Interstate movers, carriers, and brokers

Carrier and broker are different roles

A carrier transports the shipment under its authority. A broker arranges transportation by another authorized carrier. Ask which role the company has and who is expected to arrive.

Verify federal records

Use the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's consumer tools to search the company. Compare its legal name, address, phone number, USDOT number, operating status, and carrier or broker designation with your paperwork.

Ask who controls the estimate

Confirm whether the estimate is prepared by the carrier or broker, whether a carrier has accepted the job, and what can happen if the shipment size or services differ from the estimate.

Match every document

The advertisement, estimate, agreement, payment recipient, arriving truck, and bill of lading should make the relationships understandable. Ask about unexplained company-name changes before loading.

Keep federal consumer information

Read the federal moving information provided to you, keep copies of all documents, and know where to report a problem. Never place the only copies inside the shipment.

Verify it yourself

Requirements can change. These official sources are the best place to confirm current information.