The U.S. Moving Protection Organization (USMPO) is dedicated to improving transparency, consumer protection, and fair competition within the household goods moving industry. One of the major challenges facing legitimate moving companies is the growing number of rogue operators who use lowball estimates and deceptive tactics to attract customers.
We invite you to join USMPO's Register Your Move initiative, a proactive solution designed to address these challenges by educating consumers and eliminating fraudulent competitive quotes from rogue movers.
1. Register Your Move
A registered move is a safer move. The initiative is an added layer of protection and quality assurance for your relocation. Shippers with registered moves have access to resources that will verify the accuracy of their inventory, pricing, and estimates. Additionally, registered moves have the added benefit of conflict resolution and claims assistance.
This free protection protocol allows the U.S. Moving Protection Organization to hold your mover accountable to their estimates, eliminate the risk of moving fraud and unjustified price increases.
Registered shippers are assigned a tracking number. Providing this number to your mover before reserving is a safeguard that allows us to monitor the performance of your move. Please note, we are only able to hold verified movers accountable.
Register Your Move Now!2. Search the Verified Mover Directory
All interstate household goods movers must be registered with FMCSA. The FMCSA database holds a large database of all movers licensed, insured, and authorized to transport household goods. Unfortunately, this extensive list includes all licensed movers, including brokers and rogue movers, regardless of their standards to safety and ethical business practices.
The USMPO condensed and simplified a complex FMCSA database, allowing consumers to effortlessly check the background of their mover. USMPO builds comprehensive company profiles for each mover in its directory. The profile highlights important data such as insurance status, complaint history, and USMPO ratings, allowing consumers to efficiently vet a potential mover before reserving.
Search the Directory3. Avoid Submitting Information to Lead-Generating Websites
One of the biggest risks to consumers is submitting personal information to moving lead generation websites. These sites collect your data and sell it to multiple brokers and movers, resulting in an overwhelming volume of sales calls, emails, and texts.
Warning: Submitting your information to lead-generating websites may result in dozens of unwanted solicitations from brokers, not actual moving companies. Many of these brokers use high-pressure sales tactics and lowball estimates to secure your deposit.
4. Get Multiple Estimates
Always get at least three estimates from different carriers. Make sure each estimate is based on an accurate inventory of your household goods. Be wary of estimates that are significantly lower than others — this is often a sign of a scam.
5. Verify Your Mover
- Check that the company is registered with the FMCSA and has a valid DOT number
- Verify their insurance status is current
- Look up their complaint history on the USMPO directory
- Read customer reviews from multiple sources
- Confirm they use their own trucks and crews
- Ask if they are a carrier or a broker
6. Understand Your Rights
Before your move, familiarize yourself with your rights as a consumer. Federal regulations protect you against many common moving scams. Download our Rights and Responsibilities handbook for a comprehensive guide.
7. Document Everything
- Keep copies of all estimates, contracts, and bills of lading
- Take photos and videos of your belongings before and after the move
- Save all email and text correspondence with your mover
- Note the names of crew members and truck numbers
- Keep receipts for all payments made
Need Help?
If you've been a victim of moving fraud, we're here to help.
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