10 Questions to Ask a Moving Company Before You Hire
A short interview separates the pros from the problems.
Anyone with a truck can claim to be a mover. The real test is a five-minute phone call. Ask these ten questions before you sign anything, and you’ll know exactly who you’re dealing with.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
For Pennsylvania intrastate moves, the mover needs a PA PUC number. For interstate moves, they need a USDOT and MC number. LiteMovers carries PUC A-8916211, USDOT 2173383, and MC-888055. If a company can’t rattle these off, walk away.
2. How Long Have You Been in Business?
New companies aren’t automatically bad, but established movers have track records you can verify. LiteMovers has served the Greater Philadelphia area since 2007.
3. Will You Do a Walkthrough or Video Survey?
Accurate estimates need eyes on the inventory. A reputable mover will either visit your home or do a video survey. Phone-only estimates lead to surprise charges.
4. Do You Use Employees or Day Labor?
Direct-hire, background-checked employees are trained, insured under workers’ comp, and have skin in the game. Day laborers and “contractors” often aren’t.
5. Can I See a Written Estimate That Lists All Charges?
Get every potential charge in writing: hourly rate, travel charge, materials, stairs, long carry, shuttle, bulky items. A mover who won’t put it on paper is hiding something.
6. What Valuation Coverage Do You Offer?
Federal law requires interstate movers to offer two valuation options: basic released value and full value protection. Understand the difference. Basic coverage is minimal; full value protection actually replaces or repairs damaged goods.
7. Do You Subcontract or Broker Moves?
Some companies are brokers, not movers. They sell your job to whoever bids lowest. Ask directly: “Will your own employees handle my move from start to finish?” LiteMovers uses our own crews and trucks.
8. What’s Your Claims Process?
Even careful movers have occasional damage. A good company has a clear claims process, a contact person, and a written timeline. Ask what happens if something breaks.
9. Can You Provide References?
Online reviews are useful, but recent local references seal the deal. A confident mover will name customers you can contact, or point you to verified review platforms like the BBB or Google.
10. What Payment Methods Do You Accept?
Avoid any mover who demands cash only or a large upfront deposit. Reputable movers accept credit cards, checks, and digital payments. LiteMovers accepts all major cards plus Venmo and Cash App.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a good moving company?
Start by confirming licensing: a PA PUC number for intrastate moves and a USDOT and MC number for interstate moves. Then look for at least five years in business, in-house employees rather than day labor, a written estimate with every accessorial charge listed, and recent verifiable reviews. Avoid brokers who resell your job, demand cash-only payment, or refuse to do a walkthrough. A confident, established mover will answer every question in detail.
How do I check if a moving company is legitimate?
For Pennsylvania intrastate moves, search the PA PUC database for the company’s A-number license. For interstate moves, look up the USDOT and MC numbers on the FMCSA’s SAFER website to confirm active operating authority and insurance. Also check the BBB for accreditation and complaint history, and read Google reviews from the past 12 months. Any mover unwilling to share license numbers up front is a serious red flag.
Do moving companies background check employees?
Reputable moving companies background check every employee before hire. This typically includes a criminal background check, employment verification, and a drug screen. LiteMovers conducts background checks on all crew members and uses direct-hire employees rather than day laborers. When you call to book, ask the mover whether their workers are W-2 employees and whether background checks are part of hiring.
Should movers provide references?
Yes, established movers can provide recent local references on request. They should also point you to verified review platforms like the BBB, Google Business Profile, and Yelp where you can read unfiltered customer feedback. If a mover claims to have hundreds of happy customers but can’t direct you to a single review site or recent referral, that’s a sign the company may be newer than they claim or may operate under multiple business names.
What should I look for in moving company reviews?
Look for patterns rather than individual reviews. Read at least 20 recent reviews and watch for consistent themes: were crews on time, was the final price close to the estimate, did damage claims get resolved fairly? Pay extra attention to one-star and three-star reviews, since those tend to describe specific problems. Verify the reviewer’s profile looks real with photos, multiple reviews, and a long history. Be wary of companies with only five-star reviews posted in the same week.
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