What Are Moving Brokers & How Do Moving Brokers Work?

Moving is like a chess game—every piece must fall in the right place, or the whole board flips over.

If you’ve ever planned a move, especially across states, you already know it’s not just about packing boxes and hiring a truck. It’s about timing, budget, trust, and making sure your life doesn’t fall apart in the process.

That’s probably why you’re sitting here, wondering: how do moving brokers work, and more importantly, should you use one? 

Maybe someone mentioned a moving broker to you recently, and you thought, “Wait… what even is that? Is it the same as a moving company?” You’re not alone.

Most people don’t know the difference between a moving broker and a mover. And that’s where confusion starts.

Nearly 41 million Americans moved in the last year, and a growing number turned to brokers to help coordinate everything. With so many options, scams, and unexpected fees, knowing exactly how do moving brokers work is crucial if you want your move to go smoothly.

Some people swear by them for the convenience. Others have horror stories about lost items and hidden costs. So, the big question is: are moving brokers legit?

Let’s break down what moving brokers are, how they make money, and what red flags to watch out for.

What Is a Moving Broker?

A moving broker is someone who helps arrange your move by acting as a middleman between you and the actual moving company. They don’t own trucks, and they won’t be the ones physically moving your stuff, but they coordinate everything behind the scenes.

Think of them like a travel agent, but for moving: they don’t fly the plane, but they book the ticket, choose the airline, and tell you when to show up at the gate.

When you reach out to a moving broker, here’s generally what happens:

• They gather details about your move, like where you're moving from and to, how much stuff you’re taking, and your preferred dates.
• Then, they tap into their network of moving companies to find one available for your job.
• You’ll get a quote, and if you agree, the broker books the move on your behalf.

• On moving day, a separate company, the actual carrier, shows up to handle the job.

It’s important to understand that moving brokers do not perform the move themselves. They are licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to arrange transportation, but not to carry it out.

This means that while they handle the paperwork and scheduling, they’re not the ones loading your boxes or driving the truck.

How Do Moving Brokers Make Money?

Understanding how moving brokers make money is an important part of deciding whether they’re the right choice for your move.

After all, if someone is offering to coordinate your entire relocation, they’re not doing it for free. So how exactly do they earn?

The short answer: they make money by charging a service fee, often built into your overall moving estimate.

Here’s how the money typically flows:

1.  You get a quote from the broker.
   When you reach out to a moving broker, they give you an estimate for the move. This price is usually not fixed; it’s an estimate based on the information you provide. And often, it looks lower than what you might get from a direct mover. That’s why many people get drawn in.
2. You pay a deposit.
   Once you agree to move forward, most brokers require a deposit to secure the job. This is usually 10–20% of the total quoted cost, and this is how the broker makes their money. That deposit goes directly to them, not the moving company that will actually handle your move.
3. The rest of the payment goes to the moving company.
   When the actual moving day arrives, you pay the remaining balance to the moving company that the broker assigned. That’s the company that shows up with the truck and movers.

So in simple terms, moving brokers make money by taking a percentage of your total move cost upfront, and then passing the job to a carrier who does the work for the remaining fee. This is why it's important to know exactly what services you're paying for; you might assume you're hiring one company when you're actually working with two.

And here’s something worth noting: some brokers will mark up the price significantly to increase their profit margin. That’s one reason you’ll find stories online from people who felt misled or overcharged.

In some cases, brokers may also receive commission or referral fees from the moving companies in their network, especially if they’re sending regular business their way.

Moving Broker vs Mover - What’s the Difference?

When comparing a moving broker vs a mover, it all comes down to responsibilities:

Brokers often claim they're cheaper due to competition among carriers, but if moving brokers make money by taking a cut, your move could cost more than going direct.

 

Thinking of hiring a mover, but don't want to be scammed? Check out how to choose the best movers and avoid the mistakes.

Cost Breakdown – Moving Broker vs Mover

Let’s break down everything you need to know about costs when considering a moving broker vs a mover.

Upfront Deposit

Brokers usually ask for a 10–20% deposit, which means you're giving them an amount of cash before the actual movers are booked. If someone asks for more than that, consider it a warning sign.

Pricing Models

Broker:

• Provides an estimate, not a binding contract.

• Your move could end up costing more once the actual carrier assesses volume and labor on moving day.

• Brokers often offer lower initial quotes to stay competitive.

Direct Mover:

• Offers binding or non-binding quotes.
• Binding quotes won’t exceed the agreed price (unless you add services).
• Non-binding quotes typically include a cap (e.g., ±10–15%); however, this may vary depending on the specific terms of the agreement.

Hourly vs Flat Rates

Brokers may quote low hourly or per-move fees, but they don’t supply the trucks or movers; so the actual cost often changes once a carrier has possession of your items.

Average Full Move Costs

Local Moves (in-city or in-state):

• Direct mover: $1,000–$3,000 average; typical price ~$1,489 in 2025.
• Broker: Quotes may appear lower, but add broker fee and risk quote changes.

Long-Distance Moves (interstate or cross-country):

• Direct mover: average ranges from $2,300 to $9,000, typically around $4,500 for a 2–to 3 3-bedroom, 1,000-mile move.
• Brokers: initial quotes are low but can balloon with carrier fees and broker markup.

Transparent Cost Comparison

Real-World Example

Imagine a 2-bedroom, 1,000-mile move:

• Broker estimates $3,200.
• You pay a 20% deposit = $640.
• The carrier arrives, weighs the belongings, and adds $1,000 for fuel, weight, and labor.
• Final bill = initial $3,200 + $1,000 + broker markup (10–20%) → ~$4,800.

Now compare a direct mover:

• A binding quote of $4,500 was given after an on-site estimate.
• You pay $4,500 total. no hidden fees.

 

Whether you're working with a broker or not, you still need to know your costs. Learn which moving costs are fixed vs variable before your wallet starts crying.

Are Moving Brokers Legit?

A key concern: Are moving brokers legit? Yes, legitimately licensed brokers registered with FMCSA follow the rules, provide estimates, documentation, and use authorized carriers.

 However, do moving brokers scam customers? Some do:

• Bait-and-switch tactics; lowball quotes that increase on moving day.

• Hidden fees and unfair deposits are greater than 20%.

• Unvetted carriers with poor service.
• Ghosting after the deposit is paid.

According to the FMCSA and the BBB, moving brokers are required to state their broker status, provide their MC numbers, and share FMCSA booklets.

Pros and Cons of Using a Moving Broker

When Should You Use a Moving Broker?

Deciding whether or not to use a moving broker really comes down to your specific situation. While brokers aren’t the best fit for everyone, there are certain scenarios where they can actually make your life easier, if used the right way.

Here are some situations where using a moving broker might be a smart move:

You're Moving on Short Notice

If you're relocating with little time to plan, such as for a job, a family emergency, or a lease ending, then a broker can help you move quickly. Since they work with a network of carriers, they can find someone available faster than if you searched on your own.

You Don’t Have Time to Research Movers

Finding a trustworthy mover takes time. Between reading reviews, checking credentials, and comparing quotes, the process can be overwhelming. A broker simplifies that by doing the hard work for you.

You’re Moving Long-Distance or Cross-Country

Long-distance moves are complex. Routes, timing, and pricing can vary a lot between carriers. Brokers often specialize in interstate moves and can find carriers who handle cross-country routes efficiently.

You're Looking for Multiple Quotes Quickly

If you want to compare pricing from different companies without calling a dozen places yourself, a broker can do it in one go. They usually pull rates from multiple carriers at once, which can help you spot market averages and avoid overpriced offers.

You’ve Never Moved Before

If this is your first major move and you’re unsure how it all works, using a broker can help you get started; just make sure you vet them well.

 

Not sure if your move is local or long-haul? Check out local vs long distance moves and stop guessing.

Expert Tips & Advice for Working With Brokers

If you're seriously considering using a moving broker, there are a few smart steps you can take to protect your time, money, and belongings. Not all brokers are bad—but not all of them play fair either.

Here are some expert tips to help you work with a moving broker safely:

Always get at least three written estimates

Don’t settle for the first quote. Ask for written estimates from multiple brokers or carriers, and whenever possible, request binding estimates that won’t change later.

Verify credentials using FMCSA’s SAFER system

Every licensed broker has a Motor Carrier (MC) number and USDOT number. Look them up in the FMCSA SAFER database to confirm they’re registered and active. If the broker can’t provide this info, walk away.

Ask: Who is actually handling the move?

Don’t be afraid to ask directly: “Who will be showing up on moving day?” Reputable brokers will tell you the name of the carrier they plan to assign, along with their contact details and credentials.

Never pay more than a 20% deposit

A legitimate broker won’t ask for more than 10–20% of the total move cost upfront. If they’re pushing for 30%, 40%, or full payment, it’s a major red flag.

Read everything

Take time to read all agreements, confirmation emails, and the FMCSA’s “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet (they’re required to provide it). This will help you avoid surprises later.

Check online reviews carefully

Look for consistent patterns in customer reviews, not just 5-star ratings. Be cautious of brokers with overly generic or suspiciously perfect reviews. Also, check Better Business Bureau (BBB) profiles and complaint histories.

Choose brokers who also have carrier authority (if possible)

Some companies operate as both brokers and movers. These hybrid companies offer better accountability, since they can step in directly if something goes wrong with the carrier they assign.

 

Once your move is done, celebrate with housewarming party ideas that’ll make you friends with your new neighbors.

Recommended Resources

• How to Move Without a Car

• Residential vs. Commercial Moves - How They Differ

• How To Choose The Best Movers

• DIY Move vs. Hiring Movers