What are the Proper Licenses Movers Should Have?

Moving is often considered a stressful event. One way to alleviate the stress and strain that comes with moving is to hire a highly reputable moving company.

The first thing you can research is whether a mover has a valid US DOT license. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau to check that the long distance moving company is licensed. Bear in mind that a moving company that is registered with either or both of the local Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business Bureau has a reputation to keep up and, should there be any dispute, arbitration will be offered by these organizations to settle the matter.

Another method of validating a mover is to ask them for a list of the numbers of any licenses they may hold. You may be able to check these numbers on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website. The license numbers a reputable company should give you are for the US DOT, local DOT and MC (or motor carrier). The site will show information relating to the company, such as its registered name, legal address and its DBA name. In most cases, this information shows that the company is reputable and reliable and has nothing to hide from its customers.

Additionally, the license a mover should have varies from state-to-state within the U.S. There are also various licenses required of the mover if the move is within a particular state, or if the move is to be made from one state to another. If it is an interstate move, a local DOT license is not required; and if between states, a US DOT license is needed. There are also states that do not require movers to have any licensing at all. In this case, a company with a DOT license should be chosen, even though it is not required.

When moving, make sure that you are working with a quality moving company. Do your research and verify all licenses the next time you move.