When your move crosses a state line, the company that moves you is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). A move counts as interstate even if the truck itself never crosses the line, as long as your belongings are moving from one state to another with a mover involved.
The short version: ask for the company's USDOT number, look it up on the FMCSA search tool, confirm it is registered as a household goods mover or broker, and read its complaint history before you sign anything.
Step 1: Ask for the USDOT number
Every interstate mover and moving broker must be registered with the FMCSA, and the registration is identified by a U.S. DOT number. Many companies also display an MC number. A legitimate company will give you these numbers right away, and usually shows them on its website and estimates.
If a company avoids the question or gives you a number that belongs to a different business, stop there.
Step 2: Look it up on the FMCSA search tool
- Open the FMCSA's Household Goods search tool.
- Choose Search Movers/Brokers & Complaint History, then Search by Company.
- Search by the company name, its U.S. DOT number, or its MC number.
- Check that the name, address, and phone number match the company you are talking to.
Step 3: Confirm whether it is a mover or a broker
A broker is not a mover. Brokers arrange your move with a moving company, but they do not transport your belongings and are not responsible for them. Brokers are allowed, but federal rules require them to:
- Be registered with the FMCSA;
- Use only FMCSA-registered movers;
- Give you the federal booklet Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move;
- Give you a list of the movers they use;
- Base their estimates on the mover's tariff, under a written agreement with that mover.
Ask every company directly: "Are you the mover, or a broker? Will your own crews and trucks handle my move?"
Step 4: Read the complaint history
The same search tool shows complaints filed against the company. A single complaint is not unusual for a busy mover. Look for patterns: repeated complaints about price increases after loading, goods held until extra payment, or missed delivery dates.
Step 5: Keep the numbers on file
Write down the company's legal name, U.S. DOT number, and MC number, and make sure the same details appear on your estimate and bill of lading. If something goes wrong, you will need them.
If something goes wrong
You can file a complaint with the FMCSA online through the FMCSA Complaint Center or by phone at 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238), 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If a mover is holding your belongings, you can also contact your state Attorney General.