How to Find Moving Company Complaints Before You Hire?
TM
Written by TheMoveTips Editorial Team
Updated 7 min read
Quick Answer
Check the FMCSA Protect Your Move database to see if a company has a history of federal complaints or safety violations.
Always verify that your mover holds an active USDOT number using our Verify a mover's license tool.
If you have a dispute, remember that all interstate movers are legally required to provide an arbitration program to resolve your claim.
Moving house is often ranked as one of the most stressful life events. You are trusting a business with your entire life inside a truck, hoping they arrive on time and in one piece. Finding out a company has a history of hidden fees or broken items after they already have your belongings is a nightmare you want to avoid. Knowing how to find moving company complaints before you sign any paperwork is the most effective way to protect your budget and your peace of mind.
Most people rely on quick star ratings on social media, but those can be misleading or even bought. Instead, you need to look at official government records and regulatory bodies that track real consumer issues. A professional moving company should have nothing to hide, and they will usually be happy to provide their license numbers upfront if you ask.
Where can you actually see a mover's history?
Start your research with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This agency oversees all interstate moving companies in the United States. Their website maintains a database where you can search by company name or USDOT number. You will find information regarding their active authority, cargo insurance, and any formal complaints filed against them by other customers.
When you search this database, pay close attention to the company’s complaint history and their safety record. A company with dozens of complaints regarding lost or damaged goods is a clear red flag. You should also look at the Better Business Bureau. While businesses can respond to these complaints, the raw volume and the nature of the responses give you a great look at how the company treats its customers when things go wrong.
If you are just beginning your research, you might want to Try our moving cost calculator to see what a fair price looks like for your specific route. Knowing the market average helps you spot companies that are intentionally lowballing their quotes to lure you in before adding massive, unexpected fees later.
What to look for in federal records
The FMCSA database shows you if a mover is authorized to transport household goods across state lines. If you see a status labeled as out of service or inactive, walk away immediately. Legitimate companies keep their registrations updated and current. Check these details against the information on the moving company’s own website to ensure they match exactly.
Red flags in online reviews
Be skeptical of companies that have hundreds of perfect reviews posted in a very short window of time. Authentic feedback often includes specific details about the crew, the drive, or a minor hurdle that was resolved. If you see a recurring pattern of complaints about final prices exceeding the initial estimate by thousands of dollars, trust that pattern over any single positive review.
What are your legal protections during a move?
Every interstate mover is required by federal law to provide you with two specific publications before your move begins. These are titled Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move and Ready to Move. If a company fails to provide these or acts like they do not know what you are talking about, take it as a serious sign of unprofessionalism.
These documents outline your protections regarding loss and damage, as well as how to handle disputed charges. Moving companies are also required to offer an arbitration program to settle disputes regarding lost or damaged property. Arbitration is a way to resolve disagreements without going through the lengthy and expensive process of small claims court.
Before you sign a bill of lading, ensure your mover has clearly summarized their arbitration program in writing, as this is a legal requirement for all interstate household goods carriers.
Distinguishing brokers from carriers
Many people accidentally book a broker instead of a moving company. A broker is simply a middleman who sells your move to a third party. They are legally required to disclose their role as a broker before you sign any contract or pay a deposit. If you do not know who is actually showing up at your door, you are taking an unnecessary risk with your possessions.
When to contact the Attorney General
If you have tried to resolve a dispute with the moving company directly and they stop responding, your state Attorney General can provide a path forward. Most states have consumer protection divisions that track moving scams. Filing a complaint here creates a permanent record that other future movers and regulators will see.
Do low prices indicate a bad company?
It is tempting to choose the cheapest quote you receive, but moving is a service where you almost always get what you pay for. Extremely low quotes are the most common tool used by predatory movers to win your business. They will arrive at your home, load your items, and then claim your weight was underestimated, forcing you to pay an inflated balance before they finish the job.
| Move Size | Estimated Distance | Average Price Range |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Studio Apartment | 500 miles | $1,500 - $2,500 |
| Studio Apartment | 2,000 miles | $2,500 - $4,000 |
| 3 Bedroom Home | 500 miles | $4,000 - $6,500 |
| 3 Bedroom Home | 2,000 miles | $7,000 - $12,000 |
Use these ranges to gauge if a quote you received is realistic. If someone quotes you half of the lower end of these numbers, you are likely looking at a scam. You can Browse more cost guides on our site to get a better sense of what labor, fuel, and equipment costs should look like for your specific distance.
Why quotes change after booking
Sometimes a quote changes because your inventory changed, but it should never double or triple overnight. Professional movers will ask for a detailed inventory, sometimes even conducting a video survey of your home to ensure their estimate is accurate. Avoid any mover that insists on giving you a quote over the phone without asking a single question about the volume of your belongings.
What to do if they hold your items hostage
If a mover refuses to unload your goods until you pay an amount far higher than the agreed estimate, you are likely dealing with a hostage load scenario. Document every conversation and keep a copy of your initial written estimate. This is the moment to contact the FMCSA directly to report the violation and seek guidance on your next step.
A major red flag is a mover who demands a large cash deposit before the day of the move or refuses to provide a physical address. You should also be wary of any company that lacks a clear insurance policy or cannot provide their valid USDOT number upon request. Always check for a history of bad behavior in federal databases before handing over a single cent.
Can I sue a moving company?
You can take a moving company to small claims court if they have caused damage to your property or violated your contract. Before going that route, you must exhaust the arbitration process that the mover is legally required to offer you. Keep all your documentation, including the original bill of lading and your photos of any damage, to build a strong case.
Is it better to check BBB or FMCSA?
The FMCSA is more important because it tracks federal safety and compliance issues that directly impact your legal protection. While the Better Business Bureau is useful for seeing general customer service trends, the FMCSA database confirms whether a company is legally authorized to operate. Use both to get a complete picture of the company's integrity.
Your move is too important to leave to chance. Take the time to verify the license of any company you are considering and prioritize those with a transparent, documented history of service. You are the best judge of who should handle your belongings once you have the facts in front of you.
