Trust tool · FMCSA registryUpdated July 2026
Verify Your Mover Before You Sign
Every legitimate interstate mover has active FMCSA operating authority. Check it in ten seconds — straight from the federal registry.
How to read the result
- Authorized: YES — the carrier currently holds federal operating authority. Minimum bar, not an endorsement.
- Authorized: NO or out-of-service date present — walk away. An interstate move with an unauthorized carrier voids most protections.
- Fleet size — tiny fleets aren't bad, but a "national van line" claiming 2 trucks is a broker or a red flag.
- Safety rating — many legitimate carriers are unrated; a Conditional or Unsatisfactory rating deserves questions.
Booking through a broker? Ask for the actual motor carrier's USDOT number and verify that company — the truck in your driveway is the one that matters.
FAQ
The mover only gave me an MC number
Ask for the USDOT number — every interstate carrier has one and FMCSA requires it on trucks and paperwork. A company that won't share it is your answer.
The name search finds nothing
Try the exact legal name from the estimate paperwork, or the USDOT number. Carriers sometimes operate under a DBA that differs from their registered name.
Is this the same as being insured?
Operating authority requires insurance on file with FMCSA, but coverage levels vary. Ask for the certificate of insurance and the valuation options in writing — see our route guides for what movers must provide.