Moving Quote and Mover Verification Guides
These guides help U.S. interstate moving consumers understand the estimate they have already received — the pricing terms, the company roles behind it, possible additional fees, and the official records worth checking before booking. They are educational information, not legal advice.
How to Read a Moving Estimate Before You Book
A section-by-section walkthrough of a moving estimate: company identity, estimate type, pricing basis, inventory, services, valuation, deposits, and payment terms.
Helps when: You received a quote and are not sure what to check before paying a deposit.
Read guideBinding vs. Non-Binding Moving Estimates Explained
How the federal binding and non-binding estimate categories differ, how written not-to-exceed wording may modify a binding contract, and what the 110% delivery rule means.
Helps when: You want to know how firmly the price on your estimate is set before you sign.
Read guideMoving Broker vs. Carrier: What Is the Difference?
The difference between a broker who arranges your move and the motor carrier who actually transports your goods — and how to check which one is named on your estimate.
Helps when: The company quoting you may not be the company moving you, and you want to verify both.
Read guideHidden Fees in Moving Quotes: What to Check
Common fee triggers — stairs, long carries, shuttles, packing materials, storage, bulky items — and how to confirm in writing which charges are included in your quote.
Helps when: You want to avoid surprise charges on moving day or at delivery.
Read guideMoving Deposit Questions to Ask Before You Pay
What to review before paying a moving deposit: who you are paying, payment method, refund and cancellation terms, and whether the estimate is complete.
Helps when: You are about to pay a deposit and want to double-check the details first.
Read guideUSDOT, Operating Authority & Docket Numbers After FMCSA Motus (2026)
How USDOT and docket identifiers work after the 2026 Motus launch, where to find them, and how to check current FMCSA role and authority records.
Helps when: You see numbers on your quote and want to verify them against official records.
Read guideGo further with your own quote
Reading guides is a good start. If you already have a written estimate, MoveQuote Check reviews it line by line, compares the company details against official FMCSA records, and gives you the questions worth asking before you pay.
- How MoveQuote Check works — the review process step by step.
- FMCSA Mover Check — look up official FMCSA company records and confirm the entity role shown.
- View a Sample Report — see what a finished review looks like.
- Check My Quote — $9.90 — upload your estimate and get your report.