How to report
a moving company.
State-by-state guide.

FMCSA — National Consumer Complaint Database

The primary federal regulator for interstate household goods movers. File for: hostage loads, failure to honor estimates, operating without authority, failure to provide required consumer documents. Complaints become part of the carrier permanent USDOT record.

FMCSA — Protect Your Move Portal

Dedicated consumer protection portal. Includes a mover search tool to verify licensing and complaint history before hiring. File complaints directly through the portal.

FTC — Federal Trade Commission

File for fraudulent or deceptive business practices — fake estimates, bait-and-switch pricing, fraudulent advertising. The FTC does not resolve individual complaints but uses them to identify enforcement patterns.

Better Business Bureau

The BBB handles complaints and facilitates dispute resolution. A BBB complaint is part of the public record and affects the mover BBB rating. Many movers respond to protect their accreditation.

Alabama PSC regulates household goods carriers. File complaints with the PSC for licensing violations and with the AG for consumer fraud.

Also file: Alabama AG Consumer Protection: (800) 392-5658 — ago.alabama.gov/consumers

Alaska regulates household goods carriers through the RCA. The AG handles consumer fraud and deceptive trade practices.

Also file: Alaska AG Consumer Protection: (907) 269-5100 — law.alaska.gov/department/civil/consumer

The ACC regulates household goods movers. File complaints at azcc.gov. The AG handles fraud and deceptive practices.

Also file: Arizona AG Consumer Protection: (602) 542-5763 — azag.gov/complaints/consumer

Arkansas DOT regulates motor carriers. The AG handles consumer fraud.

Also file: Arkansas AG Consumer Protection: (501) 682-2341 — arkansasag.gov/consumer-protection

California has among the strongest consumer protections for movers in the US. The CPUC requires an MTR (Movers Traffic Registration) number for all intrastate carriers. Verify your mover at cpuc.ca.gov before booking. File all California mover complaints with the CPUC first.

Also file: California AG Consumer Protection: (916) 210-6276 — oag.ca.gov/consumers

The Colorado PUC regulates household goods carriers. File complaints through the PUC complaint portal.

Also file: Colorado AG Consumer Protection: (720) 508-6000 — coag.gov/office-services/consumer-protection

Connecticut DOT regulates household goods carriers. File with both DOT and Consumer Protection for maximum enforcement pressure.

Also file: CT Department of Consumer Protection: (860) 713-6300 — portal.ct.gov/DCP

Delaware DOT handles motor carrier regulation. The AG Consumer Protection Unit handles fraud and deceptive practices.

Also file: Delaware AG Consumer Protection: (302) 577-8600 — attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu

Florida FDACS is one of the most active state regulators for moving complaints in the country. Florida law prohibits movers from withholding goods for payment disputes. File all Florida mover complaints with FDACS first.

Also file: Florida AG Consumer Protection: (866) 966-7226 — myfloridalegal.com/consumer-protection

Georgia DPS regulates commercial motor carriers. File complaints with Motor Carrier Compliance. The AG handles deceptive trade practices.

Also file: Georgia AG Consumer Protection: (404) 651-8600 — law.georgia.gov/consumer-protection

The Hawaii PUC regulates household goods carriers. The Office of Consumer Protection handles fraud and deceptive practices.

Also file: Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection: (808) 586-2630 — cca.hawaii.gov/ocp

Idaho has minimal intrastate moving regulation. The AG Consumer Protection Division is your primary resource for fraud complaints.

Also file: Idaho AG Consumer Protection: (208) 334-2424 — ag.idaho.gov/consumer-protection

The Illinois Commerce Commission regulates household goods carriers. File complaints through the ICC online portal.

Also file: Illinois AG Consumer Fraud Bureau: (800) 386-5438 — illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/consumers

The Indiana URC regulates household goods carriers. The AG Consumer Protection Division handles fraud complaints.

Also file: Indiana AG Consumer Protection: (800) 382-5516 — in.gov/attorneygeneral/consumer-protection-division

Iowa DOT handles motor carrier regulation. The AG Consumer Protection Division handles fraud.

Also file: Iowa AG Consumer Protection: (515) 281-5926 — iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-consumers

The Kansas Corporation Commission regulates household goods carriers.

Also file: Kansas AG Consumer Protection: (800) 432-2310 — ag.ks.gov/about-the-office/sections/consumer-protection

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet regulates motor carriers. The AG Consumer Protection Division handles deceptive practices.

Also file: Kentucky AG Consumer Protection: (888) 432-9257 — ag.ky.gov/civil/consumerprotection

The Louisiana PSC regulates household goods carriers. The AG Consumer Protection Section handles fraud.

Also file: Louisiana AG Consumer Protection: (800) 351-4889 — ag.louisiana.gov/Consumer

Maine DOT handles motor carrier regulation. The AG Consumer Protection Division is the primary channel for fraud complaints.

Also file: Maine AG Consumer Protection: (207) 626-8849 — maine.gov/ag/consumer

The Maryland PSC regulates household goods carriers. Maryland has a strong consumer protection statute — consult an attorney for significant disputes.

Also file: Maryland AG Consumer Protection: (410) 528-8662 — oag.state.md.us/consumer

The Massachusetts DPU regulates household goods movers who must be DPU-registered. File complaints through the DPU consumer portal.

Also file: Massachusetts AG Consumer Advocacy: (617) 727-8400 — mass.gov/ago/consumer-resources

The Michigan PSC regulates household goods carriers. The AG Consumer Protection Division handles fraud and deceptive practices.

Also file: Michigan AG Consumer Protection: (877) 765-8388 — michigan.gov/ag/consumer-protection

Minnesota DOT regulates motor carriers. The AG Consumer Services Division handles deceptive trade practices.

Also file: Minnesota AG Consumer Services: (651) 296-3353 — ag.state.mn.us/Consumer

The Mississippi PSC regulates household goods carriers. The AG Consumer Protection Division handles fraud.

Also file: Mississippi AG Consumer Protection: (601) 359-4230 — ago.ms.gov/consumer-protection

Missouri DOT Motor Carrier Services regulates household goods movers. The AG Consumer Protection Division handles fraud.

Also file: Missouri AG Consumer Protection: (800) 392-8222 — ago.mo.gov/consumer-complaints

Montana DOT handles motor carrier regulation. The AG Consumer Protection Office handles fraud complaints.

Also file: Montana AG Consumer Protection: (406) 444-4500 — dojmt.gov/consumer

The Nebraska PSC regulates household goods carriers. The AG Consumer Protection Division handles deceptive practices.

Also file: Nebraska AG Consumer Protection: (402) 471-2682 — ago.nebraska.gov/consumer

The Nevada Transportation Authority regulates household goods movers. NTA complaints can be filed online.

Also file: Nevada AG Consumer Protection: (702) 486-3420 — ag.nv.gov/Bureaus/BCPFF/Consumer_Protection

New Hampshire DOT handles motor carrier regulation. The AG Consumer Protection Bureau handles fraud complaints.

Also file: New Hampshire AG Consumer Protection: (603) 271-3641 — doj.nh.gov/consumer

New Jersey has a specific mover licensing system. All NJ movers must hold a NJ mover registration with the Division of Consumer Affairs. File complaints directly with the Division — it is the primary regulatory body.

Also file: New Jersey AG Consumer Protection: (973) 504-6200 — nj.gov/oag/ca/complaint

The New Mexico PRC regulates household goods carriers. The AG Consumer Protection Division handles fraud.

Also file: New Mexico AG Consumer Protection: (505) 827-6000 — nmag.gov/consumer-protection.aspx

New York DOT has specific state requirements in addition to FMCSA rules. New York has a formal arbitration program for mover disputes. NYC complaints can also go to the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.

Also file: New York AG Consumer Frauds Bureau: (800) 771-7755 — ag.ny.gov/consumer-frauds-and-protection

The NC Utilities Commission regulates household goods carriers. The AG Consumer Protection Division handles deceptive trade practices.

Also file: NC AG Consumer Protection: (877) 566-7226 — ncdoj.gov/consumer-protection

The North Dakota PSC regulates motor carriers. The AG Consumer Protection Division handles fraud.

Also file: North Dakota AG Consumer Protection: (701) 328-3404 — ag.nd.gov/Consumer

The Ohio PUCO regulates household goods carriers. Ohio has specific written estimate requirements for movers. File complaints online at puco.ohio.gov.

Also file: Ohio AG Consumer Protection: (800) 282-0515 — ohioattorneygeneral.gov/consumers

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission regulates motor carriers. The AG Consumer Protection Unit handles fraud.

Also file: Oklahoma AG Consumer Protection: (405) 521-3921 — ok.gov/oag/Consumer_Protection

Oregon ODOT Motor Carrier Transportation Division regulates household goods movers who must hold a state permit.

Also file: Oregon AG Consumer Protection: (503) 378-4400 — doj.state.or.us/consumer-protection

The Pennsylvania PUC regulates household goods carriers with specific PA requirements. PA movers must be PUC-registered. Verify at puc.pa.gov.

Also file: Pennsylvania AG Consumer Protection: (800) 441-2555 — attorneygeneral.gov/protect-yourself/consumer-protection

The RI Division of Public Utilities regulates household goods carriers. The AG handles fraud and deceptive practices.

Also file: Rhode Island AG Consumer Protection: (401) 274-4400 — riag.ri.gov/consumers

South Carolina SCDMV handles motor carrier regulation. The AG Consumer Protection Division handles fraud.

Also file: South Carolina AG Consumer Protection: (803) 734-3970 — scag.gov/consumer-protection

The South Dakota PUC regulates motor carriers. The AG Consumer Protection Division handles fraud.

Also file: South Dakota AG Consumer Protection: (605) 773-4400 — atg.sd.gov/consumers

Tennessee TDCI handles household goods carrier regulation. The AG Consumer Protection Division handles fraud.

Also file: Tennessee AG Consumer Protection: (615) 741-1671 — tn.gov/attorneygeneral/cpro

Texas movers must hold a TxDMV household goods carrier permit. File complaints at txdmv.gov. The AG Consumer Protection Division handles fraud and deceptive practices.

Also file: Texas AG Consumer Protection: (800) 621-0508 — texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection

Utah DOT handles motor carrier regulation. The Division of Consumer Protection handles fraud. Utah has strong consumer protection remedies.

Also file: Utah Division of Consumer Protection: (801) 530-6601 — consumerprotection.utah.gov

Vermont DMV handles motor carrier regulation. The AG Consumer Assistance Program provides free mediation for consumer disputes including moving complaints.

Also file: Vermont AG Consumer Assistance Program: (800) 649-2424 — ago.vermont.gov/caps

Virginia DMV regulates motor carriers. File complaints with DMV Motor Carrier Services and the AG Consumer Protection Section.

Also file: Virginia AG Consumer Protection: (800) 552-9963 — ag.virginia.gov/consumer-protection

The Washington UTC regulates household goods movers with specific state requirements. Washington has been an active enforcer against fraudulent movers. Movers must be UTC-registered.

Also file: Washington AG Consumer Protection: (800) 551-4636 — atg.wa.gov/consumer-protection

The West Virginia PSC regulates household goods carriers. The AG Consumer Protection Division handles fraud.

Also file: West Virginia AG Consumer Protection: (800) 368-8808 — ago.wv.gov/consumerprotection

Wisconsin DOT regulates household goods movers. The DATCP (Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection) handles consumer moving fraud complaints.

Also file: Wisconsin Dept of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection: (800) 422-7128 — datcp.wi.gov

Wyoming DOT handles motor carrier regulation. The AG Consumer Protection Unit handles fraud and deceptive practice complaints.

Also file: Wyoming AG Consumer Protection: (307) 777-6397 — ag.wyo.gov/consumer-protection

DC Office of the People Counsel handles utility and transportation complaints. The AG Consumer Protection Section handles fraud. For DC moves crossing into MD or VA, FMCSA jurisdiction applies.

Also file: DC AG Consumer Protection: (202) 442-9828 — ag.dc.gov/service/file-consumer-complaint

What is a hostage load and what should I do right now?

A hostage load occurs when a moving company loads your belongings then refuses to unload unless you pay significantly more than agreed. This is illegal for interstate moves under federal law (49 USC 13905). Do not pay if you can avoid it. Call local police to the scene immediately. Call FMCSA at 1-888-368-7238 (24-hour hotline). Document everything with photos and video. Contact your state attorney general emergency consumer protection line.

Can the police help if a mover is holding my belongings?

Yes. Call local police and request they respond. Police presence documents the situation and can prevent escalation. FMCSA investigators can also respond for interstate moves. Never let the mover leave with your belongings to an unknown location — recovery becomes significantly harder.

Should I pay under protest to get my belongings back?

If you must pay, use a credit card if at all possible for chargeback options. Write "paid under protest" on any receipt. Photograph every document. Do not sign any release of claims. Then immediately file with FMCSA, your state AG, and initiate a credit card chargeback dispute. Consult a consumer protection attorney about recovery.

Where do I file a complaint against a moving company?

For interstate moves (crossing state lines): file with FMCSA at nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov. For intrastate moves (within one state): file with your state regulatory authority listed in the state guide above. Always also file with your state attorney general consumer protection division. Multiple simultaneous complaints generate more regulatory attention than a single filing.

What information do I need before filing a complaint?

Gather: the mover company name, USDOT number, and MC number from your Bill of Lading; your original written estimate; the Bill of Lading itself; all correspondence (texts, emails); photos of damaged items; receipts and payment records; and a detailed chronological account of what happened. The more documentation, the stronger your complaint.

How long do I have to file a complaint?

For property loss or damage on interstate moves, file a claim with the mover within 9 months of delivery under federal regulations. FMCSA complaints can be filed any time but are most effective filed promptly. State complaint deadlines vary. File within 30-60 days of the incident for maximum impact and options.

Will filing a complaint actually do anything?

Multiple complaints against the same carrier trigger FMCSA investigation and can result in fines, compliance orders, and operating authority revocation. State regulators take action against carriers with complaint patterns. While your individual complaint may not generate a direct remedy, it becomes part of the carrier permanent record and protects other consumers. For direct remedies, small claims court and the AG office are often more effective.

Can I get my money back from a dishonest moving company?

Potentially through: credit card chargeback (most effective if paid by card — initiate immediately); small claims court (for amounts under your state limit, typically $5,000-$10,000); attorney general mediation; or civil litigation for larger amounts. File regulatory complaints regardless — they create pressure and may trigger restitution as part of enforcement actions.

How does a credit card chargeback work for moving disputes?

Contact your credit card issuer and dispute the charge as services not rendered as agreed or fraudulent charge. Provide your documentation — original estimate, Bill of Lading, photos, correspondence. The issuer investigates and may reverse the charge. For hostage loads where you paid inflated amounts under duress, chargebacks are particularly powerful. Initiate as soon as possible — most cards have a 60-120 day dispute window.

What is the FMCSA arbitration program?

Interstate household goods carriers are required to offer arbitration for loss and damage claims and disputed charges under $10,000. The mover must inform you of this right in writing before your move. Arbitration is less formal than court, can be conducted by mail, and decisions are binding on the carrier. Contact FMCSA or your mover for arbitration program details.

How do I file a damage claim with a moving company?

Document damage at delivery — photograph everything, note damaged items on the delivery receipt before signing, and do not sign any form releasing claims. Submit a written claim to the mover within the required timeframe (9 months for interstate moves). Itemize damaged items, describe the damage, and state the dollar amount claimed. The mover has 30 days to acknowledge and 120 days to resolve under federal regulations.

The mover says my damage is only worth 60 cents per pound. Is that right?

Under released value protection (the federal minimum), yes — liability is 60 cents per pound per article. A 50-pound TV might only generate a $30 claim despite being worth $800. If you were not offered and did not choose full value protection, released value applies. This is the most common source of consumer frustration with movers. For future moves, always ask about and pay for full value protection.

What if the mover denies my damage claim?

Request the formal arbitration program (required for interstate movers for claims under $10,000). File complaints with FMCSA and your state AG. File in small claims court. Contact a consumer protection attorney. If the denial is in writing, it starts the clock for some legal options. Document every communication after the denial.