A low quote means nothing if the carrier is not licensed

Moving scams still target families who book the first company they find on a search results page. The fastest way to filter out unqualified operators is to check their federal registration before you pay a deposit.

Legitimate interstate movers must hold active authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can look up any company in minutes.

Step 1: Get the USDOT or MC number

A professional mover will list their USDOT number on their website, written estimates, and bill of lading. International Van Lines displays USDOT 2293832 and MC 796971 on our site and documents. If a company hesitates to provide a number, that is a warning sign.

Step 2: Search the FMCSA SAFER system

Go to safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and enter the USDOT or MC number. The snapshot page shows:

Legal name and operating status (should say “Authorized for Property” for household goods carriers)
Physical address
Number of power units and drivers
Insurance filing status
Safety rating if one has been issued

Compare the legal name on SAFER to the name on your estimate. Some scam operators use names that sound like well-known brands.

Step 3: Check complaint history

The FMCSA also hosts a consumer complaint database. Search the company name to see how many complaints were filed in recent years and whether any led to enforcement action. A large national carrier will have some complaints simply because of volume. A pattern of hostage-load or bait-and-switch allegations is different and worth taking seriously.

Step 4: Confirm they performed a survey

Federal rules require interstate movers to base binding estimates on a visual survey of your goods, either in person or by video. A quote given over the phone without seeing what you are moving is not reliable.

Red flags to walk away from

Large upfront cash deposit demanded before the survey
No USDOT number or a number that does not match the company name on SAFER
Estimate far below every other quote you received
Mover shows up in an unmarked rental truck on moving day
Contract arrives with blank fields for you to fill in later

What proper licensing does not tell you

A valid DOT number confirms authority to operate. It does not guarantee service quality. Read recent reviews, ask about claims procedures, and confirm who performs the actual transport. Some brokers sell your move to a different carrier at the last minute.

International Van Lines operates as a carrier and coordinates long-distance and international moves from our Florida headquarters. Request a quote and we will walk you through the survey, paperwork, and pickup schedule with your DOT information on every document.