How to Find Moving Company Complaints Before You Hire?
TM
Written by TheMoveTips Editorial Team
Updated 5 min read
Quick Answer
Start by checking the FMCSA SAFER database to verify a mover has an active USDOT number and legal operating authority.
Search the Better Business Bureau and state attorney general records for formal customer complaints regarding service or billing.
Always demand a written summary of the mandatory arbitration program before you sign your bill of lading.
Finding accurate information about a moving company requires more than a quick look at stars on a review site. You need to dig into official government records and regulatory filings to see if a business is reputable or a total disaster. When you search for how to find moving company complaints, your first stop should always be federal and state databases that track bad actors in the industry.
Many people skip this step because they assume positive social media comments equal a professional service. The reality is that some companies use aggressive marketing to bury negative feedback. You deserve to know if a mover has a history of overcharging, property damage, or failing to deliver goods on time.
Where can you find official complaints against movers?
The FMCSA SAFER database
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration maintains a public record of every interstate mover in the country. You can verify a mover's license by searching their name or USDOT number on the official SAFER website. This database tracks whether a company has current operating authority or if their license has been revoked due to safety violations. Checking this is essential because a company without valid federal registration is operating outside the law and provides you with zero legal protection. You should verify a mover's license before you even request a price quote.
State attorney general offices
Your state attorney general handles consumer protection complaints that involve local businesses or state wide trade violations. If a moving company is cheating customers, the attorney general often has a searchable database of complaints or active investigations. You can visit the website of your state office to look up the company name and see if they have been sued for fraud or deceptive advertising. This is often where you will find the most serious documentation regarding unethical business practices.
Better Business Bureau files
The Better Business Bureau tracks formal complaints that customers submit against businesses. While these reviews can be subjective, the formal complaint process creates a paper trail that the business must address. Look for the pattern of responses. If a company ignores complaints or offers standard excuses for every issue, that is a massive red flag. Keep in mind that a company might be a member of the bureau but still have a history of service failures.
How do moving companies hide their past issues?
The broker versus carrier trap
Many consumers do not realize that the person booking their move might not be the person driving the truck. A moving broker arranges your move but does not own the trucks or employ the crew. Brokers must disclose their status as a broker before you book, yet many fail to do so. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to find complaints because you might be reviewing the broker while the actual carrier has a terrible track record.
The impact of fake reviews
You will often see companies with high ratings on aggregate review sites that do not match their real world performance. Some companies purchase fake reviews to inflate their score and hide legitimate grievances from previous customers. Never rely on a single review platform to make your decision. Cross reference the business name across multiple government and consumer advocacy sites to see if the reputation holds up.
How much do long distance moves usually cost?
Moving costs vary wildly depending on the distance, the volume of your items, and the services requested. You should use a tool to get a realistic estimate before talking to a salesperson. Many companies try to lock you into a low price upfront only to increase it on the day of your move. Try our moving cost calculator to see what a standard move should look like based on your home size and route.
Distance
Estimated Cost Range
Primary Cost Factor
Local Move
$800 to $2,500
Hourly labor rate
Mid Distance (500 miles)
$2,200 to $4,500
Weight or volume
Cross Country (2000 miles)
$4,000 to $8,500
Total shipment weight
Small Studio Move
$1,500 to $3,000
Fixed minimums
If you want to understand how these prices fluctuate, you can browse more cost guides to see how specific add ons like packing or storage impact your final bill.
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.
Is there a way to see if a moving company has been sued?
You can check local court records in the county where the moving company is headquartered to see if they have faced civil litigation. Many states also provide an online portal through the secretary of state or the attorney general to search for public records of legal actions against registered corporations.
What should I do if my mover is not listed on the FMCSA site?
If you cannot find a company in the FMCSA database, they likely lack the authority to perform interstate moves. You should stop communicating with them immediately and look for a different, fully licensed carrier to avoid potential theft or loss of your belongings.
How do I know if a mover is just a broker?
The easiest way to tell is to check if they have a physical fleet of trucks or if they consistently talk about contracting out the labor. Federal regulations require them to disclose their brokerage status in writing, so check your initial paperwork for clear language defining their specific role in your move.
If you find that a moving company has a history of ignored complaints or lacks proper federal licensing, walk away immediately. Take the time to verify your choice using government databases, as this is the single best way to ensure your move stays on track. You can start your research by checking their USDOT number and comparing their quotes against our moving cost calculator to keep your budget safe.
