How to Choose the Best Long Distance Moving Company
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By PAGE Editor
Do you ever feel like the process of hiring a moving company is rigged? You think you found a good one, then a big problem happens on moving day.
Well, wonder no more. We've got all the answers in this article. Read on to find out what questions you should be asking potential home moving services.
Whether you're moving across the country or just to the next town over, the rules are the same. This will help you select a good mover the first time around.
What you'll learn:
Red Flags That Scream "Don't Do This Company"
Essential Questions Every Mover Should Answer
Questions to Verify a Company's Legitimacy
Getting Accurate Moving Estimates
Your Rights and Legal Protections
Red Flags That Scream "Don't Do This Company"
Before getting into the characteristics of the best home moving companies, let's cover some red flags to avoid.
Here's the thing…
All these moving scams use the same old tricks over and over again. Moving scammers count on customers not knowing what to look for.
The second you know these warning signs to look for, they're glaringly obvious.
Phone Answering Red Flags
When you call a moving company, listen closely to how they answer the phone. Legitimate companies will answer with their company name.
If someone answers the phone with "Movers" or "Moving Company"…red flag. If they won't even say their own company name, what else are they hiding?
No Physical Address or DOT Registration
No company is legally allowed to move you across state lines without being registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Look for any of the following on their website:
A physical address (not just a P.O. Box)
DOT registration number
Proof of insurance
Clear company contact details
If you can't find this info on their website…keep looking.
The best professional movers for residential moving will proudly display this information front and center. There is no reason for them to hide it if they're legit.
Demanding Large Upfront Payments
This is huge:
Professional moving companies do not demand large deposits or full payment up front. They may ask for a small deposit to reserve your moving date, but that's it.
Demanding cash or the full amount before they've even touched your stuff is a scammer's MO.
Essential Questions Every Mover Should Answer
Now that we've covered what to avoid, let's talk about what legitimate movers will provide right away.
Licensing and Insurance Questions
Every moving company you call should immediately provide the following:
DOT registration number (for interstate moves)
Proof of liability insurance
Workers' comp coverage details
State licensing info (for local moves only)
If they hesitate about this info, you know it's not a good company.
Services and Pricing Transparency
This is what separates the pros from the amateurs:
Top moving companies will be up front with you about how they price moves. They will tell you how they calculate costs, what's included in the base price, what additional fees apply, and what they do about damaged items.
Questions to Verify a Company's Legitimacy
Want to protect yourself from becoming another moving scam statistic? Do your own due diligence:
Check Government Databases
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) maintains databases you can search to verify a company's registration and complaint history. Search for their DOT number to see:
Safety records and violations
Customer complaints filed against them
Insurance verification
Operating authority status
This will take five minutes, but could potentially save you thousands of dollars and a world of stress.
Online Reviews and Complaints Research
Don't just trust the testimonials plastered all over their website. Search for reviews and complaints at:
Better Business Bureau ratings and complaints
Google Reviews (look for patterns in bad reviews)
Yelp and other review sites
Pay special attention to: reviews detailing hostage loads, surprise fees, damaged belongings, or no-show situations. These are the most common scams.
Verify Insurance Coverage
A legitimate moving company will provide a certificate of insurance showing:
Liability coverage limits
Workers' comp insurance
Cargo insurance
Insurance company's name and contact info
Call the insurance company directly to verify if you have any doubts. Better safe than sorry.
Getting Accurate Moving Estimates
This is where a lot of people get duped by dishonest movers. Let’s show you how to get quotes you can actually trust.
In-Person vs. Phone Estimates
Truth be told about estimates:
Companies that offer quotes over the phone without inspecting your stuff are either rookies or scammers. Professional movers will visit your home for inspection, video call, or ask detailed questions about every room.
Different Estimate Types
Binding estimates guarantee your price. Non-binding estimates are based on estimated weight. Binding not-to-exceed estimates are the best option – they give you price certainty but if the actual cost is lower, you only pay that.
Getting Multiple Quotes
Don't automatically hire the first company you call. Always get at least three estimates to help you:
Identify excessively high or low bids
Compare services
Negotiate better deals
Spot potential scams
Remember: if an estimate sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Your Rights and Legal Protections
The most important thing you can do as a consumer to protect yourself from bad moving companies is to do your research.
Federal Regulations for Interstate Moves
If you're moving between states, federal law entitles you to:
A copy of "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move"
Bill of lading (your contract and receipt)
Ready to Move brochure from FMCSA
Clear procedures for resolving disputes
All of these documents must be provided to you by the moving company before they load up your things.
Filing Complaints When Problems Arise
In the unfortunate event that something does go wrong with your move, there are a few ways to file complaints:
FMCSA's National Consumer Complaint Database
Your state's consumer protection office
Better Business Bureau
Police reports for theft
In any of these cases, document everything with photos, emails, and detailed records. This will be important if you have to take legal action.
Wrapping It All Together
Selecting a long distance home moving service doesn't have to be so stressful if you know what to look for. The key is doing the research ahead of time, not waiting until moving day is upon you.
Your action plan:
Verify DOT registration and insurance for any company you're considering
Get in-person estimates from at least three companies
Check out complaint histories through multiple sources
Never pay a large amount of money upfront
Trust your gut. If it feels shady, it probably is.
The moving industry rakes in billions of dollars in revenue each year, but that doesn't mean every company deserves your business.
Do the research. Your stuff and your sanity depend on it.
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