How to check if a moving company is legitimate before paying

Ask for the legal business name, any trade name, USDOT number, MC number, headquarters address, phone number, and whether the company is a carrier or broker. Compare those details with the estimate, website, email signature, payment recipient, and federal record.

A similar name is not enough. The company accepting your payment should explain any mismatch in writing.

Interstate household-goods movers and brokers must be registered with FMCSA. Review the registration status, business type, contact information, complaint information, and available safety information. A record may exist while operating authority or insurance requires additional confirmation.

• Does the legal or trade name match?
• Is the business a carrier, broker, or both?
• Is the headquarters location consistent?
• Does the record cover household-goods transportation?

Confirm whether the estimate is binding or non-binding, what services and inventory are included, and which conditions can raise the price. Review the deposit recipient, refund deadline, accepted payment method, pickup and delivery windows, and cancellation terms.

Pause if the seller refuses written answers, asks you to sign blank documents, or demands a large hard-to-reverse payment before resolving identity or scope questions.

Registration is evidence about identity and status at a point in time. It is not an endorsement or a guarantee of future performance. Recheck changing information before pickup and keep every version of the estimate and agreement.

Setly summarizes consumer decision points and does not certify, approve, recommend, or guarantee a mover. Verify changing registration, authority, insurance, complaint, and safety information directly with the official source before paying and again before pickup.