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Hiring help for your move comes with important terminology to understand. One of the most critical differences is between movers and brokers, along with the requirements for working with a broker. The information below explains what you need to know.

What’s the difference between a mover and broker?

Moving Company (Mover)

Asset Ownership
Owns trucks and employs moving staff

Responsibility
Assumes full responsibility for the transport of your goods.

Estimation
Provides estimates based on their own tariff.

Registration
Must have a USDOT number and be registered with FMCSA. 

Moving Broker

Asset Ownership
Does not own trucks or have professional movers

Responsibility
Acts as a middleman; not authorized to transport goods

Estimation
Must base estimates on the tariff of hired mover.

Registration
Must be registered with FMCSA as a broker. 

Both interstate movers and brokers are required to be registered with FMCSA. Brokers for interstate moves are also required to only use interstate movers registered with FMCSA.

To check whether your broker or mover is registered with FMCSA and/or check its complaint history, use our search tool. If working with a mover, use our Moving Checklist.

What do I do if I am working with a broker?

• Be registered with FMCSA;
• Provide you with FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet and the Ready to Move brochure;
• Provide you with a list of the moving companies they use;
• Use only movers that are registered with FMCSA;
• Have a written agreement with movers they use;
• Base binding or non-binding estimates on the tariff of the mover that will transport your shipment;
• Reference in their advertisements their physical business location, MC number, and their status as a broker that does not transport household goods but arranges for this service; and
• Have the mover that is transporting your shipment perform a physical survey of your household goods. It is your option to waive this requirement.

Keep all this information for easy reference as you plan your move and download the Movers vs. Brokers fact sheet.