Carrier vs broker: how to tell

A carrier (the mover) is the company that loads your belongings, drives them and delivers them. A broker sells you the move and then hands the job to a carrier. According to FMCSA, a broker isn't authorized to transport household goods and doesn't take responsibility for them. Brokering is legal, but you should know which kind of company you're dealing with before you pay a deposit.

Why it matters

• If a broker can't find a carrier to take your job (for example, because the estimate was too low), FMCSA warns you could be left with no mover on moving day.
• The crew that shows up may work for a company you've never heard of. Find out its name before moving day.

Five ways to check

1. Ask directly: "Are you the mover or a broker? Will your own crews and trucks handle my shipment?"
2. Look up the USDOT or MC number with FMCSA's mover search. The record shows how the company is registered and its complaint history.
3. Read their ads. FMCSA requires brokers to give their physical location and MC number in ads, and to say they arrange moves rather than transport goods.
4. Ask for the carrier list. Brokers must give you a list of the movers they use, and those movers must be FMCSA-registered.
5. Check the paperwork. Brokers and movers must give you the Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet and the Ready to Move brochure.

If you use a broker anyway

Estimates should be based on the tariff of the carrier that will actually move you. If that carrier is within 50 miles of you (or of its agent, whichever is closer), FMCSA says it should do a physical survey of your goods, though you're allowed to waive that.

Know the price caps

Under FMCSA rules, if the price goes up after your goods are loaded, you don't have to pay more than 100% of a binding estimate or 110% of a non-binding estimate at delivery. Any additional charges are billed 30 days after delivery.