How to Find Moving Company Complaints Before You Hire?
TM
Written by TheMoveTips Editorial Team
Updated 7 min read
Quick Answer
Check the FMCSA database first because it is the only place to find official federal safety records and complaint history.
Avoid companies that lack a valid USDOT number as this is a primary sign of an unlicensed and risky operation.
Always verify if your contact is a carrier or a broker since brokers do not perform the physical move themselves.
Finding hidden complaints about a moving company requires more than just reading star ratings on social media. Most people rely on review sites that allow businesses to curate their image. Real trouble usually hides in federal databases or state consumer protection filings.
You need to look at the facts before you hand over your deposit. Professional movers follow specific legal requirements, while rogue operators rely on your lack of research to inflate prices. This guide helps you navigate the official channels to ensure your household goods remain safe.
Where should you look for official complaints?
The most reliable source for your research is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Every interstate mover must register with the federal government. You can access their company snapshot to see if they have a history of safety violations or consumer issues.
Using the federal database for verification
The FMCSA keeps a public record of every interstate carrier. You should search for the company name or their USDOT number. If they refuse to provide a USDOT number, you should stop talking to them immediately. That number acts as their professional license to operate.
Checking state and local agencies
State agencies sometimes hold records that federal databases miss. Look up the moving company on the website of your state attorney general or local department of transportation. These offices often handle local moving scams and maintain active files on companies that engage in deceptive business practices.
Understanding review site limitations
Online reviews often feel helpful but they are rarely objective. Some companies pay for positive reviews or aggressively suppress negative feedback. Treat any review site as a starting point rather than a final verdict on quality. You can verify a mover's license to ensure they are legally cleared for your move.
Every interstate household goods mover is 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.
After checking these databases, you should compare the service tiers and general cost expectations for your upcoming move to ensure the company fits your budget and needs.
How do moving quotes compare to actual final costs?
Moving costs vary significantly based on distance and the volume of your items. A quote is not always the final price you will pay at the end of the move. Some companies quote low to win your business and then add hidden fees once they arrive at your home.
Move Type
Average Distance
Price Range
Typical Timeline
Local Move
Under 100 miles
$800 to $2,500
1 to 2 days
State to State
500 miles
$2,500 to $5,000
3 to 7 days
Cross Country
2,000 plus miles
$4,500 to $10,000+
7 to 14 days
Small Shipment
Any distance
$500 to $1,500
Variable
Recognizing the signs of a lowball quote
If a quote arrives suspiciously low, you should be skeptical. High quality movers perform an in home or virtual inspection to provide an accurate weight estimate. Companies that provide a quote over the phone without asking about the specific items in your home are often guessing at best.
Handling sudden price increases
Some movers will try to increase the price once the truck is loaded. They might claim your inventory was heavier than expected or that you required extra packing services. You should always demand a written estimate that explicitly details the weight limit and any potential extra fees.
Reviewing the bill of lading
The bill of lading is a legal contract that outlines everything the mover is responsible for during your move. Read every line before you sign it. You can try our moving cost calculator to see if your quote falls within a realistic range.
Moving companies must provide specific paperwork before the move begins, which helps keep everyone on the same page.
What rights do you have during the moving process?
You are entitled to clear information and honest practices throughout your relocation. Federal law requires interstate movers to provide specific documents to help you understand your protection. These rights exist to prevent surprises and to give you recourse if something goes wrong.
Mandatory documentation requirements
Before your move, an interstate mover is required to give you copies of two FMCSA publications. These are titled Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move and Ready to Move. If a mover fails to provide these documents, you should view it as a serious warning sign.
Distinguishing carriers from brokers
A moving broker arranges your move but does not do the physical moving itself. Brokers must disclose that they are a broker, not a carrier, before you book. This distinction matters because the broker is not responsible for the safety of your items on the road.
Accessing legal dispute resolution
If your items arrive damaged, you have the right to file a claim. The company must provide the information for their mandatory arbitration program. You should keep a detailed inventory of all your items and document their condition with photographs before and after the move.
Always keep copies of all emails and signed contracts to ensure you have a paper trail if you need to file a complaint later.
What should you avoid when hiring movers?
Many moving scams share the same characteristics. You should be cautious if a mover demands a large cash deposit before the moving date. Legitimate companies usually do not require massive upfront payments before they start the job.
Red flags in sales communications
Avoid companies that pressure you to book immediately. High pressure sales tactics are rarely used by reputable moving firms. If the person on the phone seems unwilling to answer questions about their equipment or their permanent address, you should walk away.
Checking for physical office space
A legitimate moving company will have a physical headquarters. Check their address on a map to see if it is a real warehouse or just a temporary mail drop. Companies without a local presence in their home state often have lower accountability when problems arise during a move.
Evaluating customer service responses
Pay attention to how the company handles your questions. Do they provide clear answers, or do they talk around your concerns? You can also browse more cost guides to learn what standard procedures look like for a successful long distance relocation.
Can I see every complaint filed against a moving company?
The FMCSA database lists formal complaints and federal safety violations rather than every minor customer grievance. Private review sites might show individual complaints, but those are often unverified and prone to bias.
What if the mover is not listed on the FMCSA website?
If you cannot find a mover in the federal system, they are likely not legally permitted to handle interstate moves. You should look for another company that displays a valid USDOT number and maintains a clean federal record.
Is it safer to hire a local mover or a national brand?
Both options have pros and cons, but the most important factor is the company history rather than the brand name. A smaller, local family owned company can be excellent if they are properly licensed and transparent about their policies.
Researching your mover is the best way to prevent a stressful moving day. Start by checking their federal license and verifying their claims about insurance and equipment. When you feel informed about the process, you will be much better prepared to hire a company you can actually trust.
