An FMCSA registered moving company is different from an FMCSA authorized moving company. A company may be registered but not authorized to move household goods. Interstate moving companies and brokers must be registered with the federal government and have a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number. Consumers can use the online search tool to check the movers database to confirm their mover is registered, has insurance, is authorized to transport household goods or has received complaints.

Moving services brokers do not receive an “authorized” designation from FMCSA. Brokers arrange the transportation of a customers’ personal household possessions. Brokers do not have trucks nor do they assume responsibility nor take possession of your household goods. Brokers are an intermediary between customers and carriers.

Consumers should also take additional steps when hiring a mover such as checking online reviews and contacting the Better Business Bureau before hiring a mover is authorized by FMCSA to transport Household Goods.

In certain situations, a moving company can legally put your household goods in storage at your expense.

At the agreed upon time of delivery, you must pay for the charges due and be available to accept delivery of your shipment or it could be placed in storage at your expense.

To learn more, read the FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet

Interstate movers can legally hold your belongings if you are don’t honor your contract and pay on time. However, FMCSA may take enforcement action when a mover or broker knowingly and willfully violates a contract, and fails to deliver household goods at the agreed upon destination when a customer has paid. To learn more, read the FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet.

You can search FMCSA's database to confirm if an interstate mover is registered, has insurance, is authorized to transport household goods or has received complaints.

Interstate moving companies and brokers must be registered with the federal government and have a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number. A company may be registered but not authorized to move household goods.

If you're moving to a new location within the same state, check with your state, county or local consumer affairs agency or state moving association. Each state has its own rules and regulations for moving household goods within the state. FMCSA may also have helpful data on your local mover regarding their interstate moves.

For interstate moves, you can avoid unexpected moving costs by visiting protectyourmove.gov. You can learn about consumer protection regulations regarding written estimates, binding estimates, and non-binding estimates.

Written Estimates

Your mover must provide you a written estimate of all charges, including transportation, accessorial, and advance charges. Your mover's "rate quote" is not an estimate. Be sure the estimate is based on actual or virtual inspection of your household goods.

Binding Estimates

A binding estimate guarantees that you do not have to pay more than the estimated amount at the time of delivery. However, if you include additional items and services to your shipment, or there are unforeseen circumstances such as stairs, elevators or required parking permits, in this case the mover must prepare a new binding estimate to include all services and items to be transported.

Non-Binding Estimates

A non-binding estimate helps you determine the cost of your move, but it is not a guarantee of your final costs. It should be reasonably accurate and include what your final charges will be based upon such as the actual weight of your shipment, the services provided, and the mover’s published tariff.

Under a nonbinding estimate, the moving company cannot require you to pay more than 110 percent of the non-binding estimate at the time of delivery. Learn more by reading  Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet.

You can search FMCSA's mover database for up-to-date access to registered interstate movers and their complaint history. For more information, check FMCSA steps to select a mover.

The Household Goods Consumer online complaint tool and toll-free hotline is your chance to help identify motor carriers and brokers who are reported to have engaged in violations of the commercial regulations.

You may file a complaint electronically using the National Consumer Complaint Database or by dialing the toll-free number at 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238). The HOTLINE is a nationwide toll-free number where consumers, movers and brokers can call between the hours of 8:00 am and 8:00 pm Monday through Friday Eastern Time.

If you feel you may been scammed by a household goods moving company, broker or other carrier, contact FMCSA's National Consumer Complaint Database online or toll-free at: 1-888-368-7238.

Consumers may also report an allegation of household goods fraud to the OIG's Fraud Hotline using any of the following methods:

Online: OIG Hotline Complaint Form

Call: 1-800-424-9071

E-mail: hotline@oig.dot.gov

Mail: DOT Inspector General, 1200 New Jersey Ave SE, West Bldg. 7th Floor, Washington, DC 20590

Your complaint could trigger a federal investigation. Learn more at ProtectYourMove.gov.

Your mover is responsible for the value of the goods you asked them to transport. There are two types of moving company liability coverage interstate movers must offer their customers: full value protection or released value protection. With full value protection, your mover is liable for the total replacement value of any lost or damaged items in your shipment. With released value protection, there’s no additional cost but you’ll only receive up to 60 cents per pound for an item.

This liability coverage is different from a moving company’s own business liability insurance which typically covers their facilities, equipment, vehicles, and employees. You can read about the two types of liability in the FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet.

If you select released value from your mover, you may want to buy movers insurance from a third party. Before buying insurance, check your homeowner’s policy to see if you’re already covered.

A cross-country move can be more complicated and expensive than a local move. That’s why consumers should know the federal government has planning checklists and tips for a smooth long-distance move. Consumers should also know that interstate movers are regulated and authorized by the federal government. Movers must register and have a U.S. DOT number. Not all registered companies are authorized to perform a household goods move. FMCSA’s regulations protect consumers. Local moving companies performing moves within a state are regulated by state and local laws.

When planning a big move, visit ProtectYourMove.gov and download Successful Move Guide, Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet and Ready to Move brochure available through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The FMCSA also offers a Moving Checklist and other resources that could protect you from being victim of moving scams or fraud.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, an agency within the Department of Transportation offers free moving checklists at ProtectYourMove.gov. There are three different check lists for: planning a move, moving day and delivery day available.

Your complaint will be entered into FMCSA's National Consumer Complaint Database and will be used for analytical and statistical purposes. Your complaint will also be maintained in the carriers' file as part of its permanent record. If FMCSA decides to take enforcement action against the mover/broker you may be contacted to provide additional information and documentation.

Yes. State attorneys general and consumer affairs agencies are responsible for pursuing suspected moving fraud. Get additional help from your state law enforcement resources and these additional consumer resources.

• My mover is holding my shipment hostage for more money than he quoted me (in excess of 110% of non-binding estimate).
• My (interstate) mover/broker does not have the required authority from the FMCSA (unauthorized operations).
• My (interstate) mover/broker does not have the required insurance on file with the FMCSA (uninsured operations).
• My mover/broker failed to acknowledge, process and settle my loss and damage within 120 days of receipt.
• My mover/broker does not belong to a dispute settlement to handle loss and damage claims.
• My mover/broker failed to honor agreed pick-up and/or delivery dates without giving proper notice.

If you feel you may have been scammed by a household goods moving company, broker or other carrier, contact your local law enforcement agency. You may also want to contact a consumer protection agency such as the Better Business Bureau.

For moves across state lines, you can contact FMCSA's National Consumer Complaint Database online or toll-free at: 1-888-368-7238.

Consumers may also report an allegation of household goods fraud to the OIG's Fraud Hotline using any of the following methods:

Online: OIG Hotline Complaint Form

Call: 1-800-424-9071

E-mail: hotline@oig.dot.gov

Mail: DOT Inspector General, 1200 New Jersey Ave SE, West Bldg. 7th Floor, Washington, DC 20590

Your complaint could trigger a federal investigation.

If the HHG mover increases the agreed price after your HHG are loaded on the truck, you are not required to pay more than 100% of the binding estimate or 110% of the non-binding estimate. However, the HHG mover may require payment at delivery for impracticable operations (as defined in the HHG mover’s tariff) not to exceed 15 percent of all other charges due at delivery. The HHG mover is required to bill any applicable charges not collected at delivery 30 days after the delivery of your goods The HHG mover is required to bill any applicable charges not collected at delivery 30 days after the delivery of your goods.

You should file a complaint online or call 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238). You may also contact your State Attorney General office or appropriate enforcement agency in your state.

You must provide the following information to submit a hostage complaint:

• Written estimate
• Bill of lading
• Receipt of completed or offered payment
• Documentation of a moving company’s refusal to deliver goods or provide the location of goods after payment
• Amount requested from the moving company to deliver the goods

You may submit your complaint under a different category, if you cannot provide the required information. If none of the categories apply, please submit your complaint by phone at 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238).