How to Choose a Long Distance Moving Company (Without Getting Scammed)

Choosing the right long distance moving company is the most important decision you'll make for your move. The wrong choice can result in damaged belongings, unexpected charges, or in the worst cases — your possessions being held hostage until you pay more than you were quoted.

Here's a step-by-step guide to finding and vetting a legitimate long distance mover.

Step 1: Verify Their FMCSA License

Any moving company that operates across state lines must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Before contacting any mover, verify their license at protectyourmove.gov or fmcsa.dot.gov.

Look for:

• An active USDOT number
• An active MC (Motor Carrier) number for household goods
• Current insurance on file
• No "out of service" orders

Step 2: Check Their BBB Rating and Complaint History

Visit bbb.org and search for the moving company. Look for:

• A rating of B or higher (A is best)
• The number and nature of complaints
• How they responded to complaints
• How long they've been in business

Step 3: Read Google Reviews Carefully

Check Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot. Don't just look at the star rating — read the content of reviews. Pay attention to:

• Reviews mentioning surprise charges at delivery
• Complaints about damaged or missing items
• Delivery delays or missed delivery windows
• Poor communication during the move
• How the company responds to negative reviews

Step 4: Get an In-Home or Virtual Survey

Any reputable long distance mover should conduct an in-home survey (or at minimum a thorough virtual survey via video call) before providing a quote. Be very cautious of any company that quotes over the phone without seeing your belongings — this is a major red flag that often leads to inflated charges at delivery.

Step 5: Demand a Binding Estimate

There are three types of moving estimates:

• Binding estimate: The price is fixed. The mover cannot charge you more regardless of actual weight. Always preferred.
• Not-to-exceed estimate: You pay the quoted price or the actual cost — whichever is lower. Also good.
• Non-binding estimate: The final price can be higher than quoted based on actual weight. Avoid if possible.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Requires a large cash deposit upfront (50%+)
• No physical address or PO Box only
• Unmarked rental trucks
• Quote significantly lower than competitors (30%+)
• Doesn't have a USDOT number or it's inactive
• Uses a different company name than their website
• Refuses to do an in-home survey
• Can't produce proof of insurance

Questions to Ask a Moving Company Before Hiring

1. Are you a licensed broker or a carrier? (Carriers own their trucks; brokers subcontract)
2. What is your USDOT number?
3. Will my move be handled by your employees or subcontractors?
4. What is the delivery window for my move?
5. What valuation options do you offer?
6. What are your extra charges (stairs, long carry, storage)?
7. What happens if something is damaged?
8. Can I get a binding or not-to-exceed estimate?

The Easiest Way to Find Legitimate Movers

Using MyMovingQuotes removes most of this risk. Every mover in our network is pre-verified with the FMCSA, has passed our credential check, and is required to provide binding or not-to-exceed estimates. Compare up to 5 quotes for free.