How To File a Complaint Against Movers

If you’ve had issues with a moving company, here’s how to file a complaint and protect your rights:

• Start by documenting everything: Take photos of damaged items, save all communication, and keep receipts and service agreements.
• Contact the moving company: Write a detailed complaint including evidence and your desired resolution. Give them 5-7 business days to respond.
• File a formal complaint if needed: For interstate moves, report issues to the FMCSA (1-888-368-7238). For in-state moves, contact your state’s regulatory agency.
• Consider the Better Business Bureau (BBB): File a complaint online for mediation if the company doesn’t resolve your issue.
• Explore legal options: Use small claims court or hire an attorney for larger claims.

How to File a Complaint About a Mover

Step 1: Collect Required Information

Before filing a complaint against your moving company, make sure you have all the necessary documentation. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) needs specific details to handle your complaint properly.

Record All Issues

Keep a detailed record of every problem you experience, along with supporting evidence:

Documentation Type	What to Include	Why It Matters
Photo Evidence	Before/after pictures of damaged items	Shows condition changes during transit
Communication Records	Emails, text messages, phone call logs	Establishes a timeline of interactions
Financial Records	Estimates, invoices, receipts	Highlights pricing discrepancies
Service Documents	Bill of lading, inventory sheets	Confirms service agreements

Make sure to log incidents with dates, times, and the names of any representatives involved. This detailed documentation can strengthen your case.

Required Company Information

You'll also need to gather key information about the moving company:

• Company's Legal Details:
  • Full business name
  • Physical address and contact information
  • U.S. DOT number
  • MC (Motor Carrier) identification number
• Move-Specific Details:
  • Pickup and delivery addresses
  • Pickup and delivery dates
  • Initial quoted cost and final amount charged
  • Names of company representatives involved

Providing this information helps the FMCSA identify companies violating regulations and creates a record for possible enforcement actions.

Make duplicates of all documents, as regulators may ask for additional details. Store digital copies securely, and keep physical copies in a separate, organized folder.

Step 2: Contact the Moving Company First

Once you've gathered all the necessary documentation, start by addressing the issue directly with the moving company. This is often the fastest way to resolve problems before involving regulatory agencies.

Write a Clear Complaint

Use the table below to structure your complaint effectively:

Component	What to Include	Purpose
Header Information	Your account/order number, move dates, and locations	Helps the company identify your case quickly
Issue Description	Details of specific incidents, including dates and times	Clearly outlines the problems
Evidence Reference	A list of attached photos, videos, and documents	Provides proof to support your claims
Resolution Request	Specific actions you want the company to take	Sets clear expectations for resolution

Make sure your complaint is professional and detailed. Include a timeline of events, descriptions of issues (e.g., damaged or missing items), names of representatives you interacted with, and any supporting documentation. Be clear about what resolution you’re seeking.

Next Steps After Response

Once you’ve submitted your complaint, give the moving company 5-7 business days to respond. Their reply will guide your next actions:

• If the response is positive:
  • Review their proposed solution carefully.
  • Get all agreements in writing.
  • Set clear deadlines for resolution.
  • Keep copies of all correspondence for your records.
• If you’re not satisfied with their response:
  • Document their reply.
  • Escalate the issue to a supervisor.
  • Consider arbitration as another option.
  • Be prepared to take formal steps if needed.

For instance, in a case involving TRANSIT U.S.A., Inc., a customer had to pursue additional compensation through formal channels after the company’s initial settlement offer didn’t cover the $510.00 owed for damaged furniture.

Arbitration can sometimes resolve disputes without further escalation. However, if you’re unable to reach a satisfactory outcome, move on to Step 3 to file a complaint with the appropriate regulatory agencies.

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Step 3: File Official Complaints

When direct communication with the moving company doesn't resolve your issue, it's time to escalate through official complaint channels. Different agencies handle specific violations, so it's important to know where to file.

FMCSA Complaint Process

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees interstate moving companies and manages the National Consumer Complaint Database. To file a complaint with the FMCSA, you'll need to provide:

• Your full name, address, and phone number
• The moving company's name, address, and phone number
• Origin and destination addresses, along with your move dates
• U.S. DOT and MC numbers (if available)
• Supporting documents like the estimate, Bill of Lading, and inventory sheets

Once submitted, your complaint becomes part of the company's record and helps FMCSA identify patterns of misconduct. While the FMCSA doesn't resolve individual disputes, your report can trigger investigations into the company’s practices. If your move was within a single state, you'll need to contact your state’s regulatory agency instead.

State Agency Complaints

For moves within state lines, file your complaint with your state’s regulatory agency. Each state has its own department that handles moving company disputes. Here are a few examples:

State	Agency Contact
California	Public Utilities Commission: 800-877-8867
Florida	Department of Agriculture: 850-410-3808
New York	Department of Transportation: 800-786-5368

These agencies can investigate your case, impose penalties on the company, and, in some cases, assist with recovering damages. If this route doesn't work, you can turn to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for mediation.

Filing a BBB Complaint

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers a platform to mediate disputes between consumers and moving companies. Here’s how to file a complaint:

1. Collect Your Records
   Gather all relevant documents, including contracts, emails, and any evidence of damages or disputes.
2. Submit Your Complaint
   Use the BBB’s online portal to file your complaint. Be as detailed as possible about your experience and clearly state the resolution you’re seeking, including any specific financial compensation.
3. Wait for a Response
   The BBB allows the company 14 days to respond to your complaint.

Using multiple complaint channels not only strengthens your case but also helps hold moving companies accountable, protecting future customers from similar issues.

Step 4: Legal Options

Understand your legal choices and prepare thoroughly to build a strong case.

Small Claims Court Guide

Small claims court can be an affordable way to resolve disputes related to moving services.

• Gather evidence: Collect key documents like contracts, estimates, photos, receipts, written communication, and witness statements.
• Send a formal demand letter: Clearly state the amount owed, explain the damages, show your calculation, and set a deadline (usually 7–14 days).
• File your claim: Confirm the moving company’s legal name and structure before filing in the correct court jurisdiction.

Claim Type	Maximum Amount
Interstate Move	$6,360.43
In-State Move	$10,000.00
Local Move	$600.00

If your claim exceeds the small claims court's limits, consider the next steps for additional legal support.

Legal Help Guidelines

For larger disputes or complex cases, hiring an attorney may be necessary - especially for interstate moves, high-value claims, or if the company denies responsibility.

When working with an attorney:

• Look for lawyers familiar with moving-related disputes.
• Review the Carmack Amendment (49 U.S.C. sec. 14706) if your case involves interstate moves.
• Organize your evidence in chronological order.
• Clearly document all damages and any violations.

Important: Many attorneys may hesitate to take on moving company cases because of their lower dollar value. A business attorney might be a better option to evaluate your documentation and recommend the best next steps.

Refer back to the documentation you collected in Step 1. Strong photographic evidence and records of your communication with the moving company will greatly support your position in court.

MOD24: Finding Licensed Movers

Avoid headaches during your move by starting with licensed, reliable movers. Instead of dealing with complaints after the fact, choosing verified movers upfront can help you sidestep potential problems entirely.

MOD24 puts it simply:

"Every local and long-distance moving helper featured on MOD24 is licensed, verified, and insured. Our commitment is to deliver a professional customer experience, regardless of your relocation destination. With MOD24, a secure and simple move is assured for all."

Here’s why MOD24 stands out when it comes to finding trustworthy movers:

Feature	How It Helps You
License Verification	Ensures all movers are pre-screened and properly licensed.
Live Reviews	Provides real feedback from verified customers (4.6/5 from 370 reviews).
Instant Quote Comparison	Lets you compare rates upfront, avoiding pricing surprises.
Customer Support	Offers dedicated help throughout your moving process.
Online Booking	Keeps reservation details clear and documented for better communication.

MOD24 simplifies the process by verifying movers’ licenses, showcasing live reviews, and offering instant quote comparisons. These tools help you avoid common pitfalls like pricing disputes while giving you confidence in your choice.

Additional features include real-time licensing checks, transparent pricing, verified customer feedback, and access to comprehensive moving insurance options. Plus, MOD24 provides a membership program ($49/year, with the first year free) that includes perks like move insurance, storage coverage, and VIP support.

While MOD24 significantly lowers the risk of moving problems, it’s still smart to keep detailed records of your move and follow outlined complaint procedures if any issues arise.

Summary: Protect Your Rights

If you’re dealing with serious interstate moving violations, you can file a complaint with the FMCSA's National Consumer Complaint Database by calling 1‑888‑368‑7238.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps you should take to protect your rights and build a solid case:

Action Step	Timeline	Key Requirements
Initial Company Contact	Within 90 days	Submit a written claim with detailed documentation
FMCSA Complaint	As soon as issues occur	Provide the DOT number, incident dates, and a detailed report
State Agency Filing	Varies by state	Include local registration information and move details
BBB Complaint	Within 12 months	Provide company contact info and proof of attempted resolution

For instance, in Georgia, movers must respond to written claims within 90 days. If they don’t resolve the issue, the Department of Public Safety can step in to assist with intrastate moves.

Keep thorough records of everything - emails, photos, contracts, receipts, and timelines. These details can make all the difference if you need to escalate your complaint. If initial steps don’t work, you can take the matter to small claims court to address property damage or breach of contract. Another option is to explore mediation through the Better Business Bureau.

Having detailed documentation is critical for supporting your case if further action becomes necessary.