Questions to Ask Moving Companies Before You Book

What to ask moving companies

Before hiring a moving company and signing a contract, asking the right questions can help ensure that your belongings are protected and your moving costs remain transparent and predictable.

Here are the essential questions to ask to help you vet your movers effectively, which we’ll explore in further detail:

1. Licensing and legitimacy

Verifying a mover's credentials ensures the company is registered with state and federal governments, and that it meets strict safety standards and carries required insurance. Legitimate companies are also bound by regulated pricing and formal dispute-resolution rules. Licensing and legitimacy questions include:

1. Is the company currently licensed through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for interstate moves or registered with the state for local moves? If so, what is the company’s DOT and MC license number? 
2. Are you a moving broker or a carrier? If a broker, do you only work with FMCSA-licensed carriers, and can you provide a list of carriers you typically use? If a carrier, do you conduct background checks on your employees or do you use day labor?
3. Are your moving crews covered by worker’s compensation? (This could protect you from liability if a mover is injured on your property.)

2. Estimates and hidden fees

A clear estimate prevents unexpected price hikes on moving day. It’s vital to understand exactly how your rate is calculated and what extra fees might apply to your specific home layout.

1. What type of estimate do you provide (binding, non-binding or binding-not-to-exceed), and can I get it in writing?
2. Do you offer in-person or virtual home walk-throughs to ensure the accuracy of the estimate?
3. How are your prices calculated? (e.g., hourly rates for local moves vs. shipment weight/volume for long-distance moves)
4. What potential additional fees could apply to my move? (e.g., fees for stairs, long carries, elevator access, fuel surcharges or handling heavy/bulky items)
5. Is there a list of items you refuse to move or charge extra to transport? (e.g., hazardous materials, plants, pianos)
6. What are the costs of add-on services such as packing, unpacking or custom crating?
7. Do you charge extra for equipment such as moving blankets, tape or padding?
8. Do you offer any seasonal, promotional or membership discounts (e.g., AAA, AARP, military) that I may qualify for?
9. What is the required deposit and what payment methods do you accept?
10. What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
11. Do you guarantee specific pickup and delivery dates in the contract, and what happens if you miss them?
12. Do you offer real-time GPS tracking for the shipment during transit?

3. Insurance and claims

Even with the best movers, accidents sometimes happen. Just in case, you should know how your items are protected and how difficult it may be to get reimbursed for any damages.

1. What type of liability coverage is included and what are the specific coverage limits? (e.g., basic released value at $0.60 per pound vs. full value protection)
2. Can I purchase upgraded full value protection directly through you or do you recommend a third-party insurer?
3. What’s your specific process for filing a damage claim, and what is the time limit for submitting it?
4. How does your company handle high-value items? Do I need to fill out a separate high-value inventory form?

By thoroughly vetting potential movers with these questions, you can avoid fraudulent operators, eliminate surprise charges and ensure a smooth, stress-free transition to your new home.

Questions about licensing and legitimacy

An important first step in evaluating a moving company's legitimacy is verifying its licensing. For local, intrastate moves, you can check state-specific databases to confirm compliance. This is typically handled by the state’s Department of Transportation (DOT) or a similar regulatory agency.

FMCSA and US DOT numbers

For long-distance, interstate moves, companies must hold a federal license from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify an interstate mover's credentials and compliance history on the FMCSA website by searching for its unique DOT and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers.

Broker vs. carrier roles

Whether you are dealing with a moving broker or a carrier determines who is responsible for transporting your belongings. A carrier provides direct service using its own in-house crews and trucks, while a broker acts as an intermediary, coordinating your logistics and outsourcing the physical labor to third-party carriers.

» RELATED: 5 types of moving companies

If you use a broker, ask which carriers they partner with; otherwise, you may not know who is entering your home until moving day arrives. Ultimately, clarifying this status ensures better transparency regarding accountability, communication channels and the final price of your move.

Red flags to watch out for

Unlicensed or fraudulent moving companies often use deceptive and unethical tactics to secure business. To protect yourself from potential scams, the U.S. Department of Transportation recommends watching out for these major red flags:

• Demanding a large upfront cash deposit before any services are performed.
• Refusing to conduct an in-person or virtual home assessment and failing to provide a clear, written estimate of total charges.
• Asking you to sign blank or incomplete documents and contracts.

Questions about estimates and hidden fees

To protect yourself from being overcharged, secure a written estimate that details every potential charge for your move. This estimate should only be issued after the mover conducts a thorough in-person or virtual walk-through of your inventory. Comparing detailed estimates across multiple companies can help you find the best value and maximize your savings. 
Types of estimates

There are three primary types of moving estimates, each offering a different level of financial predictability:

• Binding: This written estimate guarantees a fixed price that won’t change on moving day, provided your inventory and requested services remain exactly the same. However, the price can be adjusted if unforeseen circumstances arise (such as the crew needing to use an elevator). On delivery day, you are only required to pay up to 115% of the original estimate to receive your goods; the mover is legally required to bill you for any remaining balance after 30 days.
• Non-binding: This is a reasonably accurate projection based on the initial assessment, but the final cost can fluctuate on moving day depending on the actual weight of your shipment and any additional services required. Legally, the mover cannot demand more than 110% of this estimate at the time of delivery; any remaining balance must be billed to you 30 days later.
• Binding not-to-exceed: This type of estimate sets a strict cap on the maximum amount you’ll pay, while allowing the price to drop if your shipment weighs less than anticipated.

A binding not-to-exceed estimate offers consumers the highest level of protection. It guarantees you won't face surprise charges, and it might even save you money. If a company does not offer this option, ensure that it conducts its assessment only after you have finalized your inventory. For example, host yard sales or donate heavy furniture before the walk-through so you don't pay to estimate items you ultimately plan to leave behind.

Billing and additional fees

Local and long-distance moves are often billed differently, and these pricing structures should be clearly detailed in your written estimate.

Long-distance moves are typically priced based on the total weight of your shipment and the overall distance traveled. In contrast, local moves within the same city usually charge an hourly rate. This hourly billing may begin either when the truck leaves the company's facility or when the crew arrives at your home. Additionally, local movers may enforce a minimum time requirement (such as a three-hour minimum) regardless of how quickly the move is completed.

Depending on the layout of your home and the nature of your belongings, movers may charge extra for the following:

• Stairs or elevators: Additional labor fees if the crew has to navigate multiple flights of stairs or use an elevator.
• Fuel surcharges: Variable fees added to cover the cost of gas, particularly for long-distance transport.
• Storage fees: Charges incurred if your belongings need to be held at a warehouse facility before delivery.
• Long carries: Extra fees if the moving truck cannot park close to your residence, requiring the crew to carry items a significant distance.
• Bulky or delicate items: Special handling fees for heavy, oversized or fragile possessions (such as pianos, safes or fine art).
• Equipment rentals: Separate charges for the use of essential tools such as dollies, furniture pads or moving blankets.

Questions about insurance and claims

Be sure to review the moving company's liability options to ensure your belongings are protected against damage or loss that may occur during the move. Don’t rely solely on your homeowners or renters insurance policy; these typically only cover items in transit if they’re damaged by specific perils including fire or theft.

Released value vs. full value

Interstate moving companies are legally required to offer two types of liability coverage: released value and full value protection. Released value is a basic, economical option included in the cost of your move, but it only covers your belongings up to 60 cents per pound. Full value protection costs extra, but it offers comprehensive coverage up to the actual replacement value of your items.

If you’re moving locally, liability requirements will vary depending on your state's laws.

High-value item coverage

If you own highly valuable belongings such as antiques or artwork, you may consider adding specialized high-value coverage to your moving plan. A basic released value policy is insufficient for these items, as it will not cover their actual worth in the event of damage or loss.

Claims timelines and process

Before your move, you should familiarize yourself with the moving company’s claims process so you know exactly what to do if any items are damaged. While the specific terms are outlined in your moving contract, many companies require you to inspect your belongings and document any issues while the movers are still on-site. Additionally, keep in mind that if you file a formal, written claim, you typically must do so within nine months of your moving date.

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