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Questions to ask before you hire a moving company

A lowball estimate, a door-to-door broker who never touches your goods, or a blank contract can leave your furniture held for ransom or your claim denied. Use these questions to verify USDOT authority and insurance, lock a real estimate and inventory, understand valuation options, and spot crews that demand large cash before load day or add surprise stairs and long-carry fees.

Questions to ask

1. Are you the carrier that will move my goods, or a broker — and what is your USDOT / MC number (for interstate moves) or state license where required?

Why it matters: Brokers arrange moves; carriers actually haul. Ask who shows up with the truck, whose name is on the bill of lading, and for a USDOT number you can look up on the FMCSA site for interstate moves. Local-only moves may need a state or city mover license instead. A company that refuses to say whether it is a broker or carrier — or has no verifiable authority — is a classic setup for bait-and-switch crews.

2. What insurance and valuation options do you offer — released value, full-value protection, or third-party cargo coverage — and what are the limits and deductibles in writing?

Why it matters: Basic released-value coverage is often only about 60 cents per pound per article — nowhere near replacement cost. Ask for the valuation options, premiums, deductibles, and what is excluded (owner-packed boxes, high-value items, acts of God). Also ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ comp so an injured mover or a damaged wall is not automatically your problem. “We’re insured” without numbers and paperwork is not enough.

3. Will you do an in-home (or detailed virtual) survey, and is the estimate binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed — with what weight or volume assumptions?

Why it matters: Phone quotes based on “about three bedrooms” are how lowball-then-reweigh scams start. Ask for a survey of rooms, attic, garage, and specialty items, and whether the written estimate is binding, non-binding (can go up with actual weight), or a not-to-exceed cap. For interstate moves, federal rules constrain how estimates work — get the type in writing before you book. A price that seems half of every other bid usually grows on load day.

4. Will you provide a written inventory or bill of lading listing condition of major items, and who signs it before the truck leaves?

Why it matters: Without a clear inventory and condition notes, damage claims turn into “it was already like that.” Ask how they inventory furniture, electronics, and high-value items, whether you get a copy before departure, and that you walk the empty house and the truck with the crew lead. Never sign a blank or incomplete bill of lading. If they rush you to sign empty forms “so we can get on the road,” stop the move.

5. Who packs — you, me, or both — what materials are included, and how do packed-by-owner boxes affect damage claims?

Why it matters: Many carriers limit or deny claims on boxes you packed yourself if the carton was damaged in transit. Ask what packing service is included, the cost of full vs partial pack, whether wardrobe boxes, dish packs, and mattress bags are in the quote, and the claims rules for PBO (packed by owner) vs carrier-packed. Cheap “you pack everything” quotes often hide claim denials later.

6. How do deposits and final payment work — what is due when, what forms of payment do you accept, and will you ever demand a large cash payment before loading?

Why it matters: Legitimate movers typically take a modest deposit and collect balance on delivery (or per written contract), often by card or certified funds — not thousands in cash before the truck is loaded. Ask for a written payment schedule, refund terms if they cancel, and whether COD or delivery payment is required before unloading. Pressure for large cash before load day, or “we can’t start without cash today,” is a major red flag linked to hostage-goods schemes.

7. What is the pickup and delivery window, who confirms the crew the day before, and what happens if the truck is late or the date slips?

Why it matters: “Sometime next week” is not a schedule you can plan around for keys, elevators, and time off work. Ask for dated pickup and delivery windows, how you get the crew and truck confirmation, and written remedies if they miss the window (storage, hotel, per diem — if any). Long-distance moves often use ranges, not exact hours; get those ranges in the contract and a real contact who answers on move week.

8. Which access fees are included — stairs, elevator, long carry, shuttle, parking permits, and bulky or specialty items — and which are extras?

Why it matters: The base rate often assumes easy truck-to-door access. Ask specifically about flights of stairs, elevator reservations, long-carry distance from truck to door, shuttle trucks for tight streets, piano/safe/gym equipment, and who obtains parking permits. Get add-on rates in writing before move day. Surprise “stair fees” and “long carry” charges are a common way a friendly estimate balloons after your stuff is on the truck.

9. If delivery is delayed or space is short, do you use storage-in-transit — where, who is liable, and what does it cost per day?

Why it matters: Storage-in-transit (SIT) can be legitimate when dates slip or the new place is not ready — or a way to hold goods while fees mount. Ask where goods would be stored (their warehouse vs third party), climate controls if you care, daily rates, how long SIT can last, and whether valuation coverage continues in storage. Never agree to open-ended storage without a written rate and a release process you understand.

10. What is your damage-claims process — deadlines to note damage, how to file, typical timelines, and whether you repair, replace, or cash out?

Why it matters: Claims windows can be short; damage noticed days later may be harder to prove. Ask when you must note exceptions on the delivery paperwork, how long you have to file a formal claim, what documentation they need (photos, inventory line, receipts), and how they settle (repair, replace, depreciated cash). A mover who shrugs “call the office someday” without a written claims policy is leaving you unprotected.

11. Can you provide recent local references, and will the same company name on the estimate appear on the truck, uniforms, and final paperwork?

Why it matters: Bait-and-switch moves often involve a polished sales office and a different, underinsured crew on load day. Ask for references from similar moves, confirm the legal name matches USDOT/state records, and that the truck lettering and bill of lading match who you hired. If a different company arrives and asks you to resign paperwork under a new name, you can refuse and call the original company — and your local consumer protection office if needed.

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