Every year the Massachusetts Attorney General receives complaints about moving companies that held furniture hostage, charged double the estimate, or simply never showed up. Here is how to avoid becoming a statistic — and what to look for in a mover you can actually trust.
Licensed vs. unlicensed movers: what is at stake
| Licensed mover | Unlicensed operator | |
|---|---|---|
| State DPU license | On file, verifiable | None |
| USDOT/MC authority | Active (for interstate) | Not registered |
| Insurance | Cargo, liability, workers comp | None or expired |
| Written estimates | Binding or not-to-exceed | Verbal only, changes on move day |
| Dispute resolution | Filed through DPU or FMCSA | No legal recourse |
| COI for buildings | Issued same-day | Cannot provide |
| Background-checked crews | Standard practice | Unknown workers |
Step 1: Check the license
Every Massachusetts moving company must hold a DPU license for intrastate moves. If the company also handles interstate (cross-state-line) moves, it must hold a USDOT number and MC authority from the FMCSA. These are not optional — operating without them is illegal.
You can verify these credentials yourself in about two minutes:
- Massachusetts DPU: Search the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities website for the company name or DPU number. The record shows whether the license is active and when it was last renewed.
- Federal FMCSA: Go to safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and search by company name or USDOT number. The record shows the company authority status, insurance on file, safety rating, and complaint history.
If a company cannot provide a license number when you ask, do not hire them. Period. A legitimate mover will have this information on their website, their truck, and their estimate.
Step 2: Get a written estimate
A reputable mover will inspect your home — in person or by video walkthrough — before providing a quote. Be wary of any company that gives a firm price over the phone without seeing what needs to be moved. Phone-only quotes are almost always lowball estimates designed to win the booking, with the real price revealed on move day when your furniture is already on the truck.
The estimate should be:
- In writing — emailed or mailed to you before move day, with the company letterhead and license number.
- Itemized — showing labor hours or crew size, truck, materials, and any additional charges (stairs, long carry, bulky items).
- Binding or not-to-exceed — meaning the final price cannot exceed the quoted amount under the terms specified. A non-binding estimate is just a guess and offers you no price protection.
Step 3: Watch for red flags
The following warning signs should disqualify a moving company immediately:
- No physical address: The company has no office, warehouse, or verifiable location. Google Street View the address — if it is a vacant lot or a UPS mailbox, walk away.
- Large deposit required: Most legitimate movers require no deposit or a small reservation fee (under 10% of the estimate). A demand for 30–50 percent upfront is a classic hostage-move setup.
- No insurance documentation: The company cannot provide a Certificate of Insurance upon request. Any mover carrying proper insurance can produce a COI within 24 hours.
- Unmarked trucks: Professional movers use branded, clearly marked vehicles with the company name and USDOT number visible on the door. Unmarked rental trucks suggest an unlicensed operation.
- No written contract: If the company resists putting terms in writing, walk away. A verbal agreement gives you no protection if the price changes on move day.
- Too-good-to-be-true pricing: If one quote is 40–60% lower than the others, that company is either planning to upcharge on move day or cutting corners on insurance, equipment, and crew quality.
Step 4: Ask the right questions before booking
A trustworthy company will answer all of these without hesitation. If they dodge, deflect, or get defensive — that tells you everything you need to know.
- What is your MA DPU license number?
- What is your USDOT number? (for interstate moves)
- Is your quote binding or an estimate?
- What happens if the move takes longer than expected?
- Do your movers carry workers compensation insurance?
- Can you provide a Certificate of Insurance for my building?
- Will the same crew that starts the job finish it?
- What is included in the price — truck, blankets, dollies, tape?
- How do you handle damage claims?
- Can I see your reviews on Google or Yelp?
What good movers do differently
Beyond licensing and pricing, here is what separates a professional moving crew from a pickup-truck operation:
- Pre-move walkthrough: They come to your home (or do a video survey) before quoting. They ask about stairs, elevators, long carries, and specialty items.
- Uniformed, identified crew: Every mover wears a company shirt and can show ID. You know who is in your home.
- Proper equipment: Furniture pads, floor runners, door jamb protectors, mattress bags, and the right dolly for the job.
- Clear communication: They confirm the day before, arrive within the scheduled window, and call if anything changes.
- Post-move follow-up: They check in to make sure everything arrived safely and address any issues immediately.
If you would like to see how we answer every question on this list, contact our office or request a free quote. We will send you a written flat-rate estimate with our DPU and USDOT numbers right on it.