Moving companies that cross state lines are regulated by the federal government. A few checks before you book can prevent the classic moving-day hostage situation.
Licensing, permit, lien and tax rules vary by state and city and change over time. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice; check with your local building department, state licensing board or a professional for your situation.
Checklist
- Interstate movers must be registered with FMCSA and have a USDOT number you can look up.
- Brokers arrange moves but don’t move your belongings; know which you’re dealing with.
- With a non-binding estimate, you can’t be required to pay more than 110% of the estimate at delivery.
- Released value coverage pays only 60 cents per pound per item; full value protection costs more but covers more.
Most moves go smoothly. The ones that don’t often involve a rock-bottom online quote, a large deposit and a truck that won’t unload until you pay much more. For moves between states, federal rules give you real protections.
Check the company
Interstate household goods movers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Use FMCSA’s Protect Your Move website to:
- look up the company’s USDOT number and registration
- see whether it’s a mover or a broker
- check complaint history
A broker arranges your move and hires a mover to do it. That’s legal, but you should know who will actually handle your belongings.
Get a proper estimate
Estimates should be based on an in-person or video survey of your belongings, not a quick phone call.
| Estimate type | What it means |
|---|---|
| Binding | A guaranteed price for the items and services listed |
| Non-binding | An approximation. At delivery, the mover can’t require you to pay more than 110% of the estimate, and must give you at least 30 days to pay any remaining charges |
Add-ons such as stairs, long carries or packing can change the price, so make sure they’re in the estimate.
Red flags
No physical address, a quote that’s far below others, a large cash deposit, no in-home or video survey, and a different company name on the truck than on your paperwork.
Choose your valuation
Valuation determines how much the mover is liable for if items are lost or damaged:
- Full value protection: the mover is liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods, up to the declared value of the shipment. It costs more.
- Released value: no extra charge, but the mover’s liability is limited to 60 cents per pound per item. A 10-pound laptop worth $1,000 would be covered for $6.
You may also be able to buy separate insurance. Read the terms carefully.
On moving day
Check the inventory before you sign it, note existing damage, keep valuables with you, and don’t sign a delivery receipt saying everything arrived in good condition until you’ve checked.
If something goes wrong
File a written claim with the mover. You can also file a complaint through FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database. Local moves fall under state rules instead.
Hiring other help at home? See paying a nanny or housekeeper, and for repairs at your new place, how to hire a contractor without regrets.
Homeowners ask
Do these federal rules apply to moves within my state?
No. Moves within a single state are regulated by that state, if at all. Check with your state’s transportation or consumer protection agency.
Should I pay a large deposit?
Be cautious. Large deposits, especially demanded before an in-home or video survey, are a common warning sign.
What booklet should my mover give me?
For interstate moves, movers must provide FMCSA’s “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet, which explains estimates, valuation and claims.