Our Carrier Vetting Methodology
We audit federal databases, active operating permits, insurance coverage limits, and historical consumer complaint registries to verify legitimate carriers and protect your household relocation.
The 5-Point Vetting Framework
Movers To Trust applies strict validation thresholds to every carrier page listed on our database. Here is how we verify carrier credentials.
FMCSA License & Operating Authority
We verify every interstate carrier holds active common or contract operating authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). State-level permits are checked for intrastate carriers.
Cargo & Liability Insurance Audits
We inspect liability filings. Legitimate carriers must maintain active Bodily Injury and Property Damage (BIPD) coverage alongside cargo insurance protection (minimum $750,000 liability) to guard customer belongings.
Federal Safety Rating Monitoring
Carriers must maintain a 'Satisfactory' safety rating or remain 'Not Rated' (awaiting audit). Any carrier marked with a 'Conditional' or 'Unsatisfactory' safety grade is flagged and restricted on our platform.
Consumer Complaint Database Scans
We run monthly queries against the National Consumer Complaint Database (NCCDB). We track and flag patterns of hostage household goods, extreme price hikes, or unauthorized broker conversions.
Physical Yard & Fleet Verification
We cross-reference registration details to confirm the carrier operates a real physical yard and a registered fleet of trucks, weeding out virtual mailbox schemes, shell offices, and unauthorized brokers.
Vetting & Regulations Q&A
Regulatory guidance and answers regarding consumer protections.
QHow does Movers To Trust verify a moving company's license?
We connect directly with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database. When a carrier is registered, we check their USDOT and MC numbers, confirming their Operating Authority status is marked as 'Active' and they are registered to haul Household Goods (HHG) rather than general freight.
QWhat is the difference between a moving carrier and a broker?
A moving carrier owns vehicles, employs background-checked staff, and assumes physical custody of your goods. A broker is a sales office that books the move and sells the contract to a third-party. Because brokers cannot issue direct carrier tariffs and often lead to price discrepancies, Movers To Trust flags brokers clearly and prioritizes direct carriers.
QWhat happens if a vetted mover's license is suspended?
Our automated monitoring sweeps database records continuously. If a mover's authority is revoked or suspended, their profile status is updated, they are flagged in our Rogue Mover Alert Hub, and they are disqualified from receiving quote requests.
QWhat is the minimum cargo insurance required for movers?
For interstate household moves, carriers must file proof of public liability insurance (BIPD) starting at $750,000. For state-to-state moves, we verify these filings. While standard basic carrier liability is capped at $0.60 per pound per item, we encourage consumers to ask carriers about Full Value Protection options.