The best way to predict the future is to create it.
When it comes to hiring a moving company, creating your future starts with making the right choice.
After all, moving is one of life's most stressful events, and the last thing you want is to end up with an unlicensed, uninsured, or untrustworthy company.
Did you know that in recent years, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has recorded more than 3,000 moving-related complaints in the United States?
Of these, many were from customers who had no idea their moving company wasn’t legally authorized to operate in the first place.
That’s why you need to understand what the USDOT number is.
In fact, approximately 45 million Americans relocate each year, and many of them don’t realize the importance of verifying the credentials of their movers.
A USDOT number is not just a piece of regulatory red tape—it’s your key to make sure that the moving company you hire is properly licensed and meets all federal safety requirements.
With the rise of moving scams and rogue companies, it is compulsory to know how to check a moving company’s USDOT number.
This simple step can protect you from lost items, damaged property, and even financial loss.
Let’s discuss why checking a USDOT number is essential, how to do it, and how it gives you peace of mind when hiring a moving company.
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What is a USDOT Number?
Before we get into the "how," it's essential to understand the "what."
A USDOT number is a unique identifier assigned to commercial vehicles operating in the U.S.
It is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and tracks safety records, inspections, compliance, and other relevant data for companies involved in interstate transport.
For moving companies, this number is an important indicator of whether they are licensed and legally allowed to operate.
A USDOT number is required for moving companies involved in interstate moves and even for some companies that operate within a single state.
Why Should You Check a Moving Company's USDOT Number?
Now that we know what a USDOT number is, let’s discuss why it's so important.
Imagine hiring a moving company that doesn't follow regulations or has the proper safety measures in place—this could lead to damaged items, loss of property, or liability for accidents.
By verifying a moving company’s USDOT number, you can make sure that the company is legitimate, insured, and has met all the necessary requirements.
A USDOT number lookup will give you access to key information, such as:
- Safety performance
- Inspection history
- Accident records
- Insurance status
- License status
How to Check a Moving Company's USDOT Number
Checking a moving company’s USDOT number is easier than you might think.
Here’s the step-by-step process that you can follow:
Obtain the USDOT Number
First, ask the moving company for its USDOT number.
This number should be readily available on their website, in their contract, or directly from the company itself.
If you're dealing with a moving company that’s unwilling to provide this information, it’s a red flag, and you may want to reconsider hiring them.
Visit the FMCSA Website
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) offers a free, user-friendly tool called the FMCSA Mover Search.
This tool allows you to easily search for any registered moving company by their USDOT number.
Go to the FMCSA website (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov).
Navigate to the “Search for Registered Movers” section.
Enter the USDOT number into the search box.
Hit the search button and review the results.
Review the Information
Once you input the USDOT number, you'll be able to see various important details about the moving company.
This includes:
- Company Name
- Contact Information
- Insurance Information
- Safety Rating
- Compliance History
If the search returns no results, it could mean the company isn't registered, or the number is incorrect.
Use the FMCSA Mover Lookup Tool
If you want to investigate further, the FMCSA Mover Lookup Tool can provide additional details, such as the company's inspection history and any safety violations it may have been flagged for.
This can give you more insight into whether a company is trustworthy or not.
Verify Moving Company License
A verified moving company license is a step you should take alongside checking the USDOT number.
You might be wondering—does a USDOT number mean the company is properly licensed?
Not necessarily.
Some moving companies might still be operating without a valid license, even if they have a USDOT number.
To make sure the company is fully licensed, visit the FMCSA website, where you can also perform an FMCSA company search.
This will show whether a company holds the appropriate moving license for your specific type of move.
What Information Can You Find Using USDOT Number Lookup?
A USDOT number lookup provides several key pieces of information that are essential for understanding the legitimacy and reliability of the moving company.
Company Name and Address: This is the official name and physical address of the moving company.
Insurance Status: You can confirm if the company carries the proper insurance coverage to protect your belongings during transit.
Safety Rating: The FMCSA assigns safety ratings to moving companies based on their performance during inspections. Companies with a higher rating are generally more reliable.
Violations or Accidents: If the company has been involved in accidents or violations, it will show up here.
FMCSA Mover Database: Why It’s Important
The FMCSA Mover Database is a useful tool for anyone looking to check a moving company's USDOT number.
It gives you access to real-time data about movers across the country.
This database includes information on both licensed and unlicensed moving companies, along with any actions or violations they've been involved in.
When searching for a moving company, ensure you check the FMCSA Mover Database for any flags that might raise red flags.
You want to hire a company with a clean record and one that abides by federal regulations.
Tips for Choosing a Moving Company
While checking a moving company’s USDOT number is a great first step, here are a few other tips to help you choose the best-moving company for your needs:
Get Multiple Quotes
It’s always a good idea to get quotes from at least three different moving companies. Don’t just settle for the first one you find.
Read Reviews and Testimonials
Look up reviews of the moving companies you're considering. Check websites like My Good Movers or Google for customer feedback.
Positive reviews from previous customers can provide insight into the company’s reliability and service quality.
Check for Accreditation
Beyond the USDOT number, look for other credentials that show the moving company is legitimate.
For example, check if they're accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or if they're members of the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA).
Additional Features of the FMCSA Mover Lookup Tool
The FMCSA Mover Lookup Tool isn’t just for checking a moving company’s USDOT number. It also provides features that allow you to:
Find a company by name: If you don’t have the USDOT number but know the company’s name, you can search by that.
Search by location: You can search for movers based on their location, making it easier to find one in your area.
Get more detailed reports: If you need to, you can access detailed reports about the company’s inspection history, violations, and accident records.
