1. Know your rights and responsibilities before selecting a household goods carrier (mover) or household goods broker (broker)

Before moving your belongings to a new state, movers and brokers are required to give you the booklet entitled Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. This booklet will help you understand the documents that a mover will ask you to sign and explain your rights if your items are lost or damaged.

2. Learn to spot the red flags of moving fraud.

Don’t know what the red flags are? Check out our educational video and handy list of red flags.

3. Be sure the  mover and broker are  registered with FMCSA

Check to see if the moving company is registered, as well as for insurance information and any complaint records, by searching our database of registered movers and brokers, or calling FMCSA at (800) 832-5660.

All interstate household goods movers and brokers must be registered with FMCSA. Make sure the mover you select has been assigned a U.S. DOT number, is registered with FMCSA to allow them to transport household goods between states and has the proper level of insurance. Make sure the broker you select has been assigned a U.S. DOT number, is registered with FMCSA to allow them to broker household goods shipments between states and has the proper level of insurance.

Avoid movers and brokers that do not show U.S. DOT numbers   in their advertisements.

Be informed and aware of your options when selecting a reputable mover or broker. While most household moves go smoothly, there are dishonest or “rogue” movers and brokers you should be aware of.

4. Read and understand all information provided by a mover or broker

The mover should provide you with the following basic written documents as part of your move:

Estimate

The estimate should clearly describe, in writing, all charges for services the mover will perform. Make sure the estimate is signed by the mover. Do not accept verbal estimates.

Order for Service

The order for service is a list of all the services the mover will perform and shows the dates your household goods will be picked up and delivered.

Bill of Lading

The bill of lading is a contract between you and the mover and a receipt of your belongings. You should be given a partially completed copy of the bill of lading before the mover leaves the residence at origin.

Inventory List

The inventory is the receipt showing each item you shipped and its condition. Be sure you receive a written copy of the inventory after your household goods are loaded, and that you agree with its description of your household goods’ condition.

5. The broker should provide you with the following written documents as part of your move:

Estimate

The estimate should clearly describe, in writing, all charges for services the mover will perform. Make sure the estimate is signed by the mover. Do not accept verbal estimates.

Order for Service

The order for service is a list of all the services the mover will perform and shows the dates your household goods will be picked up and delivered.