📌 Key Takeaway: The biggest mistake movers make is choosing based on the lowest quote alone, without verifying licensing or understanding whether the estimate is binding. A slightly higher, verified quote is almost always the safer choice.

Before You Request Any Quotes

  • Make a full inventory of what you're moving — this lets every company quote against the same information, making comparisons meaningful.
  • Decide binding vs. non-binding upfront as your preference — a binding-not-to-exceed estimate protects you from price increases on moving day.
  • Get at least three quotes from different companies, ideally with an in-home or video survey rather than a phone-only estimate.

What to Verify Before Booking

  • USDOT number — required for any interstate mover, verifiable through the FMCSA's public database.
  • Insurance coverage — confirm what's covered if items are lost or damaged, and whether additional valuation coverage is worth purchasing for high-value items.
  • Physical business address — a real, traceable location, not just a phone number or email form.
  • Recent reviews across multiple platforms — BBB, Google, and the American Moving and Storage Association, not just testimonials on the company's own site.

Questions Worth Asking Every Mover

  • Is this a binding or non-binding estimate, and what could change the final price?
  • What's included in the base price — packing materials, furniture disassembly/reassembly, appliance disconnection?
  • What's your policy if something is damaged during the move?
  • Do you subcontract to another carrier, or will your own crew handle the entire move?

Reading the Bill of Lading Carefully

The bill of lading is both your receipt and your contract — it should list every item being moved, the agreed price, pickup and delivery dates, and payment terms with no blank fields. Never sign one that's incomplete, and keep a copy throughout the move, since it's your primary documentation if a dispute arises over damage, delay, or pricing.

Insurance and Valuation Coverage

Basic liability coverage required by law is often minimal — sometimes just $0.60 per pound per item, which barely covers a damaged lamp let alone an electronics or furniture piece. Full-value protection costs more but reimburses the actual replacement cost. For high-value items, confirm what level of coverage is included and whether purchasing additional valuation coverage makes sense for your specific belongings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I choose a broker or a direct carrier?

A direct carrier owns its own trucks and employs its own crew, giving you more accountability. A broker arranges the move through a third-party carrier — not inherently bad, but worth knowing so you can verify the actual carrier's credentials too, not just the broker's.

Is the cheapest quote ever the right choice?

Sometimes, but always verify licensing and insurance first — an unusually low quote without an in-home survey is one of the most common patterns in moving scams, as covered in our guide to avoiding moving scams.