How to File a Complaint on a Moving Company

Not every move goes smoothly. Some mishaps are a fairly small matter, but others may be a serious violation on the part of the moving company. Know when to take action and how to file a complaint on a moving company.

Start before you hire a mover by taking every step to ensure your move is handled properly by verifying the license and US DOT number of the mover you hire. Acquire at least three comparison estimates, which can be gathered online at usamovingcompanies.com and ask for references. Thoroughly read through all paperwork before signing after checking reviews and complaint history of the moving company from outside sources like the Better Business Bureau.

After you’ve taken all the necessary precautions, if something still went terribly wrong, start by contacting the company itself. If it isn’t resolved satisfactorily at this level, go beyond the company and file a formal complaint. File a complaint with the Department of Transportation’s Office of the Inspector General by emailing them at hotline@oig.dot.gov.

Discover if your mover is a member of the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) by calling the organization at 1-703-683-7410. If so, file an arbitration.

File a complaint regarding an intrastate move, or a move that occurred within only one state, to the appropriate state’s regulating authority. Each state has their own authorities under various names such as Attorney General, consumer protection office or public utility commission.

If your move involved traveling from state to state, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates interstate moves. Visit their website at www.fmcsa.dot.gov to find the proper form to fill out and submit or call toll-free at 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238).

File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. All complaints need to include your name, address, telephone number and name, address and telephone number of the mover. It should also include the origin and destination of your shipment, the mover’s DOT and MC numbers, if available, and a short explanation of the specific violations.

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