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 a mover has a history of federal violations.
Always verify that your interstate mover is registered with the Department of Transportation using their specific USDOT number.
Compare real quotes using our moving cost calculator to ensure your estimate is within a realistic market range.
Knowing how to find moving company complaints is the most effective way to avoid being scammed during your relocation. You do not want to be one of the millions of Americans who learn the hard way that their mover is not what they promised. Most professional movers handle thousands of moves each year with minimal issues, but bad actors often hide behind polished websites and fake reviews.
You can save yourself significant stress by checking public records before signing any contract. If a company has a pattern of overcharging or damaging property, that history usually exists somewhere in a government database. Digging into these reports takes less than twenty minutes and acts as your best insurance policy.
Where can you find official mover complaints?
The federal government keeps the most reliable records regarding the safety and conduct of interstate movers. Since interstate transport requires federal registration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration serves as your primary resource. They manage the National Consumer Complaint Database, which tracks specific patterns of misconduct across the industry.
Why the FMCSA matters for your move
The FMCSA collects data on everything from failure to deliver goods to deceptive pricing practices. You can search for a company by name or their unique USDOT number to see if they have been flagged for violations. This site is free to use and provides a transparent look at whether a company follows federal safety and service regulations.
How to use the BBB for local context
While the Better Business Bureau is a private organization, it remains a common place for consumers to post grievances about local service issues. Look at the ratio of resolved complaints versus unresolved ones. A high number of complaints might be less alarming if the company actively responds to and resolves every single issue reported by their customers.
Why do some movers hide their true track record?
Many moving companies pay for marketing that prioritizes positive feedback while burying negative experiences. They might use third party review sites that allow them to delete comments or filter out poor ratings entirely. This is why you must prioritize government databases over marketing pages when researching your potential hire.
Recognizing the signs of a dishonest mover
Red flags often appear long before the truck arrives at your house. If a company refuses to provide an in person or virtual visual inspection of your items, they are likely lowballing your quote to get you to sign. An honest mover will always want to see the volume of your goods before giving you a final price.
Check your mover against these common warning signs to ensure you are not dealing with a company that habitually violates client trust. Never feel pressured into signing a contract because of a limited time discount or a high pressure sales tactic.
What are your rights when disputes happen?
You have legal protections that apply regardless of what a moving company tells you. Before you move, a reputable interstate mover must provide you with two specific publications titled Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move and Ready to Move. If they do not offer these documents, you should take it as a serious sign to walk away.
All interstate household goods movers are legally required to participate in an arbitration program to resolve disputes over loss, damage, or disputed charges, and must summarize this program in writing before you sign the bill of lading.
Understanding mandatory arbitration
This federal rule exists to keep disputes out of expensive courtrooms. If you find yourself in a conflict over a damaged item or a billing error, the mover must provide a pathway for independent arbitration. This process is designed to be a more accessible way for you to seek justice without needing a high priced attorney.
How to document your move effectively
Keep a paper trail of every communication you have with your moving company. Take photos of your items before they are packed and inspect the inventory list carefully when the movers arrive. If you find missing or damaged items, document them immediately and report the issues within the timeframe specified in your contract.
Is there a way to vet movers faster?
Most people waste hours browsing random forums where the information is outdated or biased. Focus your energy on verifying the company registration status and checking for active complaints on government websites. You can browse more cost guides to understand what a reasonable move should cost before you even request a quote from a specific carrier.
Can I see exactly what other people complained about for a specific mover?
The FMCSA database allows you to see aggregate data about complaints filed against a carrier. While you might not always see the granular details of every single private interaction, you can identify if a company has a recurring history of specific issues like missing goods or pricing fraud.
What if a moving company has no complaints at all?
A company with zero complaints could be a brand new business, or they might be a tiny operation that rarely moves people across state lines. You should still request their USDOT number and check their registration status to ensure they are legally cleared to handle your long distance move.
Does the Better Business Bureau have legal authority over movers?
The Better Business Bureau is not a government agency and lacks the authority to enforce federal law or revoke a moving license. They act as a mediator between the customer and the business to encourage resolution, but they do not replace the regulatory oversight provided by the Department of Transportation.
The smartest way to protect your upcoming move is to verify every company before you commit to a deposit or a signed estimate. Use the official mover license lookup to confirm they are registered to work in your area. You deserve a professional experience that matches the price you are paying for your relocation.
