Finding a moving company that’s properly registered to do business in your area is extremely important. In order to avoid fraudulent businesses, you must find a trusted and licensed mover. To confirm they’re reliable, you’ll want to check their credentials. There are many ways to confirm a mover’s legitimacy, but the easiest one is to check their license number. Checking the mover’s license number will give you some vital info and it will confirm that you are safe to do business with them. To help you with finding a trusted mover in your area, we’ve put together a simple guide. Carry on reading to learn how to check the mover’s license number.
Websites for checking movers license number
There are several ways to check the mover’s license number and we’ll go through some of them in the following text. All of them are pretty simple, you’ll just need online access and a little bit of time. You’ll want to start your research by visiting two major websites to make sure you’re dealing with a licensed service provider.
The FMCSA website
Your online search begins on the official website of the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). Once you’re on their home page, you’ll want to find the “search” tool. This is where you’ll enter the mover’s USDOT number and check if they’re registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. This number is commonly found on your mover’s website – the home page or “about us” section should display the USDOT number. Think of your ID – this number is something of an ID for moving companies and that’s why it’s so important. All credible movers have their unique USDOT number so the company can’t be mixed up with someone else.
Once you copy this number into the “search” tool on the FMCSA website and click for search, the info about your mover should pop up. In case the interstate mover is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation, you’ll be able to see that info here. This is your confirmation that the mover you’re eyeing to hire is allowed to do business in your area.
The BBB website
The next extremely helpful website is the BBB (Better Business Bureau). This is a non-profit organization that focuses on improving trust between consumers and businesses. It helps consumers find businesses they can trust and take several steps in ensuring the company is legit. Each member of the BBB must go through a strict vetting process. You will also be able to see their ratings and get an idea of how well they operate.
Other ways to check the legitimacy of a moving company
There are various ways to confirm you’re dealing with a licensed and trustworthy mover. You could also read through the customer’s reviews and speak to the mover directly to get a sense of their professionalism. Do more you research, the better. Speak to them directly and ask as many questions as necessary. All reputable movers will have no trouble providing proof of their legitimacy. Here’s another way you could check if a mover is licensed to do business in your area.
The ATA
The ATA (American Trucking Association) requires each business to go through various screenings in order to become a member. Each mover must uphold the ATA Code of Ethics if they want to become a ProMover member of the association. So checking if your mover is a member is another sure way to confirm their legitimacy.
Are local movers required to have a license?
U.S. federal laws and regulations require all interstate movers to obtain a USDOT number. However, many states require local movers to have one as well. States in which you’ll want to check the USDOT number of your mover, even for a short relocation, are Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Other states only require a state license. The best thing to do in this case is to check with your state’s department of transportation office about which license is required. Your state’s transportation authority will also be the place to verify your local mover’s numbers.
Why should I check the mover’s license number?
Getting info about the mover, such as their addresses, USDOT number, insurance details, and complaints may not seem so important to you. However, you should always do a thorough check on your moving company before you decide to do business with them. You’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re dealing with a trusted professional. Plus, you’ll avoid rogue movers. Fraudulent moving companies are, unfortunately, more present than you know. They have many ways of scamming innocent consumers looking for the best moving rates. And, they could hold your belongings hostage until you pay the price higher than you originally agreed.
Fraudulent movers often add costs that were never mentioned before the move. They will demand you pay much more than you originally arranged or you won’t see your belongings again. In the worst-case scenario, you won’t receive your delivery at all. Any of these scenarios is possible so you must do your homework and avoid dealing with rogue movers. In case you do come across a fraudulent moving company, always contact your local police department first and let them know about the situation you’re in.
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