Movers vs. Brokers

What is the Difference Between Moving Brokers and Moving Companies?

Ask the company whether they are an actual moving company or a broker when you make your reservation for your move. A moving company is not the same as a moving broker.

A moving company manages your move directly with its staff and fleet of trucks. Interstate movers must have a U.S. DOT number and register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

A moving broker hires a moving company to carry out the actual move while planning to transport your belongings. Your move is scheduled and sold to a moving company by moving brokers, who are sales teams. Additionally, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration must have them registered. Your household goods are not a broker’s responsibility, and they are not permitted to be transported by a broker. Although some organizations registered as brokers with the FMCSA may have trucks and staff, brokers typically do not have moving trucks or professional movers.

Questions to ask if working with a Moving Broker:

• Inquire about the broker’s FMCSA registration. All interstate moving agents are required to register. At www.protectyourmove.gov, you can search the FMCSA’s database for registered brokers.
• Request a copy of the Ready to Move brochure and the Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet from the broker. These consumer documents must be given to consumers by brokers.
• Request a list of the moving companies the broker works with. Your broker is required to provide this information.
• Verify the broker’s use of FMCSA-registered moving companies. Brokers must use only movers who are FMCSA-registered for interstate moves.

Inquire whether the broker has a written contract with the movers it employs. The law requires this.

• Ensure that the broker provides you with a written estimate based on the rates of the actual moving company. Never trust a verbal moving quote.
• Request to see the broker’s promotional items, advertisements, and/or website. Brokers are required to include information about their physical office address, U.S. DOT registration number, and status as a broker who does not transport household goods but arranges for this service in their marketing materials. Ask for this information directly if there isn’t an advertisement available.

Hall Lane Moving and Storage is equipped to handle relocations of all sizes and distance. If you are in need of movers, do not hesitate to contact us today!