The Worst Moving Companies: Tips To Spot Bad Movers
Here’s the bottom line: The worst moving companies share the same red flags: a lowball estimate, a large upfront deposit, a name that copies a major van line, and a USDOT number that doesn’t check out. The FMCSA lists many of these same warning signs, and spotting them before you sign is the easiest way to avoid a moving scam. This guide covers 13 red flags, how to verify a mover, and where to find vetted moveBuddha Certified movers instead.
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What are the signs of the worst moving companies?
Most bad movers leave the same clues, and once you know them, you can rule out a risky company in minutes. Here are 13 red flags to watch for.
1. Their name is similar to a national van line
You’ve probably heard of United Van Lines, Atlas Van Lines, and Allied Van Lines. These national movers have agents all over the country, and some shady companies add a word or two to borrow their name recognition.
For instance, United Nation Van Lines isn’t United Van Lines, and A+ Atlas Van Lines isn’t Atlas Van Lines. Check the USDOT number to confirm which company you’re actually talking to.
2. They’re based in a complaint hot spot
Some states see far more moving complaints than others, and Florida-based movers come up often in scam reports. Plenty of Florida movers are reputable, so this isn’t a reason to rule a company out on its own.
Just take extra care to research any mover’s record, no matter where it’s based.
3. They have over-the-top reviews
A lot can go wrong on a move, and much of it is out of a mover’s control, so even the best moving companies get some negative reviews. Be wary of a mover whose reviews are all glowing, since some bad companies post fake ones.
Some sites that claim to rank movers are pay-to-play platforms. For firsthand accounts, read the stories in our Better Moves Project, where real customers share what they paid and how their moves went.
4. Their USDOT & MC numbers don’t check out
Every interstate mover needs a USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Enter it in the FMCSA’s SAFER system to see:
- Operating authority: Whether the company is authorized to move household goods across state lines.
- Entity type: Whether it’s a carrier that moves your belongings or a broker that books your move with someone else.
- Safety record: Its address, number of trucks, crash history, and any out-of-service orders.
If anything doesn’t match what the mover told you, cross it off your list. Our USDOT lookup guide walks you through it.
5. They overstate how long they’ve been in business
Fly-by-night movers often pad their years in business to look more established. Look the company up on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to check when it actually started, along with its rating and complaint history.
6. They change their name often
For some scammers, escaping bad reviews is as easy as changing the company name. If a mover has operated under several names in just a few years, don’t hire it.
7. Their address doesn’t exist
Reputable movers list a real street address on their website and paperwork. If you can only find a P.O. box, or the address leads nowhere, the company may not want you to find it.
8. Their estimate is way lower than everyone else’s
The lowball estimate is the oldest trick in the book. Bad movers win your booking with a low price, then the final bill comes in 2 - 3 times higher.
A binding estimate locks in your price as long as your inventory doesn’t change, so ask for one in writing. Our guide to binding vs. non-binding estimates explains the difference.
9. They won’t do an in-home or video survey
The FMCSA flags movers that give an estimate over the phone or online without looking at your belongings. Without a proper inventory, the price can jump on moving day when the crew “finds” more items.
10. They demand a large deposit or cash
A small deposit is normal, but the FMCSA warns against movers that demand cash or a large deposit before your move. Pay by credit card when you can, so you have a way to dispute the charge.
11. They ask you to sign blank or incomplete documents
Never sign a blank estimate, order for service, or bill of lading. Reputable movers also give you the FMCSA’s “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet before an interstate move.
12. They hand your move to another company without telling you
Some companies that sound like movers are actually moving brokers that sell your move to a separate carrier. If an unfamiliar truck shows up on moving day, you may be dealing with a company you never vetted.
13. They hold your belongings hostage
Some scammers load your belongings, then refuse to deliver until you pay far more than the estimate. On a non-binding interstate move, FMCSA rules require the mover to release your shipment once you pay 110% of the estimate, with the rest billed at least 30 days later.
Learn what to do in our guide to movers holding items hostage.
Pro tip: Get at least three written quotes built from the same inventory list, and throw out any quote that’s far below the others. Our list of questions for movers helps you spot a bad company before you book.
How do you find a reputable moving company?
You find a reputable moving company by checking its license, reviews, and paperwork before you pay anything. Start with the mover’s USDOT number on the FMCSA’s SAFER system, then read its BBB profile and recent customer reviews.
moveBuddha reviews movers on a 72-point rating system using 25+ data sources, including government databases and BBB records. Every moveBuddha Certified mover has already passed our vetting.
Why compare movers with moveBuddha?
- On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
- When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
To check whether a quote is realistic, run your move through the moveBuddha Moving Cost Calculator. It weighs distance, home size, move date, and service level together, so a lowball estimate stands out right away.
Safeway Moving and American Van Lines top our list of the best interstate moving companies, and both are moveBuddha Certified:
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FAQ
How do I know if a moving company is a scam?
You’ll know a moving company may be a scam if it gives a lowball quote without seeing your belongings, demands a large cash deposit, or can’t show a valid USDOT number. Scammers also tend to change names often and hide their address. Look the company up on the FMCSA’s SAFER system before you sign.
What is the most common moving scam?
The most common moving scam is the lowball estimate, where a mover quotes a low price and raises it after your belongings are loaded. Some scammers then hold your items until you pay. A written binding estimate is your best protection.
Can a mover hold my belongings until I pay more?
A mover can’t hold your belongings for more than 110% of a non-binding estimate on an interstate move. Once you pay that amount, FMCSA rules require the mover to deliver and bill the rest at least 30 days later. On a binding estimate, you owe only the agreed price unless you added items or services.
How much of a deposit should a mover require?
A mover should require a small deposit, if any, and never full payment upfront. The FMCSA warns against movers that demand cash or a large deposit before your move. Pay by credit card so you can dispute the charge if something goes wrong.
Is it bad to use a moving broker?
It isn’t illegal to use a moving broker, but moveBuddha doesn’t recommend it. A broker books your move with a separate carrier, so the crew on moving day works for a company you didn’t vet. Ask upfront whether you’re talking to a carrier or a broker.
How do I report a bad moving company?
You can report a bad interstate moving company to the FMCSA through its National Consumer Complaint Database. You can also file a complaint with the BBB and your state’s consumer protection office. For local moves, your state agency is usually the right place to start.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
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