How to File a Complaint Against a Moving Company

When a moving company scams you, damages your belongings, or holds your property hostage, you have legal options. Filing complaints creates a paper trail that protects you and warns future consumers. Here is exactly where to file, what to include, and what to expect.

1. File with the FMCSA (Federal — Most Important)

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration maintains the National Consumer Complaint Database. Every complaint filed here becomes part of the company's permanent federal record — the same record we use to calculate ScamScores on MoveSafe.

How to file: Visit nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov and submit your complaint online. You will need the company's name and DOT number (you can look it up on MoveSafe).

What to include:

  • Company name, DOT number, and MC number
  • Dates of the move and when problems occurred
  • Original estimate amount vs. actual amount charged
  • Description of what happened (overcharging, damage, hostage load, etc.)
  • Copies of contracts, estimates, bills of lading, and photos

What happens next: The FMCSA does not resolve individual disputes, but complaints are logged against the carrier's record. Enough complaints can trigger a compliance investigation. The complaint also helps other consumers who check the company's record.

2. File with Your State Attorney General

Every state has a consumer protection division within the attorney general's office. Unlike the FMCSA, state agencies can actively investigate and take enforcement action against fraudulent movers.

Search for "[your state] attorney general consumer complaint" to find the filing page. Most accept complaints online. State-level complaints are especially important for local (intrastate) movers that may not be covered by federal regulations.

3. File with the Better Business Bureau

A BBB complaint creates public pressure. Many companies respond to BBB complaints because their BBB rating affects consumer trust. File at bbb.org/file-a-complaint. The BBB will contact the company on your behalf and attempt mediation.

4. Dispute the Charge with Your Credit Card Company

If you paid by credit card, you can file a chargeback for fraudulent or unauthorized charges. Call the number on the back of your card and explain the situation. This is one of the strongest reasons to never pay a mover in cash.

Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you have 60 days from the statement date to dispute a charge. Your credit card company will investigate and may reverse the charge while the dispute is pending.

5. File a Police Report

If the mover stole your belongings, held them hostage for ransom, or committed fraud, file a police report. This creates an official record of the crime and may be required for insurance claims. While police may not immediately act on moving disputes, the report strengthens your case in other proceedings.

6. Consider Small Claims Court

For damages under your state's small claims limit (typically $5,000–$10,000), you can sue the moving company without a lawyer. You will need documentation: the contract, photos of damage, receipts for replacement items, and records of all communication. Small claims court is designed to be accessible to non-lawyers and filing fees are usually under $100.

7. Use the Mover's Arbitration Program

Federal law requires interstate movers to participate in an arbitration program for loss and damage claims. This is free or low-cost dispute resolution. You must file a written claim with the mover within 9 months of delivery. The mover then has 30 days to acknowledge and 120 days to resolve your claim. If you are unsatisfied with their response, you can request arbitration.

Important Deadlines

  • 9 months: Deadline to file a written claim with the mover for loss or damage
  • 60 days: Credit card chargeback window from statement date
  • 2 years: Statute of limitations for breach of contract in most states (varies)
  • As soon as possible: File FMCSA and state AG complaints while details are fresh

Documentation Checklist

Before filing any complaint, gather:

  • Original written estimate and final bill
  • Bill of lading and inventory sheet
  • Photos of damaged items (before and after if available)
  • All emails, texts, and call records with the company
  • Credit card or payment receipts
  • Names of crew members you interacted with
  • The company's DOT and MC numbers (verify on MoveSafe)

Check a Company Before You Hire

Enter a company name and we'll email you their safety record before you sign anything.