For a move that crosses a state line, search the company in the federal mover database by its USDOT number, MC number or name. For a move inside one state, check the state's own license or registration record, because federal registration does not cover in-state work.
Interstate moves: four checks
- Get the USDOT number. Federal rules require an interstate household goods mover to print its name and USDOT number in every advertisement, in the form "U.S. DOT No." followed by the number (49 CFR 375.207). If a company's website or quote has no number, ask for it, along with its MC number.
- Search FMCSA's mover database. The FMCSA mover search tool accepts a company name, USDOT number or MC number. FMCSA says the record shows the company's headquarters, contact details, registration status, type of business (carrier, broker or freight forwarder), complaints and safety information (FMCSA). The tool lists interstate movers only.
- Read the Company Snapshot. The SAFER Company Snapshot shows a company's identification, size, safety rating if it has one, roadside out-of-service inspection summary and crash information. Search it by USDOT number, MC number or name.
- Match the names. The name in the mover's advertising must be the name on its USDOT registration, or the name of the carrier whose authority the move runs under (49 CFR 375.207). Compare that name with the one on your written estimate, and ask about any difference before you sign.
Mover or broker?
A broker arranges a move but does not own trucks or employ movers. Brokers for interstate moves must register with FMCSA, use only FMCSA-registered movers and give you a list of the movers they use. Their ads must show their physical location, their MC number and the fact that they arrange moves rather than carry goods (FMCSA, Movers vs. Brokers). The database search above shows whether a company is registered as a carrier or a broker.
In-state moves
FMCSA says requirements for moves within a state vary, and points you to your state, county or local consumer affairs agency or your state attorney general (FMCSA, Steps to Select a Mover). The Federal Trade Commission gives the same advice and suggests looking on the mover's website for the information your state requires, such as a local address, registration, licenses and insurance (FTC).
Each state page names the agency, the lookup page and what to search by, where one exists. Some states also require in-state carriers to hold a USDOT number (FMCSA), so a USDOT number alone does not prove a state license.
What a clean record does not tell you
FMCSA states that it does not endorse any mover based on registration status, safety rating or other data in the search results, and that a company with no safety rating should not be judged unsafe on that alone (FMCSA mover search). Registration shows that a company may legally take the job. Read the complaint history, get a written estimate and check the red flags before you sign.
Sources
- Search for a Registered Mover , Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- Mover search tool (search by company) , Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- SAFER Company Snapshot , Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- 49 CFR 375.207, items required in advertisements , Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
- Movers vs. Brokers , Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- Steps to Select a Mover , Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- Do I Need a USDOT Number? , Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- Avoid scams when you hire a moving company , Federal Trade Commission