Overview

How to do a Background Check on a Moving Company

Trusting a mover with your personal belongings can be quite stressful. After all, you welcome complete strangers into your home and allow them to transport your goods to your new home. Performing a proper background check is an essential part of choosing the right mover. When a moving company "checks all the right boxes" during background research, you can be confident in their ability to move you to your new home. Here are some tips on performing a thorough background check:

Verify Licenses

Professional movers need to be registered and licensed to operate. Each state has its requirements, but all properly certified moving companies have an MC number (interstate movers have a USDOT number, too).

Before hiring a moving company, take the time to verify their credentials through official sources, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for interstate movers or your state’s regulatory agency for local moves. A licensed mover is required to follow industry regulations designed to protect consumers, including offering liability coverage and adhering to safety standards. Working with an unlicensed company can put your belongings at risk, as they may lack proper insurance, accountability, or experience in handling moves professionally.

Research Complaint History

Once you have a mover's license number, you can check their complaint history on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. This database provides valuable insights into any past violations, safety concerns, or unresolved customer complaints.
In addition to FMCSA records, it's a good idea to check reviews and complaints on platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and state consumer protection agencies. Look for patterns in customer feedback, recurring issues like damaged goods, unexpected fees, or poor communication can be red flags. A moving company with a history of unresolved complaints may not be the best choice, whereas one with positive reviews and a track record of addressing customer concerns demonstrates professionalism and reliability. Taking the time to research can help you avoid potential headaches and ensure a smoother moving experience.

Check the BBB Rating

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is an excellent resource for evaluating a moving company’s credibility and reputation. The BBB assigns ratings from A+ (highest) to F (lowest) based on factors such as customer complaints, how effectively the company resolves issues, and their overall business practices. A mover with an A+ rating is typically one that demonstrates reliability, transparency, and strong customer service.
Beyond just the rating, take time to read customer reviews and complaint details. Pay attention to how the company responds to and resolves issues, as this can give you insight into their level of professionalism. While no company is perfect, a pattern of unresolved complaints or negative experiences could indicate potential problems.

Check Reviews

It's essential to view a moving company's reviews from a variety of sources to get a well-rounded perspective on their service quality. Don’t rely solely on a single platform like Angi (formerly Angie’s List) or Yelp—instead, check multiple sources such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Facebook, and Trustpilot. Each platform may have different customer experiences and ratings, helping you form a more accurate impression of the company.
When reading reviews, take the time to analyze them carefully. Not all negative reviews are valid; some may come from competitors or individuals who had unrealistic expectations. Likewise, overly glowing reviews that lack detail may be artificially generated. Look for consistent patterns in feedback rather than focusing on a handful of extreme opinions. Pay attention to mentions of hidden fees, professionalism, communication, and care in handling belongings, as these are critical aspects of a mover’s reliability. Using common sense and considering a wide range of sources can help you make an informed decision and avoid potential issues.

Speak to the Mover

Before making a final decision, take the time to thoroughly interview every moving company you are considering. Speaking directly with the mover allows you to ask detailed questions about their experience, services, pricing, and policies. A reputable moving company should be transparent and willing to provide clear, honest answers.
Prepare a list of essential questions, such as: Are you licensed and insured? What type of liability coverage do you offer? Do you provide binding or non-binding estimates? How do you handle disputes or damages? Pay attention to how the mover responds, if they seem hesitant, vague, or unwilling to provide written documentation, it may be a red flag. Clear communication and professionalism during this conversation can be a strong indicator of the level of service you can expect throughout your move.
If you follow the tips above, you can be confident that your chosen mover will be a good fit for you and your family.

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