How do I check if an interstate mover is registered?

Checking an interstate mover takes about ten minutes and one number: the company's USDOT number. FMCSA says all for-hire moving companies that operate in interstate commerce must be licensed and insured,^[1] and FMCSA advises you to avoid brokers and movers that are not registered with it or that refuse to do a physical survey of your goods.^[5] Here is how to do the check and what the results mean.

Does your move count as interstate?

Virginia DMV's definition of interstate commerce includes transportation between a place in a state and a place outside that state.^[6] A move from Blacksburg to Raleigh or from Norfolk to Maryland is interstate, and the federal rules on this page apply.

There is a wrinkle near state lines. Moves that cross a state line inside one commercial zone, roughly a city's metropolitan area, are exempt from FMCSA's household goods rules.^[5] If you are moving between Northern Virginia and D.C. or Maryland, ask the mover which rules it says apply and get the answer in writing. A move that stays inside Virginia is covered further down.

Step one: get the number

Federal rules require an interstate mover to put its name and its USDOT number in every advertisement, shown as "U.S. DOT No." followed by the number.^[3] A household goods broker must show its USDOT and MC numbers in its advertisements and on its website.^[4] If you cannot find a number on the website, the truck or the estimate, ask for it in writing. A company that will not give one is not worth a second call.

Step two: search FMCSA's mover tool

FMCSA runs a free tool called Search Movers and Complaint History. You can search by company name, USDOT number or MC number.^[1] The number is more reliable than the name, since several companies can share similar names.

The results include the company's headquarters location, contact information, registration status, type of authority, complaints and possibly a safety rating.^[1] Only interstate movers are included.^[1] Check that:

• the legal name and any trade name match what the company calls itself;
• the headquarters address matches what it told you;
• the registration is active;
• the authority type is what you expect: carrier or broker.

Keep the results in perspective. FMCSA and DOT do not endorse any mover based on registration status or safety rating,^[1] and a company with no safety rating should not be treated as unsafe on that alone.^[1] Read the complaints for patterns: surprise charges at delivery, missed delivery windows, damage claims left unanswered.

Step three: pull the Company Snapshot

FMCSA's SAFER site has a second view of the same company. The SAFER Company Snapshot is free and searchable by USDOT number, MC number or name.^[2] It shows the company's identification, size, safety rating if any, a roadside out-of-service inspection summary and crash information.^[2] A company that says it runs a large fleet but shows one truck is worth a question.

If the company is a broker

Many companies that sell interstate moves online are brokers. A broker arranges your move with a registered moving company; it does not move your goods itself.^[5] Federal rules set out what a broker owes you. A household goods broker:

• must give you a list of the authorized carriers it uses, with their USDOT and MC numbers;^[4]
• must tell you it is not a motor carrier;^[4]
• may book only carriers with a valid USDOT number and FMCSA operating authority;^[4]
• may give you an estimate only under a written agreement with the carrier, based on that carrier's tariff;^[4]
• must disclose its cancellation, deposit and refund policies.^[4]

Run every carrier on the broker's list through the same checks. If you meant to hire a mover and found a broker, decide whether you still want to go ahead.

Step four: match the paperwork

The bill of lading must list the mover's legal or trade name as registered with FMCSA and its physical address, plus the names and USDOT numbers of any other carriers taking part, when known.^[3] Before loading day, compare that name and number with what you looked up. If a different company shows up, look it up before anything goes on the truck.

Moves that stay in Virginia

Interstate registration does not cover a move from Fairfax to Roanoke. Virginia law makes it unlawful to operate, offer, advertise or arrange to transport property for compensation within Virginia as a motor carrier without a DMV permit or certificate,^[7] with some exemptions. See whether movers need a licence in Virginia for the details.

Stop and call a pro if

These are signs to stop and choose a different mover:

• The company has no USDOT number, or the number belongs to a different business.
• It will not survey your belongings in person or by video before giving an estimate.
• It asks for a large cash deposit, or asks you to sign blank or incomplete forms.
• The truck that arrives belongs to a company you have never heard of, and no one can explain why.
• Your belongings are already loaded and the mover demands more than the estimate allows; see what to do if a mover holds your belongings hostage.

Find a mover on Loclis

For the rest of the timeline, see how to plan a long-distance move and what a long-distance move costs. Browse more junk removal and moving answers, or describe your move and get quotes.