Your Rights & How to Protect Them

Moving can be one of life’s most significant events, but it can also be a target for fraudulent activities. The Certified Mover Association is dedicated to consumer protection. This guide provides actionable tips to help you identify legitimate movers, understand your rights, and know what to do if something goes wrong.

Essential Tips for a Secure Move

✅

Verify Credentials

Always check a mover’s USDOT number on the FMCSA SAFER website. For interstate moves, an active license is mandatory. Also, look for Certified Mover Association badges for added assurance of vetting.

📄

Get Written Estimates

Insist on a written, in-home estimate. Be wary of movers who provide quotes over the phone or internet without seeing your belongings. Understand binding vs. non-binding estimates.

⚖ī¸

Understand Your Rights

The FMCSA requires movers to provide you with “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.” Read this document carefully to understand liability, claims, and dispute resolution processes.

🛡ī¸

Review Insurance Options

Know the difference between basic liability (minimal coverage) and full value protection. Consider purchasing additional third-party moving insurance for valuable items.

✍ī¸

Read All Contracts

Before signing, thoroughly read the Bill of Lading and any other contracts. Ensure all agreed-upon services, dates, and costs are clearly documented. Never sign a blank document.

📸

Document Everything

Take photos or videos of your belongings before and after the move, especially high-value or fragile items. Keep detailed records of all communications, estimates, and receipts.

Warning Signs: Red Flags to Avoid

Protect yourself by recognizing these common indicators of potential moving fraud or unprofessional conduct.

💸

Large Upfront Deposits

Be wary of movers demanding large cash deposits (e.g., 50% or more) before your move. Legitimate movers rarely ask for significant upfront payments.

📞

No In-Home Survey

If a mover quotes you a price without conducting an in-home visual inspection, it’s a major red flag. This often leads to inflated costs later (bait-and-switch).

📉

Unusually Low Bids

While competitive pricing is good, a quote significantly lower than others should raise suspicion. It may indicate hidden fees or an unlicensed operation.

đŸšĢ

Lack of USDOT Number

All interstate movers must have a valid USDOT number. If they don’t provide one, or it’s invalid upon verification, they are operating illegally.

đŸĸ

Generic or Vague Information

Be cautious of movers with generic business names, no physical address, or a website lacking professional details and clear contact information.

⏱ī¸

High-Pressure Tactics

Movers who pressure you to sign contracts immediately or make quick decisions without proper review are often trying to hide something.

What To Do If Something Goes Wrong

Take Action Against Moving Fraud

📞

Contact the Mover First

Attempt to resolve the issue directly with the moving company. Document all communication, including dates, times, and names of people you speak with.

🏛ī¸

File a Complaint with FMCSA

If your issue is unresolved, file a complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

File FMCSA Complaint
🚨

Report to CertifiedMover.org

Report issues with any mover, certified or not, to the Certified Mover Association. We investigate complaints to maintain industry integrity.

Report an Issue
⚖ī¸

Consider Legal Action

For significant disputes, you may need to consult a legal professional specializing in consumer law or transportation law.

The CertifiedMover.org Advantage

Choosing a CertifiedMover.org member provides an extra layer of protection and peace of mind. Our independent vetting process ensures companies meet high standards for legitimacy, transparency, and ethical practices, going beyond basic regulatory requirements.

⭐

Higher Standards

Our certification goes beyond minimum FMCSA requirements, focusing on ethics, service reliability, and customer trust.

🔎

Transparent Vetting

We conduct independent verification of company ownership, operational legitimacy, and customer satisfaction benchmarks.

🤝

Trusted Network

Access a directory of pre-vetted movers, reducing your risk of encountering fraudulent or unreliable companies.