Moving Company Validation
SELF-Movers: Know the difference
Know the Difference Between Moving Companies and Brokers
Program participants completing self-moves often believe they have contacted a moving company to obtain an estimate. They later discover sometimes after the move has been completed that they were working with a moving broker. In many cases, participants become aware of this distinction only after submitting an Expense Report and learning that certain expenses are not reimbursable.
Household goods moving company (mover) is responsible for physically transporting your shipment. In contrast, a moving broker does not perform the move. Instead, a broker arranges for the transportation of your household goods by selling your move to an actual moving company that provides the truck, labor, and line-haul transportation.
What Is a Moving Broker?
A moving broker is not a mover. Brokers function as sales organizations that book moves and then subcontract the work to a moving company. Moving brokers often charge booking fees, administrative fees, or binding estimate fees.
Please note:
- Broker fees are not reimbursable under the program.
- Binding estimate fees charged by brokers are not reimbursable.
Participants who unknowingly work with brokers frequently incur non-reimbursable costs that cannot be approved after the move is completed.
FMCSA Registration and Disclosure Requirements
Legitimate household goods movers and brokers engaged in interstate transportation are required to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). A legitimate company will clearly disclose whether it is operating as a mover (carrier) or as a broker.
Participants are strongly encouraged to validate all companies before requesting estimates or signing any agreements.
Moving Company and Broker Validation Database
Before selecting companies for estimates, you should research whether each company is a household goods mover or a moving broker and confirm that the company is appropriately registered with FMCSA.
For interstate moves:
- A household goods mover must be registered in the FMCSA database as an Interstate Household Goods Carrier.
- Both legitimate movers and brokers will appear in the FMCSA database, but their business type and authority differ.
To validate companies, visit the FMCSA Protect Your Move website and Mover Database at: www.protectyourmove.gov
This website also provides required educational resources designed to help consumers properly protect their move.
Information Available in the FMCSA Mover Database
The FMCSA Mover Database allows you to review critical information about moving companies and brokers, including:
- Company headquarters location
- Company contact information
- Type of moving business (e.g., carrier/mover or broker)
- Registration and operating authority status, including:
- Interstate Household Goods Mover, or
- Intrastate mover authorized only within a specific state
- Consumer complaint history
- Safety and compliance information
Carefully reviewing this information before selecting a mover or broker can help prevent unexpected costs, service issues, and non-reimbursable expenses. Participants are encouraged to discuss any questions or concerns with their assigned Transition to Service Relocation Specialist before making arrangements.