E.E. Ward Moving & Storage

The safest way to choose a long distance moving company is not by comparing quotes first, but by taking one crucial, initial step: verifying the company's legal registration. For cross-country moves, this means checking their USDOT number with the FMCSA to ensure they are a licensed carrier, not a rogue operator.

An interstate move is one of life’s most significant undertakings. The process of packing up your entire life and relocating hundreds or thousands of miles away, perhaps from New York to a new home in Los Angeles, is a massive logistical and emotional challenge. In this whirlwind of activity, the natural first step for most people is to search online for "long distance movers," collect a few quotes, and scan some reviews. While logical, this common approach exposes you to the single greatest risk in the moving industry: the unlicensed, uninsured rogue operator. At E.E. Ward, with a legacy spanning over 140 years in the moving and storage industry, we have seen firsthand the devastating consequences that can arise from choosing the wrong company. The moving horror stories you hear—possessions held hostage, prices doubling on moving day, damaged items with no recourse—almost always originate with an entity that isn't legally authorized to transport household goods. This is why we urge a different approach. Before you look at a single review or request a quote, the first and most critical action you must take is to verify a company’s legal certification. This simple, five-minute check is the most powerful tool you have to filter out fraudulent actors and ensure you are only dealing with reputable, accountable moving companies.

The Hidden Danger: Understanding the Difference Between Licensed Carriers and Rogue Movers

The internet has made it incredibly easy for anyone with a website and a truck to advertise as a moving company. This has created a critical divide in the industry between two types of operations: legitimate, licensed carriers and illegitimate, rogue movers. A **licensed moving carrier** is a professional company that has met stringent federal and state requirements. For interstate moving companies that cross state lines, this means being registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They are assigned a unique USDOT Number, which serves as a license to operate. These companies are required to carry specific insurance coverages, adhere to safety regulations, and provide customers with legal documents like a Bill of Lading. Reputable national van lines, such as Allied Van Lines, northAmerican Van Lines, United Van Lines, and Mayflower Transit, and their agents are all licensed carriers. A **rogue mover**, on the other hand, operates outside the law. They may have a convincing website and a friendly salesperson, but they lack the legal authority and insurance to transport your belongings. These are the source of most moving scams. Their business model often relies on providing an attractive, lowball quote online or over the phone. Once they have your items on their truck, they may inflate the price dramatically, holding your property hostage until you pay the exorbitant new fee. Because they are unlicensed, you have very little legal recourse. Choosing a mover based on the lowest price without first confirming their legal status is like buying a house without checking the title. You could be setting yourself up for a significant financial and emotional loss.

Your First Step to a Secure Move: Verifying Legal Certification

Verifying a mover's license is your shield against fraud. It is a straightforward process that instantly tells you whether a company is a legitimate business or a potential threat. This is far more reliable than online reviews, which can be easily fabricated.

For Interstate (Cross-Country) Moves: The USDOT and MC Numbers

When you're planning a move from one state to another, such as relocating from Illinois to Texas, any mover you consider must be federally licensed. For moves between states, a mover must have a number issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT) which serves as a license. This is their USDOT number, and for movers transporting household goods, they will also have a Motor Carrier (MC) number. A reputable company will display its USDOT number prominently on its website and in its advertising. If you cannot find it, that is your first major red flag. Once you have the number, you can perform a simple check. You can request a mover's USDOT number and verify it against the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website to ensure you are dealing with a legitimate organization. Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit the FMCSA’s Company Snapshot tool.
2. Enter the company’s USDOT number or name into the search field.
3. Review the report. Look for "Operating Status: AUTHORIZED" and "Authorized for: HHG" (Household Goods). If it says "Not Authorized" or lacks the HHG designation, do not hire them.
4. Check their safety rating and ensure they have current insurance information on file. When researching potential movers, you should verify the company's license and insurance coverage.

This simple search provides a wealth of information and is the single most effective way to separate professional state to state movers from dangerous imposters.

For Intrastate (In-State) Moves: State-Level Regulations (PUC)

For a local or long distance move within the same state, the regulations are managed at the state level, often by a Public Utilities Commission (PUC) or Department of Transportation. These requirements can vary significantly. For example, household movers that operate between points within Pennsylvania are regulated by the PUC, required to have a certificate of public convenience, and must have proper insurance on file. To verify an in-state mover, search online for your state’s name plus "moving company regulations" or "PUC mover search." This will typically lead you to a government database where you can check if the company is legally permitted to operate within your state's borders.

The Protection You Earn: Built-in Safeguards of a Licensed Mover

When you hire a licensed and insured mover, you are not just paying for transportation; you are gaining access to a suite of consumer protections mandated by law. These are safeguards that rogue movers simply do not and cannot offer.

• Valuation Coverage (Moving Insurance): Licensed interstate movers must offer you two types of liability coverage. The first, Released Value Protection, is minimal coverage included at no extra cost, but it only pays 60 cents per pound per article. For a 50-pound television, that's only $30. The second, and highly recommended, option is Full Value Protection. This coverage ensures that if any of your items are lost, damaged, or destroyed, the mover will either repair the item, replace it with a similar item, or make a cash settlement for the cost of the repair or the current market replacement value.
• Binding Estimates: A reputable carrier will offer a Binding Estimate or a Binding Not-to-Exceed Estimate after conducting an in-home estimate or a detailed virtual survey. This means the price they quote is the price you pay, as long as you do not add more items or services. This prevents the "hostage" situation common with moving scams, where the final cost is suddenly thousands more than the initial quote.
• The Bill of Lading: This is the legal contract between you and your mover. It should list all services, destinations, the agreed-upon price, and valuation coverage. An unlicensed operator may not provide a proper Bill of Lading, leaving you with no official documentation of your agreement.
• Your Rights and Responsibilities: All licensed interstate movers are required by federal law to provide you with a booklet titled "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" before your move begins. This document outlines the entire process, including the claims process and your right to an arbitrator if disputes arise.

A New Way to Read Reviews: The Verification-First vs. Reviews-First Approach

In the digital age, we are conditioned to rely on reviews. But when it comes to choosing a long distance moving company, reviews can be misleading if not viewed through the proper lens. The key is to change the order of your operations.

The Reviews/Quotes-First Approach (The Common Method)

Pros: This approach feels proactive. You can quickly gather a range of prices and see what other customers are saying, which gives you an initial sense of the market.

Cons: This method is deeply flawed because it doesn't filter for legitimacy. You waste valuable time vetting companies that may not even be legal. Rogue movers are experts at generating fake five-star reviews and offering impossibly low quotes to lure you in. You end up comparing legitimate companies against fraudulent ones, which is a dangerous and confusing position.

The Verification-First Approach (The Professional Method)

Pros: By starting with the FMCSA database, you immediately create a pool of exclusively legal, insured, and accountable movers. Every company on this list is a safe starting point. This makes subsequent steps—reading moving company reviews, comparing quotes—far more meaningful because you are comparing apples to apples. This method saves time and completely eliminates the risk of hiring a criminal enterprise.

Cons: It requires one extra, upfront step that takes about five minutes. Considering it can save you from losing thousands of dollars and all your worldly possessions, it is a small price to pay.

Once you have a list of verified carriers, then you can consult resources like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or look for a company with ProMover Certification from the American Moving & Storage Association for an extra layer of confidence.

Answering Your Key Questions About Long Distance Moving

With a foundation of safety and legitimacy established, we can address some of the most common questions people ask when planning a big move.

What should I look for in a long-distance moving company?

After verifying their USDOT number, look for transparency and professionalism. A reputable mover will insist on a thorough inventory of your household goods, either through an in-home estimate or a live virtual survey. They will provide a detailed, written estimate and clearly explain your valuation coverage options. Experience is also key; a company with decades in business or a strong affiliation with national van lines has a proven track record and a robust network to handle complex long distance moves.

What are red flags to watch for in movers?

Beyond the primary red flag of having no USDOT number, watch for these warning signs:

• The company answers the phone with a generic "Moving company" or "Movers."
• They demand a large moving deposit or full payment in cash before the move.
• They provide a vague, non-binding estimate over the phone without seeing your items.
• Their website has no physical address or licensing information listed.
• They arrive in a generic moving truck rental (like a U-Haul or Penske) rather than a clearly branded company van or truck from a recognized van line like Atlas Van Lines or an allied agent.

Is $5000 enough to move cross-country?

The cost to move varies dramatically based on the weight of your shipment, the distance of your move, and the services you need. For a small move, like a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Houston during the off-season, $5000 might be sufficient. However, for a larger family moving to Florida or moving to California from across the country, especially during the peak moving season (May-September), the cost will likely be higher. Factors that increase the price include full-service packing and unpacking services, auto transport services, long-term storage, custom crating for fragile items, and potential surcharges like shuttle service fees or long carry fees if the large moving van cannot park close to your residence.

Which long-distance moving company is best?

There is no single "best" company for everyone. The right choice depends entirely on your needs and budget. A full-service mover is ideal for those who want a hands-off experience. For smaller moves or those on a tighter budget, you might consider self-service moving options like moving container companies (e.g., PODS, U-Pack) or even a moving truck rental. It is also important to understand the difference between moving brokers vs. carriers. A carrier owns the trucks and employs the crew; a broker is a salesperson who arranges for a carrier to move you. While some brokers are reputable, it is often safer to work directly with a carrier or a dedicated agent of a major van line to ensure clear communication and accountability.

Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

Your personal situation will dictate the right long-distance moving partner. By first verifying legitimacy, you can then confidently select a service that matches your priorities.

For the First-Time Mover: You may be price-sensitive and inexperienced, making you the primary target for lowball quotes from rogue operators. Your priority is education and safety. Resist the temptation of the cheapest quote. Instead, focus on your pre-vetted list of licensed movers. Ask for a Binding Not-to-Exceed Estimate and read the "Your Rights and Responsibilities" booklet thoroughly. Prioritize security over a few hundred dollars in savings.

For the Cautious Planner: You are risk-averse and value security above all else. You should look for long-established movers or agents for major national van lines. Dig deeper by checking their BBB rating and asking about their claims process. For you, investing in Full Value Protection is non-negotiable for complete peace of mind.

For the Busy Professional: Your time is your most valuable asset. You need efficiency, reliability, and minimal disruption. Focus on reputable full-service movers that offer comprehensive packages. Services like white glove moving services, professional packing and unpacking services, furniture disassembly/reassembly, and appliance servicing will be well worth the investment, allowing you to focus on your career and family during the transition.

A cross-country move is a journey, and it should begin with confidence, not fear. By shifting your initial focus from prices and reviews to the non-negotiable standard of legal certification, you build a foundation of safety and trust. This single step transforms the process from a gamble into a well-managed project, ensuring that your life's possessions are in the hands of a professional, accountable long distance moving company. With 145 years of experience and as a proud agent for North American Van Lines, E.E. Ward Moving & Storage has built a legacy of trust by adhering to the highest standards of service and professionalism. We provide transparent, reliable long distance moving services for families across the country. For a comprehensive moving plan and a free, no-obligation estimate from our expert team in Columbus, OH, contact us today and let us help you make your next move your best move.

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