How to Find Moving Company Complaints Before You Hire?
TM
Written by TheMoveTips Editorial Team
Updated 5 min read
Quick Answer
Search for complaints through the FMCSA database to see if a company has a history of federal violations.
Check the Better Business Bureau for recent unresolved customer disputes regarding damage or overcharging.
Avoid companies that refuse to provide copies of mandated federal publications or clear arbitration policies.
Knowing how to find moving company complaints is the most effective way to protect your money and your property. Most people wait until after a move goes wrong to look for red flags, but that is far too late. Researching a company before you sign a contract saves you from the stress of damaged items and hidden fees.
Moving is consistently ranked as one of the most stressful life events, trailing only death and divorce. With roughly 36 million Americans moving each year, the demand for services is high, which creates space for dishonest operators to slip through the cracks. Taking ten minutes to vet a carrier now can save you thousands of dollars later.
What records are available for moving companies?
The federal database approach
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration maintains a public database of all registered interstate movers. You should use this to verify if your mover is a carrier or just a broker. Remember that a moving broker arranges your move but does not do the physical moving itself. They must disclose their status as a broker before you book any services. If a company hides its registration status, walk away immediately.
Understanding company transparency
Legitimate companies want you to see their safety history. They are legally required to provide you with copies of the FMCSA publications titled Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move and Ready to Move before your relocation date. If a mover refuses to share these documents, they are violating federal guidelines. You can verify a mover's license through our direct link to ensure their credentials remain active and in good standing.
Comparing company types
Not all movers offer the same level of service or accountability. Understanding the differences between local and long distance providers helps you set realistic expectations.
Service Type
Average Distance
Typical Oversight
Dispute Resolution
Local Mover
Under 100 miles
State Agencies
State Court
Interstate Carrier
Over 100 miles
FMCSA Federal
Mandatory Arbitration
Moving Broker
Varies
FMCSA Federal
Varies by Contract
Container Service
Nationwide
Company Policy
Standard Claims
This data shows why your choice matters for dispute resolution. If you work with an interstate carrier, they are legally required to participate in an arbitration program to resolve claims involving loss or damage.
Where can you find honest customer feedback?
Filtering through online noise
Public review sites are helpful, but they often contain biased or fake feedback. Focus on recurring themes in negative reviews rather than individual star ratings. If multiple customers complain about the same issue, such as extra fees at delivery or poor communication, treat that as a warning sign. You can also try our moving cost calculator to see if quotes from other companies align with industry standards, helping you identify suspicious lowball offers.
Checking the Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau remains a primary source for tracking how a company handles customer grievances. Look at the number of complaints filed in the last twelve months rather than just the letter grade. A company that resolves its issues quickly is a safer bet than one that ignores customer outreach. Verify if the complaints involve billing disputes or actual property damage.
Searching social media and forums
Local community groups or specialized moving forums can provide a candid look at a company’s performance. Look for mentions of the company name alongside words like damage or deposit. If a company has a habit of demanding large, non-refundable cash deposits, you should look elsewhere. Always browse more cost guides to understand typical market rates so you can spot predatory pricing.
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.
Which red flags signal a bad moving company?
Hidden costs and changing quotes
A professional mover will conduct a thorough inventory of your belongings before providing a quote. If a company gives you a price over the phone without seeing your items or asking for a list, be very cautious. Sudden price jumps on the day of the move are the most common complaint in the industry. Ensure your contract clearly defines how the final price is calculated based on weight or volume.
Pressure to book immediately
Watch out for aggressive sales tactics that urge you to pay a deposit right now to hold a date. Reputable companies give you time to review their paperwork and ask questions. If you feel rushed or pressured, take a step back and investigate their history further. High-pressure sales often disguise a lack of availability or a predatory business model.
Incomplete or vague documentation
Your contract is your primary protection during a dispute. If you receive a document that is missing basic contact information, insurance details, or the company license number, demand a corrected copy. Never accept verbal promises regarding insurance coverage or delivery timelines. Every detail must be in writing to be legally enforceable.
The FMCSA requires companies to explicitly state their role in your initial paperwork. You should look for documentation that identifies them as an interstate household goods carrier or a broker. If you remain unsure, use the official federal website to look up their specific operating authority.
Are moving company reviews reliable?
Reviews are helpful for gauging service culture but should never be your only source of information. Some companies may attempt to influence their online reputation, so look for consistent patterns of complaints across multiple platforms. Federal records and Better Business Bureau logs are generally more objective than social media star ratings.
Can I sue a moving company for damaged items?
You have the right to seek damages, but the process usually begins with the company's internal claims department or mandatory arbitration. For interstate moves, your right to arbitration is protected under federal rules. If internal resolution fails, small claims court is often the next step for settling disputes over damaged property or unauthorized charges.
Researching a company is a simple task that saves you from significant stress. Verify their credentials, read the actual complaints, and insist on written agreements for every service provided.
