Planning a move is stressful enough, but discovering at the last minute that the moving company you hired isn’t legitimate can turn the entire experience into a nightmare.
With thousands of moving scams reported every year, it has become more important than ever to know how to identify trustworthy movers.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), more than 13,000 moving-related complaints were filed in a single year, many involving fraud, price manipulation, or loss of belongings.
So, when someone asks, “How do I know if a moving company is legit?” the goal isn’t just to choose a mover; it is to protect your valuables, money, and peace of mind. Let’s talk through this in the simplest, most straightforward way possible.
Check If the Moving Company Is Properly Licensed
The first sign of a legitimate moving company is proper licensing. Any company offering interstate moving services must have a valid USDOT number issued by the FMCSA.
This number is a unique identifier that confirms the company is legally authorized to operate. A legitimate mover will openly display this number on their website, trucks, and documents.
If a company hesitates to share it or claims they “don’t use one,” that’s a clear red flag. You can easily verify the number on the FMCSA website, and this quick step can save you from weeks or months of dealing with fraudulent movers.
Look for Real, Verifiable Customer Reviews
Online reviews play a major role in identifying trustworthy moving companies. In fact, a Bright Local report shows that 87% of consumers read online reviews before deciding on a local service provider. But it’s not just about looking for five-star ratings.
You want to see detailed experiences, realistic comments, and a mixture of positive and critical feedback. Check platforms like Google, Yelp, BBB, and trusted moving directories. Scam movers often rely on fake or overly perfect reviews on only one platform.
Legitimate movers, including reputable ones like Safeway Moving Inc. and other best movers in florida, tend to have consistent feedback across multiple review sites.
Verify the Company’s Physical Business Address
Always check that the company has a real, physical address. Many fraudulent movers use temporary offices, P.O. boxes, or fake addresses.
Simply plug the address into Google Maps and see what appears. A legitimate company will operate from a commercial office or warehouse, not a random empty lot or residential home. If the mover refuses to share their location or gives different addresses for different documents, consider that a sign to walk away immediately.
Ask for a Written, Binding Estimate
A trustworthy moving company will always provide a written estimate based on an inspection of your items. Verbal estimates are one of the biggest scam tactics in the moving industry.
When a company gives you a number without checking your belongings, they can easily raise the price on moving day. Legitimate movers offer written estimates such as binding, non-binding, or binding-not-to-exceed, with the last option being the most consumer-friendly. Scam movers stay away from written documents because they don’t want to commit to a fair price.
Review the Contract and Ensure All Details Are Clear
Before signing anything, read the contract thoroughly. A legitimate company will provide a professional agreement with clear details about pricing, pickup and delivery dates, insurance coverage, and terms of liability.
Everything should look organized, complete, and transparent. Avoid signing contracts with blank spaces, vague wording, or missing information; scammers often fill in those blanks later with extra fees. A proper contract protects both you and the moving company, so never rush this step.
Be Cautious of Extremely Low Prices
Low prices may look attractive, but in the moving industry, a suspiciously cheap quote is often a sign of trouble. FMCSA reports show that a majority of moving scams begin with a low initial estimate, followed by sudden fees or hostage situations where movers refuse to release belongings until you pay more.
Professional moving companies base their prices on actual labor, distance, truck size, and weight. If one company is offering a price far below everyone else, it usually means they plan to increase it later or compromise on service quality.
Confirm Their Insurance and Liability Coverage
A legitimate moving company should offer clear information about its insurance and liability options. This includes Released Value Protection (basic coverage) and Full Value Protection (which offers more comprehensive coverage).
If a company avoids discussing insurance or claims, they “don’t provide it,” that’s a strong sign they are not legitimate. Moving without proper coverage puts your belongings at serious risk, especially during long-distance relocations.
Evaluate Their Professionalism and Communication Style
Professionalism is one of the easiest signs to observe. Legit movers respond calmly, clearly, and confidently. They answer questions without hesitation and provide transparent information about their processes.
Scammers, on the other hand, commonly pressure customers to book quickly, demand large upfront payments, or offer confusing and inconsistent answers. Pay attention to how they communicate; it reveals more than you might think.
Ask for References from Recent Customers
Any established and trustworthy moving company will happily provide references from recent customers. Speaking to someone who used their services within the last few months offers a clearer picture of how the company operates.
If a mover refuses to give references or avoids the question entirely, that’s another indication that something might be wrong.
Trust Your Judgment When Something Feels Off
Sometimes the biggest warning sign is your own instinct. If the company’s behavior, pricing, or communication feels strange or rushed, take a step back.
Moving is a major event, and choosing the wrong mover can cost you time, money, and stress. Legitimate movers make you feel informed and comfortable throughout the entire process, not pressured or confused.
Final Thoughts
Knowing whether a moving company is legit doesn’t have to be complicated. By checking their license, reviewing real customer experiences, verifying their physical location, requesting written estimates, and evaluating their professionalism, you can easily identify trustworthy movers.
Companies like Safeway Moving Inc. and other best movers in florida continue to set examples of reliability and transparency in the moving industry. A legitimate mover protects not just your belongings but your overall moving experience, giving you the peace of mind you deserve during such an important transition.
