Rogue movers cost individual families thousands of dollars through bait-and-switch pricing and hostage-load tactics. This guide gives you everything you need to verify a mover before a single box moves.
Every licensed interstate mover must have one. Ask before anything else. If they hesitate, deflect, or give you a number that doesn't match their company name when you look it up — stop.
Go to safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and enter their USDOT number. Confirm: Entity Type = CARRIER, Operating Status = AUTHORIZED. Check the complaint history while you're there.
Ask for their insurance certificate. Call the insurer directly to confirm it's active — not expired, not fake. Then Google their business address. Legitimate companies have real offices. A residential address or P.O. box is a serious red flag.
A true binding estimate is designed to keep the price fixed except for items you add to the move. Always confirm in writing whether your estimate is binding, and ask what exceptions apply before you sign.
Demanding extra payment before unloading is a known scam tactic and may constitute extortion. If it happens to you, don't pay on the spot — document everything and contact FMCSA, local law enforcement, and your payment provider.
If your signed contract specifies a payment method, a mover demanding something different on delivery day is a deviation worth questioning — and documenting.
Federal law requires released value protection (60¢/lb/item) at no charge. Full value protection costs more but covers actual replacement value.
This is a known scam pattern sometimes called a "hostage load." Here's what consumer protection agencies generally recommend:
This is general information, not legal advice. If you're in an active dispute, consider contacting a local attorney or your state consumer protection office.