Check your mover before you pay.
Two steps: the mover's federal record, then ten questions about your estimate and contract. It takes about five minutes and can save thousands.
1. The federal record
Every interstate mover must have a USDOT number. It's usually printed on the estimate, the website and the truck.
Opens the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's own page. We don't see what you look up.
On that page, check three things
- USDOT Status says ACTIVE, and "Out of Service Date" says None.
- Operating authority includes "Motor Carrier of Household Goods." If it says only "Broker of Household Goods," the company doesn't own trucks. It sells your move to another company, so ask in writing which one.
- The name matches your paperwork. A different legal name can be fine (many movers use a trade name), but it should be listed there as the "DBA name."
Then look up the mover's complaint history through the federal Protect Your Move site (choose "Search Movers"), and keep the federal booklet Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move handy. Your mover must give it to you.
2. Your estimate and contract
Answer from your paperwork, not from what someone said on the phone.
What to do about each flag
The app keeps every quote side by side, your bill of lading and inventory, and the dates that matter, such as the last day to cancel for a refund. It stays on your phone.
Where this comes from
The red flags follow the federal government's own guidance for people moving between states: Protect Your Move (FMCSA) and Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. Moves within one state follow that state's rules. This is a checklist, not legal advice.