LOCAL MOVERS

THEIR US DOT NUMBER

The company’s US DOT number. To legally operate a moving company in the United States, a unique license number known as a US DOT number is required and must be renewed annually. Federal law requires moving companies to be in compliance and provide proof of insurance in order to renew this license each year. To check the status of a interstate moving company’s US DOT, contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Once you’ve identified a handful of companies you are interested in working with, contact each of them to request the following information:

A free estimate. Local moving companies will come to your residence and provide a free in-person estimate. Since the estimate is provided onsite, you should expect an accurate estimate with no surprises on your final bill.

References. As with any company, a reputable moving service will be able to provide you with a list of references that you can contact to get a better sense of how the company operates, and what to expect when working with them.

Their insurance and valuation protection policies. If something goes wrong during your move, you should know beforehand what your options are for compensation. Perhaps items are missing, or broken, or the moving company was late or worse, didn’t show up - what are your options to recoup any losses? Each company will have its own policies.