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Home › Pay › Common problems › Moving companies
Fees and services

Moving companies

Moving is stressful, and a quote that looks cheap can become much more expensive on moving day. Some movers give a low estimate without seeing your things, then add charges once your belongings are on the truck. For moves across state lines, federal rules give you rights, and a few simple checks can help you avoid trouble.

Common problems to watch for

  • A very low quote given by phone or online without seeing your belongings
  • Asking for cash or a large deposit before the move
  • Adding charges for stairs, long carries or packing after loading
  • A 'rate quote' that is not a real written estimate
  • Booking sites that pass your move to an unknown mover

Had one of these happen? Telling others what you were charged helps them avoid it.

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Free and low-cost alternatives

FMCSA Protect Your MoveThe federal motor carrier agency's site, protectyourmove.gov, lets you check an interstate mover's USDOT registration and file complaints for free.
'Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move'Interstate movers must give you this federal booklet. You can also read it free on the FMCSA website before you book.
Doing part of it yourselfPacking your own boxes or moving small items yourself can lower the cost. Get the mover's price for loading and transport only.

Availability depends on your device and model. AblePro has no relationship with any company named here.

What fair pricing looks like

A fair moving estimate is in writing, based on a real or video look at your belongings, and lists all charges. For interstate moves, a binding estimate gives the most certainty about the final cost.

Before you pay

  • Get written estimates from several movers after they see your belongings
  • For interstate moves, look up the mover's USDOT number at protectyourmove.gov
  • Ask whether the estimate is binding or non-binding
  • Be cautious of any mover asking for cash or a large deposit
  • Make sure you receive the federal rights booklet for interstate moves

How to cancel

  1. Ask the mover, before booking, how to cancel and whether any deposit is refundable.
  2. Cancel in writing, such as by email, and keep a dated copy.
  3. If you paid by credit card and are refused a promised refund, ask your card issuer about a dispute.
  4. For interstate movers, you can file a complaint at protectyourmove.gov.

Step-by-step cancel guide for iPhone, Android and PayPal →

Common questions

What is the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?

For interstate moves, a binding estimate means you do not pay more than the estimated amount at delivery, unless you add items or services and get a new estimate. With a non-binding estimate, the mover cannot require more than 110 percent of the estimate at delivery.

How do I know if an interstate mover is registered?

Interstate movers must have a USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Ask the mover for it, then look it up at protectyourmove.gov. Be wary if a mover will not share the number or the name on the record does not match.

Do these federal rules cover moves within my state?

The federal rules described here apply to interstate moves, meaning across state lines. Moves within one state are generally covered by state rules instead. Check with your state attorney general, consumer protection office or the agency that licenses movers in your state.

General consumer information, not legal or financial advice. Reports reflect the experiences and opinions of their writers, not AblePro, Inc. We check reports against our posting rules but do not verify them.