Moving Companies in California
150 licensed moving companies operating in or serving California. All listings are drawn directly from federal and consumer-protection records.
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Post your move to receive multiple bids from licensed moving companies serving California. The United States Moving Protection network connects consumers directly with audited movers. Three steps, no cost to consumers.
California audits in progress
USMPO is currently auditing interstate moving companies that operate in California against our eight-point standard. No California carriers have completed the audit yet.
While the California audit roster is being built, consumers can verify any mover's federal authority directly through the FMCSA SAFER system, or browse the federally licensed carriers operating in California below.
Typical price ranges for moves originating in California. Local moves are billed hourly within a 50-mile radius; long-distance moves are billed by weight and mileage. Quoted ranges are for full-service moves and include packing labor, equipment, transit, and basic released-value protection.
Estimates are typical-range industry benchmarks and may vary by carrier, season, and accessorial services (stairs, long carries, storage-in-transit, valuation upgrades).
Federal law sets a floor of consumer protections for licensed interstate carriers. Before booking a moving company in California, confirm each of the following.
Confirm the company's federal authority is “Active” on the FMCSA SAFER website. A USDOT number alone is not sufficient — the operating status must say AUTHORIZED for household goods.
Federal regulation requires interstate movers to provide a binding or not-to-exceed written estimate on request. Refuse to do business with a carrier that will only quote you over the phone.
Reputable carriers do not require deposits exceeding 20% of the estimated cost. Demands for cash-only or wire-transfer deposits are a primary indicator of moving fraud.
Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing current cargo and liability coverage. Federal minimum is $750,000 in liability for HHG carriers; California consumers should request a copy listing them as additional insured.
Read the carrier's BBB profile and FMCSA complaint record. A pattern of unresolved complaints — especially relating to delivery, damage, or hostage-load disputes — is a serious red flag.
For moves over 2,500 lbs, federal regulation entitles you to a free in-home or video survey to produce an accurate weight estimate. Skipping the survey often leads to delivery-day price increases.
Off-peak season. Interstate movers serving California typically offer 15–25% lower rates and broader date availability between October and April, when residential moving demand declines nationally.
Pricing in California typically rises 5–10% above winter rates as the school-year transition cycle begins. Mid-month and mid-week pickups still price well below summer peak.
Summer peak. Approximately 60% of US household moves happen between Memorial Day and Labor Day, pushing rates from California 20–30% higher and reducing date flexibility. Book at least 6 weeks in advance.
Moving companies operating within California are licensed and regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. California issues 'T' permit numbers to licensed household goods carriers and publishes complaint records publicly via the CPUC.
Interstate moves from California are separately governed by the U.S. Department of Transportation under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Both authorities apply to most household-goods movers serving California.
California consistently ranks among states with the highest moving fraud complaints. These are the patterns USMPO sees most often.
Bait-and-switch pricing
Low initial quote secures the booking, then the price rises after loading. Always require a binding written estimate tied to an itemized inventory.
Hostage loads
The mover refuses delivery until you pay charges not in the original estimate. Illegal under 49 CFR 375.701 — report to FMCSA immediately.
Rogue and unlicensed movers
No USDOT or MC number, unusually low quotes, cash-only deposits. Verify credentials at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing.
No-show after deposit
Deposit taken via Zelle or cash; the truck never arrives. Never pay more than 25% upfront and never via untraceable methods.
Under federal regulation 49 CFR Part 375, consumers are entitled to specific protections when hiring an interstate mover. California intrastate moves are governed by parallel rules under the California PUC.
- A written estimate before pickup. Binding or non-binding, based on a survey of your goods. You may refuse service if the carrier will not provide one.
- FMCSA Rights and Responsibilities booklet. Carriers must give you a copy of Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move at the time of the estimate.
- Valuation coverage. Full Value Protection (carrier liable for replacement value) or released-value protection ($0.60 per pound per article).
- The 110% rule on non-binding estimates. A carrier cannot demand more than 110% of a non-binding estimate at delivery; the balance is due within 30 days.
- Signed inventory & bill of lading. The bill of lading is the contract for your move. You are entitled to a copy before the truck leaves.
- Nine-month claim window. At least 9 months to file a loss or damage claim; the carrier has 30 days to acknowledge and 120 days to resolve.
Government and regulatory contacts for California residents. If a mover refuses to release your belongings, ignores federal rules, or operates without a license, these are the offices to call.
Files consumer-fraud complaints, investigates deceptive trade practices, and can pursue civil enforcement against bad-actor movers. Call (800) 952-5225.
File a consumer complaintRegulates moves that begin and end inside California under Cal. Pub. Util. Code § 5101 et seq.. Verify a mover's intrastate registration and report unlicensed activity.
Verify intrastate registrationBrowse California moving companies by city. Each city page lists federally licensed movers operating in the area, with USDOT, MC docket, BBB rating, and complaint history.
Common scams, red flags, and steps to take if you suspect a carrier is operating in bad faith.
Read guide →Open a case with USMPO. Serious complaints are forwarded to FMCSA and state attorneys general where appropriate.
Open a case →A plain-language summary of your federal rights when hiring an interstate household-goods mover.
Read summary →What are the best moving companies in California?
USMPO has identified 150 federally licensed moving companies operating in California. The table on this page lists movers that have independently passed USMPO's eight-point audit, which covers federal authority, insurance, crew screening, fleet ownership, estimate accuracy, transparent pricing, customer feedback, and complaint resolution. Audited carriers operate nationwide and accept moves from California. USMPO does not accept payment for ranking.
How much does it cost to move in California?
Local moves within California typically run $800–$3,000 for a 1- to 3-bedroom residence, billed hourly. Interstate moves to or from California typically range from $2,200 for a 1-bedroom to $9,000+ for a 3-bedroom, depending on weight, mileage, valuation, and seasonality. See the cost panel above for a size-by-size breakdown.
Are moving companies in California licensed and insured?
Every carrier listed on this page is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and holds active federal operating authority for the interstate transport of household goods. California intrastate movers are separately licensed by the California PUC. Federal law requires licensed carriers to maintain minimum cargo and liability insurance. Consumers can verify a carrier's current status free of charge on the FMCSA SAFER website.
How do I avoid moving scams in California?
Confirm the company's USDOT number on FMCSA SAFER, request a written binding estimate (not a phone quote), refuse to pay large cash deposits, read the BBB profile for complaint history, and review the carrier's USMPO profile for federal operating status, insurance, and consumer feedback. Report suspected fraud to the FMCSA National Consumer Complaint Database or to the California PUC.
Do moving companies in California handle long-distance and interstate moves?
Yes. Most carriers listed here hold federal interstate operating authority, meaning they are authorized to move household goods across state lines. State-only (intrastate) moves within California are regulated separately by the California Public Utilities Commission; consumers should confirm intrastate authority directly with the carrier before booking a local move.
When is the best time to move in California?
The cheapest time to book an interstate move from California is typically October through April, when carrier capacity exceeds demand. Peak season runs Memorial Day through Labor Day, when prices can be 20–30% higher and date availability is limited. Mid-month and mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) pickups also tend to price lower than weekend or month-end dates.
How do I file a complaint against a California mover?
You can file a federal complaint at the FMCSA National Consumer Complaint Database (nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov), file a state-level complaint with California Public Utilities Commission or the California Office of the Attorney General, and report directly to USMPO using the File a Complaint link on this page. Complaints against USMPO-audited carriers are factored into their audit status.
How is USMPO different from a moving broker or lead-gen site?
USMPO is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We do not sell consumer information to brokers or third-party marketers, and we do not take commission on bookings. Carriers pay USMPO once a year for the audit that certifies them; consumers always pay nothing. Compare that to typical lead-gen sites that sell your contact information to multiple movers.
Protecting consumers from moving fraud through education, research, and data transparency
The U.S. Moving Protection Organization (USMPO) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to protecting consumers from moving-related fraud, deceptive business practices, and consumer harm. Our audit program, complaint hotline, and research initiatives are designed to give every American household the data they need to choose a mover safely.