The only thing that’s harder than moving is knowing who’s in charge of making sure the move goes smoothly!
Honestly, if you’ve ever had to hire movers or even just thought about it, you know that feeling. It’s overwhelming.
You’re thinking about your stuff being packed up and shipped across town or across the country. And who regulates moving companies to make sure everything is legit?
You’re probably asking, “Who’s watching over these guys when something goes wrong?”
According to a survey by the Better Business Bureau, moving companies are among the top ten most complained-about industries in the U.S.
People are getting scammed or dealing with terrible service, which makes it even more important to know who regulates moving companies and what keeps these movers in check.
Moving company regulations are actually pretty strict, but they vary depending on whether you’re moving across state lines or staying local.
Interstate moving regulations are handled differently than state-level ones, and there are insurance requirements, safety standards, and licensing requirements that you’ll want to understand.
So, keep reading and by the end of this, you’ll have all the answers you need to make sure your stuff is in safe hands.
Why You Can Trust My Moving Journey
100+
Moving companies listed across the USA
1,000+
Customer Reviews to Guide Your Decision
50+
States served with reliable moving services
100%
Free moving quotes provided instantly
Why Does This Matter?
Moving is stressful. You’re trying to juggle a million things, and the last thing you need is to add “fraudulent movers” to your list of worries. Knowing who’s keeping an eye on the movers gives you peace of mind.
You need to know that the people handling your stuff are licensed, insured, and follow the rules. Otherwise, you could be setting yourself up for a disaster, and who wants that?
So, who’s making sure your movers aren’t going rogue?
Looking for trustworthy moving companies? Let us help you find the best-rated movers in the USA.
Federal Regulations - The FMCSA Takes the Lead
When it comes to who regulates moving companies in the United States, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is at the top.
This agency is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and is in charge of regulating interstate movers—companies that move stuff across state lines.
The FMCSA doesn’t just sit back and relax. It’s out there making sure that moving company regulations are enforced, from licensing to insurance to safety protocols.
If you're planning a cross-country move or anything that goes beyond your state's borders, the FMCSA ensures everything goes smoothly.
FMCSA Regulations Include:
- Movers must have a U.S. DOT number to operate.
- They must offer certain levels of insurance for your goods.
- They need to be clear about pricing—no hidden fees.
- They must give you a Bill of Lading, which is basically a receipt that also lays out the terms and conditions of your move.
In simple words, the FMCSA is all about keeping the moving process transparent and safe and ensuring that you're not getting scammed by a fly-by-night company that doesn't have a license to be in business.
Worried about your mover’s legitimacy? Find out how to verify if your moving company is legit.
State-Level Regulation
While the FMCSA covers interstate movers, what happens if you're only moving within the same state?
That’s where state moving company regulations show up.
Each state has its own laws for regulating movers that operate within its borders. These state rules can vary, and depending on where you live, they might be more or less strict.
For example, some states require moving companies to be licensed by the state, while others don’t. So, it’s a good idea to check the regulations in your specific state before booking a moving company.
What Does State Regulation Cover?
State rules cover things like:
- Licensing: Most states require movers to have a state-issued license to operate.
- Insurance: Just like the FMCSA, states have their own moving company insurance requirements, but they may differ from what’s required federally.
- Price Transparency: States also regulate how movers can charge. No surprise fees here!
- Safety Standards: Some states have their own rules for the moving company safety standards that companies must follow.
For example, in California, movers need to be licensed by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and New York has its own set of rules via the New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT).
So, What Does That Mean for You?
When you're hiring a local mover, you’ll want to check with your state’s regulatory body to make sure the company is licensed. You can usually do this online with just a quick search.
In fact, most states have an online database where you can verify whether a moving company is following the law.
Tired of endless searches? Find the perfect moving company in your state with ease and save up to 30%!
Moving Company Licensing Requirements
Now that we know who's overseeing the movers let's talk about moving company licensing requirements.
How do you know if the company you're considering is even allowed to move your stuff?
Federal Licensing for Interstate Moves:
· If the move crosses state lines, the moving company needs a U.S. DOT number.
· You can easily check this number through the FMCSA website. All you need is the moving company’s name or their DOT number.
State Licensing for Local Moves:
- For local moves, states like California, New York, and Texas require moving companies to have a state-specific license.
- This license proves the company has passed the necessary background checks and complies with the state’s safety and insurance regulations. You can usually verify a company’s license by searching online or by calling your state's Department of Transportation.
Not sure how to verify a moving company’s credentials? Learn how to check a moving company’s USDOT number and make sure they’re fully licensed for your move!”
Moving Company Insurance Requirements
Nobody wants their things damaged during a move, and insurance is a huge deal when it comes to moving company regulations.
Movers are required to offer certain types of insurance to protect your belongings.
Here’s what you need to know:
Types of Insurance Movers Must Offer:
- Basic Coverage: This is typically free, but it’s limited to a low dollar amount per pound of your stuff (like $0.60 per pound). So, if you’re moving a sofa that weighs 100 pounds, you’ll only be covered for $60 in case it gets damaged.
- Full Value Protection: This one is more comprehensive and actually covers the full value of your belongings. But you’ll have to pay extra for this. If your stuff gets damaged or lost, they’ll either repair or replace it.
Confused about how moving insurance works? Learn everything you need to know about moving insurance here.
How to Verify a Moving Company’s License
Now that you know who’s regulating these companies, how do you verify that your mover is legit?
Here are five easy ways to check:
Check the U.S. DOT Number for Interstate Moves
For long-distance moves, ask for the company’s U.S. DOT number and look it up on the FMCSA website. This confirms they’re authorized to operate across state lines.
Verify Local Licensing with State Agencies
For moves within the same state, contact your state’s Department of Transportation or regulatory body. Most states have an online database where you can look up a mover's license number.
Review the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Profile
The BBB can provide insight into how a company handles complaints. A solid rating and few complaints usually signal a trustworthy mover.
Check Consumer Affairs Reviews
Look at customer reviews on Consumer Affairs or My Moving Journey. A high number of negative reviews can be a major red flag.
Request Proof of Insurance
Legitimate movers will offer insurance options. Request proof of both basic and full value protection to ensure your belongings are covered during the move.
Want to make sure you’re not falling for fake reviews? Check out our guide on how to spot fake moving reviews and protect yourself from scams.
Keep Your Move Stress-Free
At the end of the day, it is essential to understand who regulates moving companies and guarantee that your move goes smoothly.
Whether it’s making sure the company has the right licenses, meets moving company safety standards, or offers adequate insurance, knowledge is power.
By knowing what to look for, you can avoid those pesky surprises and make sure your stuff gets from Point A to Point B without any issues. So before you book that moving company, do your homework, and if anything seems off, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Feeling overwhelmed? Download your free moving checklist and stay organized every step of the way!
Recommended Resources:
