The Problem With Moving Brokers
Here’s the quick answer: In short, a moving broker is a middleman that hires a third-party moving company to complete your move.
If you want to avoid hidden fees, last-minute changes, and moving day chaos, it’s critical to understand what moving brokers actually do and how they’re different from traditional moving companies.
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What is a moving broker?
Brokers may collect your details, provide an estimate, and book your move like a carrier, but here’s where they’re different:
- Moving brokers: Arrange your move, collect a deposit, and outsource the job to a carrier.
- Moving carrier: Own their trucks, employ movers, and take full responsibility for your move.
A good broker will be very thorough. On the other hand, bad brokers will rush the process just to complete the sale. When the actual mover shows up, they’ll need to rework the estimate, which often means huge price increases since the initial estimate was missing details.
Brokers will often rush to book the sale and omit critical details from the estimate. In the worst cases, the broker will purposefully leave details off the estimate so they can quote a lower price. This typically leads to price increases on moving day.
What happens when you work with a moving broker?
Here’s what typically happens when you hire a broker:
- You request a quote and share your move details.
- The broker provides an estimate, often over the phone or online.
- You pay a deposit to book the job.
- The broker then contracts a mover from their network to handle the job.
- On moving day, the carrier arrives, sometimes with different pricing or terms than you expected.
Moving brokers vs. moving companies
Many people confuse brokers with actual movers, but the differences can affect everything from cost to accountability. Here’s how they stack up:
Feature | Moving broker | Moving company |
---|---|---|
Who handles your move? | Third-party company hired by broker | The company you booked with |
Owns trucks/employs movers? | No | Yes |
Who sets the price? | Broker estimates; mover sets final cost | Company provides estimate and final price |
Accountability | Often unclear | Directly responsible for your move |
Licensing | Broker license from FMCSA | Carrier license (sometimes has a broker license, too) |
Risks | Bait-and-switch pricing, lack of oversight | Fewer surprises, more recourse |
Pros | Wider network, multiple quotes | Clearer communication and service |
Cons | Higher risk of scams, surprise fees | Less flexibility, may cost more |
How moving brokers make money
Brokers make their money by selling moves and passing them off to movers for a commission. That often includes:
- Upfront deposits: Typically 10%–20% of the quoted cost, this amount is often non-refundable.
- Commissions: Brokers get paid by the moving company for each job.
- Split payments: You pay the broker first. The remainder is paid to the mover upon delivery.
If a broker demands more than a 20% deposit or asks for full payment upfront, that’s usually a red flag.
What’s the problem with moving brokers?
Many moving brokers take the lack of accountability as a free license to book moves however they please. Brokers aren’t responsible for the actual move since they get their cut upfront as part of the booking deposit.
If the broker does a bad job creating an estimate, it’s the moving company’s problem and they’re the ones that have to rectify it.
The broker doesn’t care since they’ve been paid and don’t have liability for the actual move. This could leave you with a bad moving company on moving day, and thus, an overall negative moving experience.
Pros and cons of using a moving broker
How a broker might be helpful
- They can offer access to a broader network of movers.
- Brokers do the legwork of finding a mover for your route and timeline.
- They may help with hard-to-reach areas or last-minute bookings.
Risks and downsides
- Less control — you don’t pick the mover who shows up.
- Higher risk of last-minute fees or pricing changes.
- Limited accountability since brokers and carriers may blame each other for problems.
- Some brokers disappear after booking, leaving you on your own.
Common moving broker scams and red flags
Not all brokers are shady, but unfortunately, some are. Here are some scams to watch for when you’re considering a moving broker:
- Bait-and-switch: Low estimates that balloon on moving day
- No written quote: Verbal-only pricing isn’t enforceable
- Huge deposits: Demands of 50%+ upfront
- No DOT/MC number: Legit brokers must be registered with the FMCSA
- Too many 5-star reviews: Overly generic reviews can signal fake feedback
- Frequent name changes: Check their history, because scammers rebrand often
- No physical address: Just a website and call center = sketchy
How to check if a company is a broker
You can use the FMCSA’s SAFER mover database to check if a company is a broker.
If the company is a licensed broker, they’ll be assigned a U.S. Department of Transportation Number (DOT#) and a Motor Carrier Number (MC#). You’ll need to obtain one of these numbers.
Companies will typically provide their DOT# or MC# on the estimate paperwork. They may also be listed on their website (check for it in the footer) or on their “About Us” or “Contact Us” pages.
Head over to the FMCSA’s SAFER mover database and plug in one of these numbers. A regular moving company should look like this….
Now, a pure moving broker should look like this. This means they own no trucks and only broker moves.
Lastly, companies that are both moving companies and moving brokers will look like this.
If a company has both licenses, you’ll want to ask them if your move will be brokered. If the move is going to be brokered, always ask to get the actual moving companies name who will be performing the move.
Bottom line: avoid companies that are only licensed to broker moves. Companies with a license to broker a move and a license to perform moves should be evaluated just like any regular moving company.
How to verify a broker’s legitimacy
Take these steps to ensure that the broker you’re working with is legitimate, with a solid reputation among customers and proper licensing.
- FMCSA Mover Search: Check licensing and complaints.
- BBB ratings: See complaint history and trust ratings.
- Google reviews: Watch for consistent complaints about price jumps or ghosting.
- Company age: Be wary of newly registered businesses or name changes.
Checklist: How to protect yourself
Here are a few more wise ways to avoid getting scammed by a moving broker.
- Get three written, itemized estimates. In-person or virtual estimates based on your inventory are best.
- Use the FMCSA and BBB to vet companies.
- Ask who will physically move your stuff and get it in writing.
- Don’t pay more than 20% upfront; avoid cash-only requests.
- Review contracts carefully, especially fine print on cancellation and fees.
- Keep all your paperwork and emails.
- Download the FMCSA’s “Your Rights and Responsibilities” booklet.
- If something feels off, walk away.
Choose a trusted moving partner
Know your rights, do your research, and compare quotes before choosing a moving provider. The more effort you put in up front, the less time you’ll have to spend down the road remedying issues. Use our moving checklist to make sure your move is as seamless as possible from start to finish.
As you’re preparing for your move, be sure to check out our free moving cost calculator, to get an accurate estimate of the cost of your move before moving day as you head to your new home.
We’ve got you covered with the best interstate moving companies, too, if you’re moving long-distance. If you’re heading cross country, you’ll want to be even more discerning about who you work with for the moving experience.
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FAQs about moving brokers
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