How to Verify a Moving Company Is Licensed and Legit
Moving fraud is a well-documented problem. The typical scam follows a predictable pattern: a company offers an unusually low estimate, loads your belongings onto a truck, and then demands a significantly higher payment before releasing your goods. Your furniture is held hostage until you pay.
The good news: verifying that a moving company is properly licensed takes about five minutes and is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself. Here’s exactly how to do it.
Interstate vs. Intrastate: Different Rules Apply
Before checking a mover’s credentials, understand which type of move you’re doing, because the licensing requirements are different.
| Move Type | Regulated By | What to Check |
| Interstate (crosses state lines) | FMCSA (federal) | USDOT number + MC number |
| Intrastate (within one state) | State agency | State moving license |
For interstate moves, federal licensing is managed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Any mover who crosses state lines is required to have both a USDOT number and an active MC (Motor Carrier) number.
Step 1: Get the USDOT Number
Ask any moving company you’re considering for their USDOT number before you request an estimate. A legitimate company will provide this immediately. If a company is vague, claims they don’t need one, or gives you a number that doesn’t check out — stop.
Wheatland Van Lines operates under DOT# 3181246 | MC# 126479. You can verify any moving company’s credentials for free at the FMCSA’s official lookup tool: protectyourmove.gov.
Step 2: Look Up the Company on FMCSA
Go to protectyourmove.gov (or the FMCSA SAFER database at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov) and search by USDOT number or company name. Here’s what to look for:
| Field | What You Want to See |
| Operating status | “Authorized for HHG” (Household Goods) — must be active |
| Insurance on file | Active cargo insurance and liability insurance |
| USDOT number | Matches what the company gave you |
| Out-of-service percentage | Below industry average (FMCSA shows this) |
| Complaint history | Review any complaints filed — pattern of complaints is a red flag |
| “Authorized for Hire” alone is not enough. The company must be specifically authorized for Household Goods (HHG) transport to legally move your belongings interstate. |
Step 3: Verify State Licensing for Local Moves
If you’re moving within a single state, federal FMCSA registration isn’t required — but your state likely has its own licensing requirements. In Minnesota, for example, intrastate movers must register with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Check your state’s transportation or public utilities commission for the applicable licensing database.
Step 4: Check Their Physical Address and Online Presence
Fraud operations often lack a verifiable physical presence. Before booking, confirm:
- The company has a real street address (not a PO Box)
- The address shows up on Google Maps as an actual business location
- The company website has been active for more than a few months (use whois.domaintools.com to check domain age)
- The company’s name matches what’s in the FMCSA database — broker operations sometimes use names that don’t match their registered entity
Step 5: Read Reviews — The Right Way
Online reviews are useful, but require some interpretation:
- Look at Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau — not just one platform
- Filter for reviews that mention specific details (crew names, routes, dates) — generic reviews are easier to fabricate
- Check how the company responds to negative reviews — professional responses to criticism are a positive signal
- A pattern of similar-sounding 5-star reviews posted in a short window is a common sign of fake reviews
Moving Company Red Flags — Know These Before You Book
| Red Flag | What It Means |
| No USDOT number provided | Either unregistered or hiding their record |
| Estimate given without seeing inventory | Non-binding low-ball; final bill will be higher |
| Large upfront deposit required (>20%) | Legitimate movers collect payment on delivery |
| Company name changes frequently | May be trying to escape complaint records |
| No written contract or bill of lading | No legal protection if something goes wrong |
| Blank or vague contract | Red flag — all services should be itemized in writing |
| Truck has no company markings | Common in rogue operation schemes |
| Demands cash-only payment | Eliminates any recourse for disputes |
What Documents You Should Receive Before and During Your Move
For interstate moves, FMCSA regulations require a licensed mover to provide you with specific documents. If a company doesn’t provide these, that’s a problem:
- Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move (FMCSA publication)
- Written estimate (binding or non-binding, clearly labeled)
- Order for Service (written confirmation of the services, dates, and estimated cost)
- Bill of Lading (the legal contract — keep your copy)
- Inventory Sheet (itemized list of everything being transported)
- Arbitration information (dispute resolution process)
Moving with Wheatland Van Lines
Wheatland Van Lines is a licensed, FMCSA-registered interstate mover serving Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska. Our DOT# 3181246 and MC# 126479 are publicly verifiable on the FMCSA database. We provide written binding estimates for all long distance moves and all required regulatory documentation before your move begins.
If you have questions about our licensing or want to verify our credentials before booking, we’re happy to walk you through it. Contact us or explore our long distance moving services and local moving services to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I look up a moving company’s USDOT number?
Go to protectyourmove.gov or the FMCSA SAFER database (safer.fmcsa.dot.gov) and search by the company’s name or USDOT number. Both tools are free and publicly available.
What’s the difference between a USDOT number and an MC number?
A USDOT number identifies the carrier in the federal safety database and tracks their safety record. An MC (Motor Carrier) number authorizes them to transport goods commercially for hire across state lines. Interstate movers need both.
Can I hire a mover without a USDOT number for a local move?
For intrastate (same-state) moves, a USDOT number isn’t required at the federal level, but your state may have its own licensing requirement. Always ask for proof of insurance and a written contract regardless of move type.
What do I do if a moving company holds my belongings hostage?
This is called a “hostage load” and is illegal under federal law. Contact the FMCSA immediately at 1-888-368-7238 and file a complaint at nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can also contact local law enforcement. Do not pay additional amounts beyond your binding estimate without documenting the dispute.