Match the Name
Compare the website, estimate, email signature, payment instructions and public records. The names should be clear enough to research.
Mover verification
Before you book or pay a deposit, make sure the company name, USDOT or MC number, estimate, inventory and payment terms all line up. A moving company can look professional online, but the written details are what you need to compare.
Compare the website, estimate, email signature, payment instructions and public records. The names should be clear enough to research.
Use available federal records to review public registration information. Do not rely on a logo or sales page alone.
Look at inventory, cubic feet or weight, deposit amount, pickup language, delivery language and possible extra charges.
Write down the company name exactly as it appears on the estimate. Also save the website URL, email address, phone number, USDOT number, MC number and payment recipient if shown.
Use public USDOT/FMCSA tools to compare entity information. If the available record appears to show broker activity, carrier activity or unclear authority, ask the company to explain it in writing.
The estimate should make it clear who is providing the quote, what inventory it is based on, how the shipment size was calculated and what charges are included.
Before sending money, ask any unclear questions about the company identity, deposit, cancellation language, pickup window, delivery expectations and extra charges.
Enter a company name, USDOT number or MC number to review available public mover information, then compare that with the estimate you received.
Ask the company to explain the difference in writing. Also compare the company name, DBA, USDOT or MC number and payment recipient before booking.
No. A USDOT number is one research point. Consumers should also review company identity, written terms, inventory, services, charges and reviews before making a decision.
Public resources include FMCSA SAFER, FMCSA Licensing and Insurance, and the FMCSA household goods mover search. MoveInformed helps organize what appears in available public data.