Before you book a moving company, take time to understand who you’re hiring, what your estimate includes, and how your belongings will be protected.
Whether you’re moving within the St. Louis area or relocating across state lines, a few practical checks can help you compare companies with greater confidence.
Use this guide to help organize your research and ask the right questions before signing an agreement.
- Check the Credentials That Apply to Your Move
Start by determining whether your move is interstate or intrastate/local. Different requirements may apply depending on whether your shipment crosses state lines or stays within one state.
For an interstate move, ask for the company’s USDOT number and applicable operating-authority information. You can use the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s official resources to check the business’s registration and confirm that it’s identifying information matches your paperwork.
The FMCSA’s Protect Your Move website is a useful starting point for researching interstate movers and understanding consumer rights.
For a move within one state, check the applicable state requirements. For example, the Illinois Commerce Commission regulates applicable household-goods moving services in Illinois.
Do not assume that one registration or credential answers every question. Confirm that the company meets the requirements relevant to your specific move.
- Confirm Who Will Handle Your Belongings
Ask whether the business you’re speaking with will transport your belongings or arrange transportation through another carrier.
A broker and a carrier have different roles. If a broker is involved, find out which carrier will perform the move and verify its credentials as well.
You should also understand:
- Who will coordinate pickup and delivery.
- Who will answer questions during the move.
- Who will collect payment.
- Who will handle loss or damage claims.
If different company names appear in your documents, ask for an explanation before signing. The relationship between those businesses should be clear.
- Look for Consistency and Accountability
Review the company’s website, contact information, official records, and customer feedback.
Look for consistent business information and a clear explanation of the company’s services. When reading reviews, focus on recurring patterns rather than relying on a single rating or comment.
Pay particular attention to feedback about communication, pricing, scheduling, and claims handling. A company’s response to a complaint can also help you understand how it approaches customer concerns.
Reviews are one part of the evaluation—not a substitute for checking credentials and reviewing your agreement.
- Compare Written Estimates Carefully
A useful estimate should give you a clear understanding of the services being proposed and the anticipated charges.
Provide each company with the same inventory and service requirements so you can make a meaningful comparison. Include specialty items, packing needs, storage requests, and access challenges at both locations.
Review these details before choosing a mover:
- Household inventory. Does the estimate reflect the belongings you plan to move, including large or specialty items?
- Included services. Are packing, unpacking, furniture disassembly, reassembly, and storage included or priced separately?
- Estimate type. Is the estimate binding or non-binding, and what does that mean for your final charges?
- Potential additional charges. Could stairs, long carries, shuttle service, difficult access, or added services affect the cost?
- Scheduling. What pickup dates, delivery windows, and communication arrangements are documented?
- Payment terms. What deposit is required, which payment methods are accepted, and when is the balance due?
The lowest estimate is not necessarily the best value if it leaves out services you need. Ask the representative to explain any unclear language before you commit.
- Understand Protection Options and Moving Documents
Ask how the company handles loss or damage and what protection options are available.
For interstate moves, understand the distinction between released-value protection and full-value protection, including applicable terms, deductibles, and exclusions. Moving valuation arrangements should not be assumed to work the same way as a homeowners insurance policy.
Review the documents applicable to your move, which may include an estimate, order for service, and bill of lading. Make sure you understand the services, charges, and responsibilities described in them.
Keep copies of signed documents and important communications where you can easily access them throughout the move.
Your Before-You-Book Checklist
Before committing to a moving company, make sure you can answer these questions:
- Have I checked the credentials that apply to my move?
- Do I know which company will transport my belongings?
- Does my written estimate reflect my inventory and requested services?
- Do I understand what could change the price?
- Are pickup, delivery, and payment arrangements clear?
- Do I understand my protection options and the claims process?
- Do I know whom to contact if questions arise?
For common warning signs to watch for during your research, check out last week’s post, “Moving Company Scams: Common Red Flags and How to Protect Yourself.”
Choose Your Mover With Confidence
Researching a moving company takes a little extra time, but it helps you make a more informed decision about an important service.
At Dodge Moving & Storage, we encourage customers to ask questions, understand their options, and review their moving plan before booking.
Preparing for a residential move in St. Louis, the Metro East, or another destination? Contact our team to discuss your move and request a free estimate.