Things to Know Before Hiring a Moving Company: A Guide

Hiring movers takes about 30 minutes of research if you know what to check. The problem is that most people skip the verification steps and choose based on the lowest quote, which is how they end up with a broker who hands their belongings to a company they never vetted. This guide covers how to find, verify, compare, and hire a mover using the same criteria the FMCSA uses to license them.

Step 1: Verify the Company Is a Carrier

The single most important question is whether the company you are hiring is a carrier or a broker. A carrier owns trucks and employs crews. A broker collects your deposit and assigns the move to a carrier you did not choose. Both are legal, but only a carrier controls your shipment from loading to delivery.

To verify, search the company's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. The listing shows whether the company is authorized as a carrier, a broker, or both. Safebound Moving & Storage holds USDOT 2900155 and operates as a carrier with its own trucks and crews on every move. Get a free quote or call 561-510-7191.

Step 2: Get an In-Home or Virtual Estimate

Never accept a quote given over the phone without an inventory review. An accurate quote requires the mover to see your belongings, either in person or through a virtual walkthrough. Phone-only quotes are the most common source of moving day price increases.

Get estimates from at least two companies. Each estimate should include the total cost, what is included (blankets, disassembly, truck), and what costs extra (packing materials, elevator fees, long carry charges). Safebound's local rates:

Crew Size	Hourly Rate	Minimum
2 movers	$135/hr	$540
3 movers	$180/hr	$720
4 movers	$225/hr	$900

Every Safebound local job includes 3 hours of labor plus 1 travel hour. Long-distance moves use volume-based pricing with all charges disclosed before you commit.

Step 3: Check Reviews and Complaints

Read Google reviews, not just the star rating. Look for patterns: repeated complaints about price increases on moving day, damaged items, or late deliveries indicate systemic problems. A company with a 4.9-star rating from 2,401 reviews, like Safebound, has a large enough sample size that the rating reflects consistent performance.

Also check the BBB for complaint history and the FMCSA database for safety violations. A clean record across all three sources is a strong signal.

Step 4: Watch for Red Flags

No USDOT number. Any interstate mover must have a USDOT number. If they cannot provide one, do not hire them.

Large cash deposit. Reputable movers collect payment at delivery, not before. A large upfront cash payment is a red flag for fraud.

Phone-only quote without walkthrough. If the company quotes a price without seeing your inventory, the number will change on moving day.

Blank or incomplete contract. Every charge should be listed on the contract before you sign. Never sign a document with blank spaces.

Name changes. Companies that change their name frequently are often trying to distance themselves from negative reviews. Search the USDOT number, not just the company name.

Step 5: Book and Prepare

Once you choose a mover, confirm the date, arrival window, and all charges in writing. If your building requires a Certificate of Insurance, request it from the mover at least 5 to 10 business days before the move. Safebound provides COI documentation within 24 hours at no charge.

For more on preparing for moving day, see Safebound's moving timeline checklist. For a quote, call 561-510-7191 or request one online.

Safebound Moving & Storage has completed 35,000+ moves with a 4.9-star rating from 2,401 Google reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a moving company is legitimate?

Search the company's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov to verify they are a registered carrier with active authority. Check their Google reviews, BBB profile, and FMCSA complaint history. A legitimate mover provides a written quote after an inventory walkthrough and does not demand large cash deposits before moving day.

Is $100 per person a good tip for movers?

For a long-distance move, $100 per mover is generous and reflects excellent service. For local moves, $20 to $40 per mover is standard. Base the amount on job difficulty, including stairs, heavy items, and total hours. Tips are not required but are appreciated for good work.

How much to tip on a $500 move?

On a $500 local move with a 2-mover crew, $20 to $30 per mover is typical. That puts the total tip at $40 to $60, or roughly 8 to 12 percent of the job cost. Hand the tip directly to each mover at the end of the job.

What should I look for in a moving quote?

A complete moving quote includes the total estimated cost, hourly rate or volume-based rate, what is included (truck, blankets, disassembly), what costs extra (packing materials, elevator fees), the estimated time or delivery window, and the company's USDOT number. If any of these are missing, ask before signing.

How far in advance should I book a mover?

Book 3 to 4 weeks ahead during peak season (April through September). Off-season moves can typically be scheduled within 1 to 2 weeks. If your building requires a COI or elevator reservation, add 5 to 10 business days for building management processing. Call 561-510-7191 to check availability.

What is the difference between a carrier and a broker?

A carrier owns trucks and employs crews. A broker collects your deposit and assigns the move to a carrier you did not choose. Both are legal, but only a carrier controls your shipment from loading to delivery. Verify any company's status by searching their USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Safebound holds USDOT 2900155 and operates as a carrier.

What are red flags when hiring movers?

Red flags include no verifiable USDOT number, phone-only quotes without an inventory review, large cash deposits required before moving day, blank spaces on the contract, and frequent company name changes. A reputable mover provides a written estimate after seeing your belongings and collects payment at delivery.

How much do movers cost in Florida?

Safebound charges $135 per hour for a 2-mover crew, $180 per hour for a 3-mover crew, and $225 per hour for a 4-mover crew for local Florida moves. Every job includes a 3-hour labor minimum plus 1 travel hour, making the minimums $540, $720, and $900. Long-distance moves are priced by volume and distance. Call 561-510-7191 for a quote.

Licensed (USDOT 2900155 | MC MC00975408 | FL IM2839), insured ($750,000), and certified: BBB Accredited, ProMover Certified, AMSA Member, Forbes Featured. Safebound Moving & Storage, headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, serves the continental United States. Verify credentials at fdacs.gov or safer.fmcsa.dot.gov