Find Movers in Your State

Hiring a moving company involves navigating two distinct regulatory frameworks: Interstate (state-to-state) moving and Intrastate (within the same state) moving. Depending on where your move starts and ends, different consumer protection agencies govern the licensing and operation of your chosen carrier.

1. Interstate Moving (Federal Oversight)

If your belongings cross state lines at any point during transit, the move is regulated under federal law by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Federal regulations dictate that interstate carriers must possess an active USDOT number, MC number (operating authority), and active cargo and bodily injury/property damage (BIPD) insurance policies. Movers To Trust pulls records directly from the FMCSA registry every month to verify that listed companies meet these strict federal compliance baselines.

2. Intrastate Moving (State-Level Oversight)

For local moves within a single state, regulatory authority falls to state agencies rather than the federal government. For example:

• In Texas, intrastate movers are regulated by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).
• In California, local carriers must hold active permits from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
• In Florida, licensing is handled by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

When selecting a local mover from the state index above, always cross-reference their state-specific utility or transportation commission license. Many states do not require a federal USDOT number for local moves, making local state-level audits crucial for consumer protection.

3. Red Flags to Watch For in State Registrations

Rogue movers often register shell companies in business-friendly states to evade historical complaint records. Look out for companies with P.O. Box addresses, virtual offices, or matching registration details under different DBA (Doing Business As) names. Verifying that a moving company maintains a real physical address and a registered fleet of trucks is your best defense against moving scams.