Before you hire long-distance movers, ask them these 12 questions

Key points

• Inquire about licensing, insurance, employee training and employee background checks to gauge a long-distance moving company’s professionalism.

• Ask movers about their estimate type, cancellation policy and extra fees to understand their pricing.

• Verify a mover’s reliability by checking the FMCSA, reading online reviews and getting references.

Moving can be daunting, especially when it involves crossing state lines. The best way to safeguard your belongings and peace of mind is to hire reputable professionals to manage the job.

“Interstate moving is not local moving. It’s an entirely different animal,” said Nancy Zafrani, General Manager at Oz Moving and Storage. While a local move might take a day or two — and you can even follow the moving truck to your new place — interstate movers will pack up your home and drive away. Taking steps to vet them is the first step in a successful relocation.

Asking the right questions will help you navigate the complexities of hiring a long-distance moving company, allowing you to embark on your journey to a new home confidently.

What are the most important questions to ask long-distance movers?

Finding the best long-distance movers requires careful planning, and choosing the right professional movers will streamline your experience on moving day and beyond. Here are essential questions to ask up front when considering long-distance movers:

Are you licensed and insured?

“There are many shady characters out there, and the last thing you want is a fly-by-night operation that is based in someone’s living room handling your move,” said Zafrani.

Long-distance movers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. Ask the company to provide its USDOT number and then look it up on the FMCSA’s SAFER system. 

Check that the company’s address and phone number match the information provided by the company. Confirm that their operation qualification says “authorized for hire” and that the cargo carried section lists household goods.

Moving scams are a real threat, so always confirm you’re dealing with a legitimate company before requesting a quote.

Do you broker or subcontract out any moving services?

If a moving company also acts as a broker, they may contract parts of your move out to other companies. If they broker out services, you may have issues with accountability and responsibility, as subcontracted companies may not share the same quality standards as the company you initially hired. 

For example, if your moving company subcontracts piano movers, it may be unclear who is responsible if the piano gets damaged. There’s also the risk of hidden fees or changes in service terms when dealing with multiple service providers.

What’s included in my estimate?

Asking what’s included in your moving estimate provides clarity and transparency about services and their costs. By understanding what is covered, you can avoid misunderstandings and prevent surprise charges down the line. “If a mover says a service is included, but you don’t see it on the estimate, ask them to put it in writing,” advised Zafrani.

Also, knowing the specifics of your estimate allows you to better compare quotes from different companies. Some movers include full-service packing and furniture disassembly in the moving estimate, while others may charge extra for these tasks.

Do you offer binding or not-to-exceed estimates?

With a binding cost estimate, you can rest assured that the quoted price won’t change unless there are changes in the scope of your move, such as increased inventory or a new moving date. Binding estimates eliminate the risk of unexpected cost increases and allow you to plan your moving budget accordingly.

A not-to-exceed estimate is a binding estimate that sets a limit on costs, enabling you to plan your budget but also offering savings if the actual scope of services is less than the estimate. Conversely, nonbinding estimates introduce the possibility of increased costs on moving day, so ensure your long-distance mover offers a binding or not-to-exceed estimate for the most peace of mind.

What services do you charge extra for?

Moving companies may charge extra for various services, and the specific charges vary between companies. For example, one company may charge additional fees for disassembling furniture, while another may not.

Additionally, sometimes you can avoid incurring charges by planning ahead. For example, if the moving company can’t park the truck close enough to your doorstep, they may charge a “long carry fee.” You can avoid this fee by getting a parking permit or coordinating a parking spot with your neighbors.

What moving insurance options do you offer?

Under federal law, all best interstate movers must offer liability coverage for your move at no cost, called released-value protection. With this basic coverage, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound in reimbursement for any item damaged or lost during shipment. So, if your movers damage your 200-pound dining room table, you’d receive $120 — not a whole lot, depending on how much you paid for your table.

For this reason, you may opt for full-value protection, which interstate movers are also required to offer, but which comes at an extra cost. With full-value protection, your mover is responsible for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods. However, the limits and cost of full-value protection will vary by company. They may also offer coverage options through third-party insurance providers.

Are your employees background-checked?

It’s reasonable to expect moving companies to conduct background checks for their employees for your safety and security. After all, their employees will enter your home with your family and handle all your belongings. Background checks help prevent hiring individuals with a record of theft, violence or other potentially harmful behaviors. Be wary of companies that don’t take this precaution.

Are your employees trained in-house?

In-house training programs ensure that moving company employees are trained according to the company’s standards and procedures. Proper training contributes to the efficiency and safety of the moving process. Trained employees are more likely to handle items carefully, use proper lifting techniques and navigate obstacles safely, reducing the risk of accidents or damage during your move.

How do I file a claim for loss or damage?

Reputable moving companies should have a clear claims process if any of your belongings get lost or damaged during the move, though the simplicity of the process can vary. Some moving companies have accessible online platforms for submitting claims, while others are more complicated.

The top things you need to know are what kind of documentation is required for submitting a claim and how much time you have to submit a claim.

What payment methods do you accept?

Moving can get expensive, so you may have to pay with a credit card. What if the mover doesn’t accept American Express, and that’s the card that gets you the most points?

Since full payment for your move happens at the end of the job, you need to know when you book services that the company accepts the form of payment you plan to use to avoid any issues. You should also be wary of companies that only accept cash or ask for full payment before they complete the move.

Can I track my shipment?

​​Many interstate moving companies, such as American Van Lines and Allied Van Lines, provide shipment tracking on online platforms. Online tracking provides real-time information on the location and status of your belongings during the move, giving you peace of mind while you await their delivery. Tracking lets you anticipate the arrival time of your shipment, plan accordingly and stay informed throughout the process.

Moreover, tracking enables you to address any potential issues right away. Delays can and do happen with long-distance moves. Access to tracking information allows you to communicate with the moving company and make necessary adjustments.

What is your cancellation policy?

We recommend beginning to plan your move as soon as possible, which means you could be contracting services from your movers weeks or months before your actual move date. But what if the sale of your house doesn’t go through or your new job doesn’t pan out?

Every company has a different cancellation policy, and you should find one whose policy you’re comfortable with before you sign a contract. For example, International Van Lines offers a 100% refund for domestic moves canceled up to 48 hours before the scheduled pick-up date, while JK Moving Services requests a minimum of two weeks’ notice for cancellation without penalty.

How do I verify the reliability of long-distance movers before hiring them?

To safeguard your belongings and ensure you’re working with a legit company, consider the following steps when hiring professional movers:

• Get referrals: “We always recommend asking friends and family for referrals first,” said Zafrani. Your friends or family members can share firsthand experiences about the professionalism, efficiency and overall satisfaction they’ve had with movers.
• Verify legal credentials: Check that they’re registered with the FMCSA and have a valid USDOT number, which means they can legally perform interstate moves.
• Verify business credentials: Confirm the moving company’s physical address, contact information and years in business. “If a company has Google reviews that only date back a few months, be careful. It is not unusual for shady companies to run their reputation into the ground only to open a new corporation with a new license number,” Zafrani said.
• Read customer reviews: Platforms such as Google reviews, Yelp or the Better Business Bureau can offer valuable insights. Pay attention to recurring complaints in reviews to gauge the mover’s track record.
• Ask for references: Don’t hesitate to ask the moving company for references. A reputable mover should be willing to provide contacts for previous customers who can share their experiences.

What’s next?

Now that you have a comprehensive list of questions to ask, the next step is to gather estimates from at least three professional moving companies. First, schedule in-person assessments of your home to get the most accurate, detailed quotes. Use this guide for reference, and take the time to ask your estimator each of the questions that matter to you.

As you review the estimates, make sure your service requests match the details of your estimate. If you asked for a quote that includes packing services, ensure they’re included. Remember, the goal is to find the most affordable option with the best value for your needs. By being diligent in your comparison and documentation, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision that ensures a smooth and cost-effective long-distance move.

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