Every interstate mover must hold an active USDOT number and MC number issued by the federal government.
You can verify any company's operating authority for free through the official FMCSA SAFER database.
Avoid any company that cannot provide these numbers or shows a status of NOT AUTHORIZED in the federal system.
Checking the legitimacy of a moving company is the most important step you can take to protect your belongings. You should never hire an interstate mover without first performing a quick background check through the official federal registry.
If a company cannot provide a USDOT number or their registration is inactive, walk away immediately. Using a rogue mover often leads to hidden fees or the total loss of your property.
How to verify a mover with FMCSA in five minutes
Verifying a mover is a straightforward process that requires nothing more than a few minutes and an internet connection. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration maintains a public database called the SAFER system. This site serves as the ultimate source of truth for all interstate household goods carriers.
Start by asking the moving company for their USDOT number. Most reputable firms display this number prominently on their website or their promotional materials. Once you have that number, visit the SAFER company snapshot page to enter the digits.
The results will tell you if the company is authorized to transport household goods across state lines. Look specifically for a status that says AUTHORIZED for property. If the database lists the carrier as NOT AUTHORIZED or shows no record at all, you are likely dealing with a company that is operating outside of the law.
Every legitimate interstate mover must have a USDOT number, and household goods movers specifically need operating authority, known as an MC number, from the FMCSA. You can verify both for free using the FMCSA public SAFER database.
Why your mover needs an MC number
The MC number is an additional layer of identification that distinguishes household goods movers from general freight carriers. If a company claims to move furniture across state lines but lacks an MC number, they are ignoring federal requirements. Always check for both the USDOT and MC numbers before you sign any documents.
What to look for in the SAFER database
When you view the company snapshot, pay close attention to the insurance and safety information. The system will display whether the company carries the required liability coverage. Seeing a clear record of compliance gives you the peace of mind that you are working with a professional entity.
Handling a company that refuses to share numbers
A legitimate business will never hesitate to provide their credentials. If a salesperson makes excuses or tells you the numbers are not necessary, stop the conversation immediately. You should verify a mover's license yourself rather than taking their word for it.
How much do long distance moves actually cost
Understanding the baseline costs of a move helps you spot companies that might be quoting unrealistically low prices to lure you in. Fraudulent movers often use lowball estimates to secure a deposit and then increase the price once your goods are already on their truck.
Move Distance
Estimated Range
Primary Cost Factor
Local Move
$800 to $2,500
Hourly Labor Rates
State to State (Small)
$2,000 to $4,500
Weight or Cubic Footage
Cross Country (Large)
$5,000 to $12,000+
Distance and Fuel Surcharges
Last Minute Moves
$3,000 to $15,000+
Availability and Truck Size
Small moves often carry a higher cost per item than large moves due to fixed truck operation expenses. If a quote seems too good to be true compared to these ranges, it often is. You can try our moving cost calculator to see how these factors impact your specific route.
Why low quotes are a red flag
Unusually cheap quotes are a classic tactic used by scammers to capture leads. They rarely include the cost of fuel, insurance, or heavy items like pianos or appliances. Legitimate companies provide detailed itemized estimates that account for your inventory.
Avoiding the deposit trap
Never pay a large cash deposit before your items are loaded onto the truck. Most reputable carriers do not require a massive upfront payment just to hold your date. Be cautious of any company that pressures you to wire money or pay exclusively in cash.
What legal rights do you have during a move
Federal regulations exist specifically to protect you from common industry abuses. When you move your household goods across state lines, you have rights that every mover must respect. They are required to provide you with specific materials before you sign the contract.
The two documents you must receive
Your mover is legally obligated to give you copies of two FMCSA publications titled Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move and Ready to Move. These booklets explain exactly how claims are handled and what to do if your property is damaged. If a company refuses to provide these, they are likely ignoring other regulations as well.
How to handle disputes
If you run into issues with your move, you have the right to seek resolution. All interstate household goods movers are legally required to participate in an arbitration program to resolve disputes over loss, damage, or disputed charges. The company must summarize this program in writing before you sign the bill of lading.
Documenting your inventory
Always review the inventory list before the movers leave your home. Once you sign the bill of lading, you are acknowledging the condition of your goods as described by the driver. Make notes of any existing scratches or damage on the furniture to ensure you have a baseline for potential claims later.
How to choose a company that won't let you down
Beyond federal databases, you should evaluate the company’s reputation based on transparency and communication. A high-quality mover will spend time explaining their process and answering your specific questions about the timeline. They treat your items with care because their business depends on word of mouth.
Checking for physical offices
Scammers often operate out of virtual offices or mail drops. Try to verify that the company has a legitimate physical address where they store their equipment. A simple search on a map tool can tell you if their warehouse is a real facility or an empty lot.
Evaluating customer communication
Pay attention to how quickly they respond to your requests for information. If you have to chase them for a quote or a copy of their insurance certificate, that is a warning sign. You want a partner who respects your time and provides clear, written documentation for every agreement you make.
Planning your next steps
You should feel empowered to research your options thoroughly before committing to a mover. Use the official government tools available to verify every company on your short list. You can browse more cost guides to help you prepare your budget and your expectations.
Hiring an unlicensed mover puts your property at high risk because you have no legal recourse if they hold your goods hostage for higher fees. These companies often lack the required insurance, meaning you will not be compensated if your items are broken or stolen during transit.
Can I check a company's complaint history?
The FMCSA SAFER database allows you to see safety data, but you should also check the Better Business Bureau for consumer complaints. Look for patterns in the complaints rather than just a single negative review. Frequent reports of missing items or sudden price hikes are major indicators of a bad actor.
Should I pay for moving insurance?
You should always verify the level of liability the mover provides, as basic coverage is often minimal. Consider purchasing third-party moving insurance to fully protect your belongings during the move. Make sure you read the policy details carefully to understand exactly what is covered in the event of an accident.
Taking the time to verify a mover with FMCSA is the single best way to ensure your move happens without stress. Start your search by pulling official data, then use our resources to plan your budget and verify your chosen company before signing any contracts.
