These documents provide essential guidance on what to do if your move does not go according to plan. Having this information on hand helps you manage the process and hold your movers accountable.
Always keep records of every conversation, email, and estimate you receive during your search. Maintaining a paper trail is your best defense against companies that might try to change terms after the truck is loaded. When you have done your research, you can confidently sign a contract and prepare for a successful move. You can browse more cost guides to continue comparing your options before making a final decision.
Yes, complaints filed with federal agencies like the FMCSA and organizations like the Better Business Bureau are generally accessible to the public. These databases allow you to search for a company name and view their history of reported issues and legal standing. Reviewing these records is a key step in identifying companies with a pattern of poor service.
What is the most common complaint against movers?
The most frequent complaints usually involve unexpected price increases after the truck is loaded and damage to personal property. Customers often report that the final bill ended up much higher than the initial estimate provided by the company. These disputes underscore why it is necessary to confirm all charges in writing before the move begins.
Can I sue a moving company for poor service?
You can pursue legal action against a mover in small claims court if they have failed to uphold their contractual obligations or caused damage they refuse to address. Before filing a lawsuit, the law generally requires that you attempt to resolve the issue through the mover's mandatory arbitration program. You should always consult with your local government resources if you feel you have been a victim of illegal business practices.
Taking the time to verify a mover before you book is the best way to prevent a difficult situation. Check their credentials through official federal databases and verify their reputation across multiple review platforms to see the full story. Once you have a clean candidate, you can move forward with confidence and focus on the exciting process of settling into your new home.
