Choosing the right moving company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when relocating. With so many options to choose from, how can you identify truly reliable movers that provide excellent service?
The key is to look at credible moving company ratings and reviews. By analyzing data from verified customer feedback and expert evaluations, you can get an accurate picture of which movers consistently offer professionalism, efficiency, and care for your belongings.
As leading experts in relocation services, we utilize a rigorous methodology to assess moving companies across multiple criteria. Our independent moving company ratings draw on both quantitative and qualitative factors to give you the most impartial and trustworthy rankings.
How We Rate and Rank Moving Companies
Our moving company rating system is meticulously designed to identify and highlight the most reputable domestic and international movers. We evaluate a diverse range of metrics across three main categories:
Performance and Service Quality
How well does the company deliver on timely, damage-free moves?
- On-time pickup and delivery track record
- Customer feedback on professionalism and care in handling belongings
- Claims for damaged or lost items
- Experience with local, long-distance, and international relocations
- Expertise in specialty moves such as pianos, antiques, and sensitive equipment
Credentials and Certifications
Is the company properly licensed, accredited, and compliant with regulations?
- Registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- Licensing and insurance for household goods moving
- Compliance ratings and safety violations
- Membership in trade associations such as the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA)
Customer Experience
What do customers report about their end-to-end experience?
- Customer service responsiveness and problem resolution
- Communication and transparency through the process
- Professional conduct of movers and staff
- Timeliness and accuracy of cost estimates
- Overall value relative to cost
Sources of Information for Our Analysis
To generate independent and unbiased moving company ratings, we synthesize data from numerous sources:
- Federal databases, including FMCSA safety records
- State licensing bureaus
- Industry association compliance reports
- Company websites, contracts, and other published information
- Surveys of customers on recent moving experiences
- Public consumer feedback platforms such as Transport Reviews
- Statistical analysis of customer complaint records
By compiling and validating information from multiple authoritative sources, we guard against fake or misleading data. This gives us an accurate, 360-degree profile of each company’s qualifications, capabilities, and service quality.
Our Rating Scale
We apply a standardized, five-point rating scale to each moving company to provide easy-to-understand scores.
- 5 Stars = Exceptional
- Impeccable consumer feedback and service ratings
- No major complaints or unresolved issues
- All required licenses and credentials in good standing
- 4 Stars = Very Good
- Consistently positive customer reviews
- Strong service history and ratings
- Minor complains or issues that were resolved promptly
- 3 Stars = Good
- Most customers satisfied but some neutral or negative feedback
- Room for improvement in service quality or complaint response
- Recent minor compliance Infractions or service concerns
- 2 Stars = Fair
- Mounting negative feedback from customers
- Developing pattern of service problems or complaints
- Regulatory actions taken for compliance violations
- 1 Star = Poor
- High volume of customer complaints
- Major service failures and damage claims
- FMCSA interventions or other disciplinary actions
Within each star rating, we provide added details on where the company stands on essential criteria such as responsiveness, care in handling goods, timeliness, and overall value.
Key Factors We Consider
Our comprehensive methodology assesses all aspects of a moving company’s offerings and qualifications. Some of the key factors we look at include:
FMCSA Safety and Compliance
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides data on safety standards, compliance interventions, and complaint records. Movers with high numbers of violations or serious safety infractions will score lower.
Insurance and Licensing
Reputable movers carry proper operating licenses and cargo insurance. We verify these credentials in company filings and state/federal databases. Lack of adequate licensing or insurance earns low marks.
Staff Professionalism
How courteous, careful, and knowledgeable are the company’s packers, movers, and other staff? This can make or break the move experience. We analyze customer feedback and complaints.
Responsiveness
Can you easily get hold of the company by phone, email, or other means? How quickly and helpfully do they respond to inquiries or issues? Unavailable or unhelpful customer service brings down a company’s rating.
Handling of Valuables
Quality movers have expertise and care in transporting fragile, expensive, or sentimental items. Customer feedback reveals how well they handle specialized moves. Reimbursing damages also factors in.
Timeliness
On-time pickup and delivery is essential. We look at customer reporting and company data on meeting time estimates. Frequent delayssignal problems.
Cost Transparency
No hidden fees or surprise charges should arise. Quality movers clearly communicate their pricing structure upfront. We watch for customer complaints of deceptive pricing.
Problem Resolution
Even great companies sometimes make mistakes. We look at how movers take responsibility and work to promptly resolve any customer problems. Unaddressed complaints are a red flag.
Weightings: What Matters Most?
Some rating factors have a greater influence than others in our overall evaluations. Here is how we weight the key elements:
- Service quality and execution – 50%
- Handling of belongings with care
- Timely pickup and delivery
- Overall customer experience
- Licensing and compliance – 15%
- FMCSA authority and safety ratings
- Business licenses and insurance
- Other credentials
- Problem resolution – 15%
- Responsiveness to issues
- Successful claims and reimbursements
- Avoiding unresolved complaints
- Staff professionalism – 10%
- Courteous, efficient movers
- Knowledgeable sales and support staff
- Cost transparency – 10%
- Clear communication of fees
- No hidden charges
- Reasonable price-value ratio
These weightings allow us to account for what customers care about most – reliably getting their household goods safely transported with excellent service. At the same time, compliance and credentials remain important foundational factors.
Aggregating the Data
With data gathered from across these multiple sources, we compile the information into our moving company rating database. Through a combination of digital systems and manual analysis by our team of experts, we process the data to make it easily accessible and comparable.
Our algorithms analyze volumes of inputs on service metrics, penalties, complaints, reviews, and other variables. We look at the raw data as well as trends over time. Through statistical modeling, we assign significance and weight to each data point.
Key outputs from this analysis then populate the rating profiles for each company. This enables direct comparison of the leaders and laggards on every factor.
By taking this comprehensive, data-driven approach, we produce leading-edge moving company ratings you can trust.
Matching You With the Best Movers
Armed with our independent ratings and rankings, you can zero in on the movers that offer the best fit and value for your specific relocation needs.
We make the process easy by providing personalized recommendations. Once you enter details such as:
- Location and distances involved
- Timeframe or schedule
- Type of move such as apartment, house, office, or specialty items
- Budget and service preferences
Our advanced matching tools will suggest top-rated moving companies that align with your requirements. You can overview detailed profiles of these movers to select the optimal mix of service quality, experience, and cost-effectiveness for your upcoming move.
Continually Improving Our Ratings
We never stand still when it comes to enhancing our moving company rating methodology. As the relocation landscape evolves, we make ongoing investments to refine and extend our ratings.
Some examples of how we raise the bar:
- Expanding the volume of customer feedback surveyed, to get the most comprehensive input possible. Today we collect over 50,000 customer ratings annually.
- Increasing the frequency of ratings updates, providing more real-time visibility into quality. We now update scores weekly rather than monthly or quarterly.
- Adding new rating factors that reflect emerging customer priorities or issues, from sustainability to diversity and inclusion.
- Applying cutting-edge data science techniques like machine learning to detect patterns and glean new insights.
- Expanding our pool of analysts and researchers to incorporate more viewpoints and maintain rigorous standards. Our analyst team has tripled in size over the past three years.
This commitment to continuous improvement ensures our ratings remain the industry gold standard for empowering your move.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about our moving company rating methodology:
How can I be sure the ratings are impartial?
We take stringent steps to ensure rating integrity:
- We never take payments of any kind from movers we rate
- Our analysts have no ties or relationships with any movers
- Ratings are based solely on independent data sources
- We audit ratings internally for consistency and accuracy
What are the main benefits of using your ratings?
Our ratings provide:
- Simplified comparisons across a wide range of metrics
- Time savings over doing all the research yourself
- Confidence in the data based on strict processes
- Ability to easily filter and find the best company matches
Do you rate small local movers or just big van lines?
We rate any licensed moving company, regardless of location or size, from major van lines to local family-owned movers. Our database spans more than 500 companies.
Can customers rely on public review websites like Transport Reviews?
Public ratings sites have limitations: no vetting of reviewers, risk of fake or biased reviews, lacking details. Our methodology provides much deeper and unbiased insights.
How often do you update the ratings?
We comprehensively update scores on a weekly basis to account for new customer feedback, compliance records, and other data. Limited real-time adjustments also occur.
Following our rigorous, multifaceted methodology allows us to provide moving company ratings you can count on for an efficient, smooth move. Let our independent research and insights guide you to quality movers that get your relocation right.
How to Choose a Moving Company: 10 Key Tips
Selecting a moving company is an important choice to get right. Here are 10 tips for choosing reputable movers that provide excellent service:
1. Check Licensing and Certifications
Only consider movers that maintain all required state and federal licensing plus belong to industry associations such as AMSA. This confirms they adhere to regulations.
2. Review Safety and Compliance Records
Check Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration data for safety violations, out-of-service orders, and intervention records. Too many is a red flag.
3. Look at Customer Reviews and Ratings
Research customer feedback on ratings sites and public reviews. Consistent high ratings indicate happy customers. Watch for low scores or repeated complaints.
4. Request References
Ask the mover for references from recent customers. Reach out to a few to hear directly about their experience.
5. Compare Multiple Quotes
Get estimates from 3-5 movers to compare costs for your specific move. Beware very lowball bids that may signal understaffing or hidden fees.
6. Interview Mover Representatives
Have detailed discussions to gauge responsiveness, knowledge, and expertise. The representative should answer all questions and never pressure you.
7. Review Inventory Processes
Ask how the mover inventories your household goods and protects them during transit. The process should be detailed and methodical.
8. Understand Insurance and Valuations
Confirm the mover has adequate insurance, get copies of policies, and detail how valuables are covered. Ask about additional protection if needed.
9. Inquire About Dispute Resolution
See what processes they have to address any issues or damages. Movers serious about service will have formal methods.
10. Go With a Trusted Provider
Ultimately, choose an established, reputable mover known for seamless, high-quality moves. Checking credentials, reviews and ratings helps identify them.
Doing your homework takes time but sets you up for a smooth, stress-free move. Follow these tips to secure a mover you can fully trust with your precious belongings.
Important Movers License and Credentials
For residential and commercial moves, movers must maintain proper licensing and industry credentials. Here are key certificates and permits to look for:
Federal Operating Authority
Interstate movers are regulated by the FMCSA and must obtain federal operating authority before transporting household goods. This involves submitting application forms, meeting safety standards, undergoing background checks of company principals, and maintaining required insurance.
State Business Licenses
Movers must comply with state licensing regulations whether operating intrastate or interstate. Requirements vary but often include registering the business, maintaining a physical company office in the state, completing a mover application process, and remitting annual licensing fees.
Cargo Insurance
Reputable movers have broad cargo liability insurance to cover loss or damage to customers’ property. Minimum policy limits are 60 cents per pound per item. Additional insurance may be needed for high-value goods. Ask to see the mover’s insurance certificate.
U.S. DOT Number
Interstate movers must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation number and display it on all commercial vehicles. This confirms status as an authorized motor carrier.
Motor Carrier Number
The Federal Motor Carrier number (MC number) shows a mover is registered with the FMCSA. The FMCSA issues an MC number when a company receives federal interstate operating authority.
Better Business Bureau
Many quality movers maintain accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB confirms licensing, advertisement truthfulness, and complaint resolution.
AMSA ProMover Status
AMSA ProMovers meet requirements for ethical business practices established by the American Moving & Storage Association. AMSA conducts background screening.
Checking credentials ensures a mover has proper legal authority and meets industry standards. Avoid movers that can’t provide evidence of required licenses and certifications.
Questions to Ask Moving Companies Before Hiring
Before entrusting your household items to a moving company, ask these key questions:
How long have you been in business?
Seek established companies in business a minimum of 10 years. Newer movers may lack experience.
What is your USDOT number and MC number?
Verify the company is registered with the FMCSA and authorized for interstate moves.
Are you licensed and insured within my state?
Confirm required state permits and cargo insurance for residential moves.
Can I see copies of your licenses, credentials, and insurance certificate?
Any reputable mover will provide documentation validating credentials.
Do you have any FMCSA violations or compliance issues in the last 5 years? If so, explain.
A long history of infractions indicates poor compliance.
Do you employ your own crews or subcontract moves?
Some movers pass off work without training or vetting subcontractors.
How do you train, screen and evaluate your moving crews?
Look for criminal background checks, drug testing, experience requirements, and ongoing training.
How do you protect my belongings from damage?
Look for wrap blankets, stretch wrapping, and suspension padding for large objects.
How does your claims process work for any losses or damages?
A quality mover has clear claims handling and will often set timeframes e.g. within 30 days.
What are your processes for inventory management, storing, and tracking items?
Detailed item-level inventory tracking and numbered boxes give accountability.
Asking probing questions validates capabilities and professionalism. Quality movers are transparent and can address your concerns.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
When evaluating moving companies, watch out for these common red flags that may indicate a poor quality or dishonest provider:
Vague Information
The mover is evasive, won’t give specifics about licensing, insurance coverage, bases of operation, etc. Reputable companies are transparent.
Missing Paperwork
The mover cannot provide cargo insurance certificates, recent FMCSA safety reports, state license documents, and other credentials you request.
Too-Low Quotes
An unusually cheap quote may signal understaffing or reflect a mover tacking on lots of hidden fees later. Get binding all-inclusive quotes.
Verbal-Only Quotes
A mover who doesn’t put details and price estimates in writing may misrepresent costs or pull a “bait and switch.” Insist on a written quote.
Refusal of In-Home Inspections
If a company says an in-home visit “isn’t needed” beware. Reputable movers perform in-person assessments of your belongings.
Excessive Upselling
Some movers push lots of unnecessary services and fees. Quality movers recommends options tailored to your actual needs.
Photocopied Licenses
Scammers may present fake or photocopied licenses and credentials. Verify permits directly with regulating agencies.
Missing U.S. DOT Number
Interstate movers must display a U.S. DOT number on trucks. Lack of one could mean they aren’t registered with the FMCSA.
Expedited Bids Over the Phone
Rushing you to commit without seeing an inventory list or binding quote is a high-pressure tactic. Take time to evaluate multiple movers.
Watching for red flags helps avoid falling victim to unethical or inexperienced movers. Protect your move by being an informed consumer.
Cost Factors: What Impacts Moving Company Fees?
Many variables influence the cost of a professional move. Being aware of key factors that affect pricing enables realistic budgeting.
Distance
Long-distance moves entail higher costs for gas, mileage, travel time, and potential overnight lodging fees for crew.
Truck Size
Larger trucks needed for bigger homes cost more. A two-bed