How to Hire a Moving Company: What You Need to Know

Reviewed by Joey Padgett · Last reviewed September 2026

Hiring a moving company isn't complicated, but the stakes are real. Your belongings are going into a truck driven by people you've never met. A little upfront research separates a smooth move from a nightmare.

The short version: get at least three written estimates, verify the company is licensed with the FMCSA, read your estimate carefully before signing, and know what your rights are if something goes wrong.

Start: Know the Types of Moving Companies

Not all moving companies are the same. Understanding the basic structure prevents confusion when comparing quotes.

Full-service moving companies provide the truck, crew, loading, transport, and unloading. Many also offer packing. This is the most hands-off option for the customer.

Labor-only companies provide crew but no truck. You rent the truck separately and they load and unload. Common for local moves.

Moving brokers arrange your move with a carrier rather than performing it themselves. They're middlemen. This is legal and sometimes works fine, but you should know who will actually be driving your stuff before you sign anything.

Container companies (PODS, U-Pack, 1-800-PACK-RAT) deliver a container to your home, you load it, and they transport it. They are not traditional movers.

Knowing which type you're hiring matters for insurance, licensing, and what to expect on moving day.

Step 1: Verify Licensing

Before you request a single estimate, verify the company is properly licensed.

For interstate moves (crossing state lines), moving companies must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a valid USDOT number and MC (Motor Carrier) number.

Check any mover at protectyourmove.gov or the FMCSA search tool. Enter the company name or their DOT number and confirm their license is active. This takes two minutes and eliminates a significant category of scams.

For intrastate moves (staying within one state), licensing requirements vary by state. Most states have their own regulatory body. A legitimate company can tell you their state license number.

For more on spotting unlicensed or fraudulent companies, see How to Avoid Moving Scams.

Step 2: Get at Least Three Written Estimates

Phone estimates and ballpark quotes from a website tell you very little. What you need is a written estimate based on an actual inventory of your belongings.

In-home estimates are the most accurate. A company representative walks through your home, notes what's being moved, and provides a written estimate based on what they've seen.

Virtual estimates (video walkthrough via phone camera) have become more common and are reasonably accurate when done thoroughly. Walk the estimator through every room and every closet, not just the obvious areas.

Binding vs. non-binding vs. not-to-exceed: Make sure you understand what kind of estimate you're being given. A non-binding estimate can change based on actual weight. A binding estimate fixes the price for the items and services listed — though additional charges can apply for services you add or impracticable conditions. A not-to-exceed estimate means the final price can go down but not up. See How to Get and Compare Moving Quotes for a full breakdown.

Step 3: Ask the Right Questions

Before signing with any company, get clear answers to these:

Are you licensed with the FMCSA and what is your USDOT number?
Do you use your own employees or hire subcontractors?
What's included in the estimate, and what's not?
What are your stair, long-carry, and fuel fees?
What type of moving insurance do you offer and what does it cost?
What is your claims process if something is damaged?
How and when is final payment due?

See Questions to Ask Before Hiring Movers for a complete list you can bring to each conversation.

Step 4: Understand Moving Insurance

Every licensed moving company is required to offer two levels of liability coverage.

Released value protection is free. It pays 60 cents per pound per item. A 50-pound flat-screen TV that's destroyed in transit would be covered for $30. That's not much.

Full-value protection requires the mover to repair, replace, or pay the current market value for damaged items. It costs more (roughly 1% of declared goods value), but it actually means something if things go wrong.

Your homeowners or renters insurance may also cover your belongings during a move. Check your policy before buying additional coverage. See Moving Insurance: What You Need to Know for details on how to compare your options.

Step 5: Read Before You Sign

Before the move date arrives, you should have a signed copy of:

The written estimate (binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed)
The bill of lading (the legal contract for your move)
An inventory list if you're doing a long-distance move

Federal law requires long-distance movers to provide you with a booklet called "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move." If they don't offer it, ask for it.

Don't sign anything you haven't read. The estimate you agreed to on the phone and the document placed in front of you on moving day should match.

Red Flags That Warn You Off a Company

No physical address, only a website and a phone number
No USDOT number or refuses to provide one
Estimate provided over the phone without seeing your belongings
Unusually low estimate compared to all other quotes
Asks for a large cash deposit before the move
Unmarked trucks on moving day
Demands full payment before unloading

See Moving Company Red Flags for a complete rundown of what to watch for and how to respond.