How to Find Moving Company Complaints Before You Hire?
TM
Written by TheMoveTips Editorial Team
Updated 6 min read
Quick Answer
Check the FMCSA National Consumer Complaint Database to see if a mover has a history of reported issues.
Verify if your mover is a carrier or a broker because brokers often cannot resolve physical damage claims directly.
Always demand the written summary of the company arbitration program before you sign your bill of lading.
Finding hidden problems with a moving company requires more than a quick look at review sites. Many people rely on star ratings that can be easily manipulated or purchased by aggressive marketing firms. You need data from official regulatory bodies to see if a company has a pattern of bad behavior.
Serious problems usually appear in government databases long before they show up on social media pages. You can search the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration records to uncover formal grievances filed by past customers. This proactive step helps you avoid companies that frequently overcharge or damage household goods.
How to check the official FMCSA records
The FMCSA maintains the National Consumer Complaint Database to track reports against interstate household goods movers. This system acts as a central repository for people who have been wronged by a professional moving service. You can search by the company name or their unique USDOT number to see if they have been flagged for repeated violations.
Moving companies often operate under multiple names, so ensure you have the exact legal entity name from their quote. A quick search on the FMCSA portal will reveal if the company is authorized to transport household goods. If a company does not show up in the search, you should walk away immediately because they are likely operating illegally.
Why brokers often confuse the process
Many consumers do not realize they are working with a broker rather than a carrier. A broker arranges your move by selling your information to a third party but does not own the trucks or employ the movers. You must ask the company to confirm their status in writing before you book. Brokers are required by federal law to disclose this role upfront so you know exactly who is responsible for your property.
Understanding the arbitration requirement
All interstate household goods movers must participate in an arbitration program to resolve disputes. This covers issues related to loss, damage, or contested final charges on your bill. Companies are legally required to provide a written summary of this program before you sign any paperwork. If a mover refuses to explain their arbitration process, it is a major red flag that they may not honor their own contracts.
Moving companies vary significantly in how they handle disputes and customer service. You can use this table to understand where different types of companies typically fall on the scale of professional reliability.
Company Type
Accountability Level
Complaint Resolution
Dispute Process
Direct Carrier
High
Directly manages claims
Required arbitration
Moving Broker
Low
Depends on the carrier
Often redirects to driver
National Van Line
Very High
Corporate oversight
Standardized procedures
Local Small Business
Variable
Personal accountability
Small claims focused
Check the official status of any company by performing a Verify a mover's license search before you hand over any deposit money.
Why online reviews can be misleading
Public review platforms offer a glimpse into recent customer experiences, but they rarely tell the whole story. Many companies incentivize positive reviews by offering discounts to customers who leave five-star ratings right after the move. This can artificially inflate the profile of a business that might have significant underlying issues.
Focus on the negative reviews that mention specific operational failures like hidden fees or damage to furniture. Patterns of similar complaints from multiple people often point toward systemic issues within the company culture. If you see ten reviews complaining about the same surprise price hike at delivery, believe them.
Always verify the moving company name through the official FMCSA database rather than relying on the business name displayed on their website, as many companies use different trade names for marketing purposes.
Look for mentions of how the company handled a complaint after it was filed. Even the best companies will experience an occasional issue, but a reputable mover will work to find a resolution. A company that ignores or disputes every negative comment is rarely worth the risk.
What to look for in moving contracts
Contracts for long distance moves contain legal language that dictates how claims are settled. You should pay close attention to the valuation coverage options and the liability limits for damaged items. Many people mistakenly believe their full replacement value is covered, but most basic plans offer only cents per pound.
Review the bill of lading carefully before you sign anything on moving day. This document represents your official contract and should include all agreed-upon costs and terms. If you do not understand a section of the contract, ask for a written clarification before the truck is loaded.
Watching for sudden price changes
Moving quotes can sometimes change after you book if the inventory list was inaccurate or if the distance was miscalculated. A professional company will provide an updated estimate if they discover your load is heavier than expected. You should Try our moving cost calculator to ensure your inventory list is accurate before requesting quotes from moving companies.
Documenting the damage immediately
You must report any damage to your belongings as soon as you notice it during the unloading process. Keep photos of every item before and after the move to support your claim. Documenting every detail creates a clear record that makes it much harder for a company to deny your claim later.
If you find the total cost of your move seems higher than expected, you can Browse more cost guides to compare standard industry rates.
You have the right to seek justice in a small claims court if a moving company has wronged you or failed to address a valid claim. This is often the final step after you have exhausted the company's internal complaint process and their mandatory arbitration program. You should keep all your receipts and evidence of damages organized to present your case effectively to a judge.
What happens if my mover is a broker?
A broker manages the logistics of your move but does not perform the physical transport of your items. By law, they must inform you of their status as a broker before you finalize any booking. Because they are not the ones moving your goods, they often cannot address damage claims directly and may direct you to the motor carrier instead.
Are moving complaints public record?
Formal complaints filed through the FMCSA are logged in the National Consumer Complaint Database and are accessible for public review. These records help other consumers see patterns of behavior and identify companies with histories of misconduct. You should use these resources alongside common review sites to get a full picture of a company's reliability.
Your move is too important to leave to chance with an unverified company. Start by checking the federal databases for a history of complaints and always keep your own records of every interaction. You can begin your planning today by using our resources to find a reliable partner for your relocation.
