As you research long-distance movers, it’s smart to compare prices. But just as important is understanding what you’re going to be paying for, and what the experience will be throughout the process. Read on to learn which questions to ask a moving company when getting estimates—and you’ll see why knowledge is power during an interstate move.
15 Questions to Ask Moving Companies
Even if you’re experienced with moving locally, a cross-country move has aspects that you may not be aware of. Don’t be caught off-guard after you’ve signed a contract—by knowing what to look for, you can minimize risks and ensure you’re prepared for the road ahead. To help you get started, here are 15 questions to ask a moving company when researching your options.
1. Is the moving company licensed and registered for an interstate move?
Why should you ask this?
Moving companies are required to hold special licensing, particularly if they’re operating across state lines. A licensed mover should be able to provide you with their USDOT number, which is a unique ID assigned by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can then use this information to find the company’s profile on the FMCSA website.
Top tip:
A USDOT number alone doesn’t necessarily confirm that a company is authorized for interstate moves, so review the company’s FMCSA profile carefully to confirm their registration and operating authority.
2. Is the mover insured? What does the moving company’s insurance cover?
Why should you ask this?
Another important question to ask movers is how your belongings will be protected during the move. While moving companies are required to carry certain insurance to operate, that coverage typically protects the company rather than the full value of your items. Ask the mover what protection options are available for your belongings, such as released value protection, full value protection, or third-party moving insurance.
These protection options typically work as follows:
Released value protection: This is the most basic coverage and is usually included at no additional cost. However, it only compensates you based on the weight of an item rather than its replacement value—typically about 60 cents per pound per item.
Full value protection: This option provides more comprehensive coverage. If an item is lost or damaged, the moving company must repair it, replace it with a similar item, or compensate you for its current value.
Third-party moving insurance: This coverage is purchased from an outside insurance provider and may offer broader protection, particularly for high-value belongings that exceed standard mover valuation limits.
Top tip:
Make note of any high-value items (art, antiques, electronics) and their cost of replacement early in the process, and make sure to take pictures. If the replacement value of your belongings is important to you, ask the mover about Full Value Protection or consider purchasing third-party moving insurance.
3. Is the estimate binding?
Why should you ask this?
One of the more important but lesser-known questions to ask a moving company is whether the estimate is binding or non-binding. A binding moving estimate means that the amount stated on the estimate is the guaranteed total cost to be paid upon delivery. A non-binding estimate is a reasonable — but not final — quote that can change depending on weight, tolls, time, or other variables.
Top tip:
Even if your estimate is non-binding, a moving company can’t charge you more than 110 percent of the amount upon delivery, unless you have added to the size of your move since the first quote.
4. What is your policy for damage claims?
Why should you ask this?
In case of an accident, you want to make sure your list of questions to ask movers includes clarification on how they handle damages. Some companies require you to report damages within a certain window of time, so make sure to check your items for dings and scratches as soon as they’re delivered.
Top tip:
Inspect your belongings before signing the delivery paperwork. If you notice any damage, note it on the inventory sheet before the movers leave—this documentation can be critical if you need to file a claim.
5. Are there any extra fees?
Why should you ask this?
As you calculate moving costs, you’ll want to be aware of all potential charges to avoid surprises on moving day. In addition to the base moving estimate, some companies may charge extra fees for things like stairs, long carries (when movers must carry items a long distance from the truck), elevator usage, shuttle trucks in areas with limited access, packing materials, or storage if delivery is delayed.
Top tip:
Ask the mover to walk you through your estimate line by line and explain which charges are guaranteed and which could change on moving day.
6. When will my items arrive?
Why should you ask this?
When you’re thinking of what questions to ask movers, your timeline shouldn’t be overlooked. Ask when your shipment is expected to arrive and whether the company provides a delivery window or a specific date. For long-distance moves, many carriers consolidate shipments, which can affect timing. Understanding how scheduling works—and what happens if delays occur—can help you plan your move-in more realistically.
Top tip:
Ask for the estimated delivery window in writing and clarify how the company communicates updates if the schedule changes.
7. Are the workers employees of the company, or are they subcontractors?
Why should you ask this?
Moving carriers may hire and manage their own employees or they may use subcontractors. A company that hires its own workers typically vets their qualifications and backgrounds directly and is responsible for their conduct during the move. When subcontractors are involved, oversight and accountability may vary, so it’s helpful to understand who will actually be handling your belongings.
Top tip:
Ask your company if the workers handling your move work for the carrier or if they’re provided by a labor or staffing agency, and confirm which company will be responsible for the shipment listed on your contract.
Q: What are red flags to watch for in movers? A: Moving company red flags include large up-front deposits, refusing to share proof of insurance or DOT number, aggressive sales pressure, lack of written documentation (or having you sign blank forms), reluctance to estimate your move on-site, or asking you to pay in full before moving day. These could be signs of impersonation, scammers, or movers operating illegally. |
8. Is the company a broker or a carrier?
Why should you ask this?
If you have questions to ask a long-distance moving company, you may come across brokers during your search. Although they may appear to be carriers, they are not the same company providing the service and instead draw from a network of providers. Because of this extra layer, working with a broker can introduce more uncertainty about who will actually handle your move and how issues will be resolved. When you work directly with a carrier, their motivation is to provide you with a successful move from beginning to end, and you’ll have a direct line of communication to the team actually performing the work.
Top tip:
Review all mover websites carefully—brokers are required to disclose their non-carrier status in order to operate legally. It’s usually best to work directly with a licensed carrier so you know exactly who will be responsible for your move.
9. What’s your company’s cancellation policy?
Why should you ask this?
Plans sometimes change, and professional movers should have a clearly defined and reasonable policy if they do. Ask how much advance notice is required if you need to reschedule or cancel, and verify what happens to your deposit if plans change.
Top tip:
Before paying a deposit, confirm whether it is refundable, transferable to a new date, or forfeited if you cancel. Are my items staying on the same truck throughout the move?
10. Are my items staying on the same truck throughout the move?
Why should you ask this?
Your items may have been carefully packed for a safe journey, but what happens once they depart may vary. Some interstate moving companies may transfer your items to a warehouse or a different truck along the way, meaning more chances for damage or loss. Verify these handling details as part of your questions to ask movers.
Top tip:
If your shipment will be transferred between trucks or stored along the way, consider upgrading to Full Value Protection or third-party moving insurance to better protect your belongings.
11. How long have you been in business? Can you provide references or positive reviews?
Why should you ask this?
When it comes to long-distance moving services, reputation and experience should factor highly into your decision process. Search sites like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau to see what others have to say, and if the reviews line up with what the company claims.
Top tip:
Look up the moving company’s social media profiles. Not only do these feature reviews, they can give you a firsthand look at how the company engages with customers and responds to feedback.
12. Do you provide an inventory list?
Why should you ask this?
Inventory lists protect both customers and movers by documenting exactly what items are included in the shipment. They also help movers provide accurate estimates and ensure everything is accounted for during loading and delivery. A moving company should have a system for creating and tracking an inventory, and if they don’t, it may be a red flag.
Top tip:
Don't depend on your mover's inventory—you should keep your own. Take photos of your items room by room; they can serve as a backup in case your list is lost or disputed.
13. How will you handle my items?
Why should you ask this?
An experienced mover will prioritize the safety of your belongings and will be able to explain how they’re protected in transit. If you have items that require special care (think: musical instruments, antiques, aquariums, appliances, etc.), ask the company for specifics on how they will handle and transport them.
Top tip:
Ask if they provide their own padding, wrapping, or other protective materials to ensure you aren’t responsible for providing them. If they provide their own, clarify whether or not there will be an additional charge for the supplies.
14. What do you require from the customer on the day of the move?
Why should you ask this?
Even the best-planned moving day can be fast-paced and full of distractions, so you’ll want to verify with your mover what you can do in advance, and what needs to take place day-of. Avoid adding any confusion by clarifying details such as payments, scheduling, and mover responsibilities up front.
Top tip:
Verify accepted payment types so you can have the right one on hand. You don’t want to be searching for a checkbook or making an ATM run on the day of your move.
15. Do you provide extra services?
Why should you ask this?
You have enough on your moving checklist, so the less you have to juggle, the smoother your experience will be. See if the moving company offers services like packing, furniture assembly, or storage if you’d like to streamline the process.
Top tip:
Look for long-distance moving carriers that offer a customizable experience, so you can choose the services that best fit your needs. This may also be more affordable than working with separate businesses.
Find Expert Answers to Your Moving Questions
By asking key questions on the front end, you can prevent common moving mistakes and select a long-distance mover you feel confident about.
Begin your search with Colonial Van Lines, and you’ll see that we offer the expertise and service that comes from 250,000 successful moves and counting. We offer a range of services and solutions to make your interstate move as smooth as possible, including packing, furniture assembly, and short and long-term storage. Get started today with a free quote!