How to Find Moving Company Complaints Before You Hire?
TM
Written by TheMoveTips Editorial Team
Updated 6 min read
Quick Answer
Start by checking the FMCSA SAFER database for a valid USDOT number and current operating authority.
Search the official FMCSA complaint database to see if a company has a history of unresolved consumer issues.
Always confirm if you are speaking with a carrier or a broker because brokers cannot legally handle your physical move.
You probably want to know if your movers will actually show up or break your favorite lamp. Most people search for reviews on popular social sites but miss the official government records that reveal if a company is truly legitimate. Finding the truth requires more than reading star ratings written by strangers.
You need to look at federal databases to see if a company has a track record of broken promises. Relying on public review sites is a mistake because they often bury bad experiences under paid advertising or fake positive entries. Real information about your moving company sits in government archives that remain open to the public.
Where to look for official records
The first place you must visit is the SAFER database managed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This system serves as the ultimate scorecard for any interstate moving company operating in the United States. You enter the company name or USDOT number to see if they are currently authorized to handle your household goods.
Using the SAFER database
This tool tells you if the company has an active MC number for interstate transport. If you find no records there, you should stop talking to them immediately. Legitimate companies keep their profiles updated and satisfy all federal insurance requirements. If you feel lost while checking these credentials, you can verify a mover's license here to stay on the safe side.
Why government databases win
Commercial review sites allow companies to pay for higher placement or contest negative feedback until it disappears. The FMCSA records are different because they track legal violations and formal complaints filed by actual customers. These entries represent government findings that a company cannot simply edit or delete. A clean record on a third party site means nothing if the federal system shows a history of complaints.
Identifying the brokers
Many companies you find online are not moving companies at all. They are brokers who sell your information to the highest bidder. You have a legal right to know who will handle your items. Always ask if the company owns the trucks or if they merely arrange for others to do the work. Brokers must disclose their status before you give them a single penny.
Moving logistics can feel overwhelming when you see the price differences between companies. Understanding these costs helps you spot realistic quotes versus ones designed to bait you into a trap.
Service Type
Average Distance
Estimated Cost Range
Primary Risk
Local Move
Under 100 miles
800 to 2500 dollars
Hourly rate padding
Short Interstate
100 to 500 miles
2000 to 5000 dollars
Weight estimation errors
Long Distance
500 to 1500 miles
3500 to 8000 dollars
Unexpected delivery fees
Cross Country
Over 2000 miles
5000 to 12000 dollars
Loss of inventory control
If you want to understand how these numbers apply to your own relocation, you can try our moving cost calculator to get a better baseline for your budget.
How to spot a scam company
Scammers often demand a large cash deposit before they even see your house. They might offer a price that looks too good to be true because they plan to inflate it on moving day. A reputable mover provides a binding estimate based on an actual physical or video walkthrough of your home.
The danger of low quotes
If a company gives you a quote over the phone without asking about your inventory, they are likely lowballing you. They count on the fact that you will be desperate once your belongings are already packed on their truck. Once your items are in their possession, they may claim the weight is higher than expected and demand thousands more before releasing your goods.
Warning signs in communication
Legitimate companies have professional email addresses and a physical office you can visit. If the person on the phone avoids giving you a legal business name or refuses to provide a USDOT number, hang up. Professional movers want you to check their credentials because they have nothing to hide.
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.
Transparency is your best defense against bad business practices. If you read more details about the process, you can browse more cost guides to prepare for every step of your move.
What to do with the complaints you find
Seeing a single complaint in a database should not automatically disqualify a mover. Everyone makes mistakes, and companies often work to resolve legitimate issues. You should look for patterns of behavior instead of isolated incidents. If you see repeated complaints about missing items or hidden fees, you have found a red flag you cannot ignore.
Evaluating negative feedback
Read the response from the moving company to the complaint. A professional business takes accountability and explains the steps they took to make things right for the customer. A company that blames the customer or hides behind technical jargon is one you should avoid at all costs.
Contacting the Better Business Bureau
While federal records are the gold standard, the Better Business Bureau can show you how a company handles consumer disputes in your specific state. You want a company that proactively solves problems rather than one that forces you to fight for your rights. Check if the company responds to inquiries and shows a pattern of successful conflict resolution.
You can search court records in the state where the moving company is headquartered to see if there are any active lawsuits. Local civil court databases often allow you to search by company name to see if past clients have taken legal action. This extra step provides a deeper look into a company's integrity than public review sites ever could.
Are moving brokers allowed to withhold names of carriers?
Brokers are legally obligated to disclose their role as a broker and must provide you with the identity of the motor carrier they select for your shipment. If they refuse to tell you who is actually driving the truck, you are not being given the information you need to conduct proper research. Always ensure you have the name and DOT number of the specific carrier responsible for your belongings.
What happens if my stuff is damaged during the move?
Every interstate mover is required to summarize their arbitration program in writing before you sign your bill of lading. If you have a dispute about damage, you should start by filing a claim directly with the moving company as outlined in their contract. If they do not resolve the issue to your satisfaction, you can request neutral arbitration as provided by federal law.
The best way to protect yourself is to prioritize government records over marketing claims. Verify their USDOT number, identify if they are a broker, and always demand a written estimate after a walkthrough of your home. Use the resources provided here to verify every company you consider before you sign a single contract.
