Hiring a licensed interstate moving company is one of the most important steps in protecting your belongings and your budget. Many customers assume all movers are regulated the same way — but interstate movers must meet specific federal licensing, insurance, and compliance requirements. This guide shows you exactly how to verify a moving company before you book.
- How to check a mover’s federal license in minutes
- Which credentials actually matter (and which don’t)
- Red flags that signal risk before you sign
- How to confirm insurance and operating authority
Step 1 — Confirm They Are Licensed for Interstate Moves
Any company transporting goods across state lines must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This is the federal authority that regulates interstate movers.
- USDOT Number
- MC (Motor Carrier) Number
- Operating status = ACTIVE
- Authority type includes “Household Goods”
If a company cannot provide their USDOT or MC number immediately, that’s a warning sign. Legitimate interstate movers list these credentials publicly.
Step 2 — Verify Insurance Coverage
Licensed interstate movers must carry active insurance filings. This protects both the carrier and the customer. Insurance requirements typically include liability and cargo coverage filings with federal regulators.
- Check insurance status in the federal database
- Confirm policy is active (not pending or revoked)
- Ask what valuation coverage options they offer
- Request documentation if you want written confirmation
Step 3 — Confirm Company Identity Matches Their License
One of the most overlooked steps is verifying that the company name you’re speaking with matches the licensed entity. Some scammers use names similar to real companies. Always compare:
| Verify This | Matches License Record? |
|---|---|
| Legal business name | Must match exactly |
| Address | Should match federal listing |
| Phone number | Should be traceable to company |
| Website domain | Should clearly represent company brand |
Step 4 — Review Complaint & Safety Records
Every interstate mover has a public history. Checking safety records, complaint data, and inspection history helps you understand how consistently a company performs.
- Complaint history
- Inspection results
- Out-of-service violations
- Operating authority status
Step 5 — Understand Whether They’re a Carrier or Broker
Interstate moving companies fall into two categories:
Carrier
Owns trucks and crews. Responsible for transporting your shipment.
Broker
Arranges transportation with a carrier. Must also be federally registered.
Neither is automatically better — but you should always know which one you’re booking with before signing.
Step 6 — Review Written Estimates Carefully
Legitimate interstate movers provide written estimates outlining services, inventory, delivery windows, and pricing structure. Avoid companies that only give verbal quotes or refuse documentation.
- Check inventory list accuracy
- Confirm services included
- Understand valuation coverage
- Review delivery window terms
- Ask about additional charges
Quick Verification Checklist
- USDOT number verified
- Operating authority active
- Insurance confirmed
- Company name matches records
- Written estimate received
- Services clearly explained
