Questions to Ask a Moving Company Before You Book

The most important questions to ask a moving company are whether it is licensed, how it prices the move, what is included in the estimate, who will show up on moving day, and what happens if something breaks. A mover's answers tell you more than its rate does. A clear, written answer to each one is a good sign. A vague answer, or no answer, is a reason to keep looking. Below are 15 questions to ask movers before you sign anything, grouped by topic, with what a good answer sounds like.

Questions About Licensing and Legitimacy

1. What is your USDOT number?

Any mover that crosses state lines must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and have a USDOT number. You can check a number at protectyourmove.gov or through FMCSA’s carrier search. A legitimate mover gives you the number without hesitation, and it is often printed on the website and the truck.

2. Are you authorized to move households inside Virginia?

For moves within Virginia, the state DMV regulates paid household goods movers, and a mover needs a DMV permit or certificate. Virginia DMV keeps a list of licensed movers, and you can confirm a mover’s status by calling the DMV at (804) 249-5130.

3. Do you have a physical address?

Virginia DMV lists a missing physical address on a mover’s website as a warning sign. Look for a real office or warehouse you could drive to.

4. Are you a broker or the company doing the move?

Some companies book your move and then sell it to another carrier. Ask who will actually load the truck, and get that company’s name and USDOT number too.

Questions About the Estimate

5. Will you see my home before giving an estimate?

Virginia DMV warns against movers who refuse an in-home inspection or give estimates only by phone or internet. An in-person walkthrough or live video lets the mover see the stairs, furniture, and parking situation.

6. Is the estimate in writing and signed?

FMCSA says not to accept an oral estimate. The estimate should list every charge in writing and be signed by the mover. If you add items later, ask for a new estimate.

7. Can I see your tariff?

A tariff is the mover’s published list of rates, rules, and liability limits. Virginia movers with a DMV certificate must file one, and interstate movers must provide theirs on request. It is the fine print behind your quote.

Questions About Pricing

8. How do you charge, by the hour or by weight?

Local moves are usually priced by the hour. Long-distance moves are usually priced by weight, volume, and distance. Make sure you are comparing the same kind of quote.

9. When does the clock start, and is there a minimum?

Some movers start billing at your door. Others bill from the time the truck leaves their office. Most also set a minimum number of hours. Ask about both, since they can change a small move’s total by hundreds of dollars.

10. What costs extra?

Ask about stairs, long carries, packing materials, piano or safe handling, and storage. Our guide to long-distance moving costs covers the most common add-ons.

11. How much is the deposit, and how do I pay?

Virginia DMV flags movers who require cash or a large deposit before the move. Ask what forms of payment are accepted and when payment is due.

Questions About Who Shows Up

12. Are your movers employees or day labor?

Some companies hire short-term help for busy weekends. Ask whether the people moving your things are employees, whether they are background-checked, and how they are trained.

13. What truck will you bring?

Virginia DMV lists a mover arriving in a rental truck as a sign of an unpermitted operation. Ask what truck is coming and whether it will fit your street or driveway.

Questions About Coverage and Claims

14. What valuation coverage is included?

Basic released value coverage pays about 60 cents per pound per item, so a 40-pound TV is covered for about $24. Full value protection makes the mover responsible for repair or replacement and costs extra. Be wary of any mover who says everything is “fully” insured, which Virginia DMV also lists as a warning sign. Our Virginia moving insurance guide explains the options.

15. How do I file a claim if something is damaged?

For interstate moves, FMCSA says you have 9 months from delivery to file a written claim, and movers must offer a dispute settlement program. Note any damage on the inventory before you sign it at delivery.

Red Flags to Watch For

Virginia DMV and FMCSA both list warning signs of a dishonest mover. Walk away if a mover:

Will not do an in-home or video walkthrough
Gives a price only by phone or online
Wants cash or a large deposit up front
Has no physical address on its website
Answers the phone without a company name
Claims all your goods are “fully” insured
Asks you to sign blank or incomplete documents

For more, read our guide to avoiding moving scams.

Moving Company Questions Checklist

Print this table or keep it on your phone when you call movers.

Question	A good answer
USDOT and MC number?	Given right away and matches FMCSA records
Virginia authority for in-state moves?	Confirmed on the DMV list
Walkthrough before the estimate?	Yes, in person or by live video
Written, signed estimate?	Yes, with every charge listed
How are you priced?	Hourly for local, weight and distance for long distance
When does billing start?	A clear start and stop time, plus the minimum
Who are the movers?	Employees, background checked
What coverage is included?	Basic valuation explained, full value offered
How do claims work?	A written process and a time limit

How The Other Moving Company Answers These Questions

We operate under US DOT 915026 and MC 396031 and are a North American Van Lines agent for long distance moves. Our movers are background-checked employees, with no temp labor on our trucks. Local moves are priced by the hour and billed from the time the truck leaves our office until it returns, with a 4-hour minimum. Every move includes basic valuation coverage, and you can add full value protection when you book. Estimates are free and done in person or by video from our offices in Hayes and Williamsburg. Learn more about our local movers and long-distance movers.

FAQs About Choosing a Moving Company

How many moving quotes should I get?

FMCSA suggests getting estimates from at least three movers and comparing the costs and services side by side.

How do I check if a mover is licensed?

Search the USDOT number at protectyourmove.gov. For in-state Virginia moves, call Virginia DMV at (804) 249-5130.

What should I never sign before a move?

Never sign a blank or incomplete document, including a bill of lading or inventory with empty spaces.

Is a cheap moving quote a red flag?

It can be. A quote far below the others, given without seeing your home, can grow on moving day.

Ask Us Anything Before You Book

Call (866) 482-6683 with your questions, or request a free quote online. We will answer every question on this list and set up a walkthrough in person or by video.

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