The moving industry trust problem - and how people are solving it before booking

The moving industry has a trust issue due to rogue firms using "bait-and-switch" tactics, such as offering low quotes, hiking actual prices on moving day, and holding customers' belongings hostage. Savvy consumers solve this problem by heavily vetting operators and using digital inventory tools. 

Addressing consumer trust in movers is crucial, as they can make moving (one of life's most stressful experiences) less daunting. As real estate education platform Anytime Estimate says, 82% of people who relocated in 2024 said moving was stressful. Over 40% even admitted it made them cry.

How Big Is the Moving Industry in the U.S.? 

The moving and storage industry in the U.S. is a multi-billion-dollar market. An article published in Heavy Duty Trucking magazine cited a study revealing it to be a $16.5 billion sector.

Over 8,100 companies comprise the industry, operating at 17,000 locations throughout the nation. 

What Is the Trust Problem Afflicting the U.S. Moving Industry? 

The U.S. moving industry's trust problem is primarily due to rogue operators causing a drop in moving service credibility. They use various tactics, from bait-and-switch maneuvers to price gouging and outright fraud. 

Even worse, moving scams have become highly prevalent. A news article from WFSB.com cited a study that found 44% of people experienced moving issues or scams. 

Bait-And-Switch Maneuvers 

Bait-and-switch tactics lure you in with an attractive offer, like quotes for low prices. Scammers may say they don't need a video walkthrough or to visit your home for an assessment, as they have flat rates or are running a promo. 

Once the movers have loaded all your stuff in their trucks, however, they'll do the "switch," claiming your belongings are far heavier and cost more to move. They'll charge hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars more, holding your items captive unless you pay what they're demanding. 

Price Gouging 

Price gouging involves charging significantly more for "hidden" fees. Scammers may use excuses like moving stuff from upstairs or having to take "longer-than-expected" walks from your house to the truck. 

Outright Fraud 

Bait-and-switch maneuvers and price gouging are scams that moving companies commit, but there are also unscrupulous parties that commit outright fraud. They're "fly-by-night" entities, meaning they aren't legitimate businesses but pretend to be one.

Outright fraudsters pose as legit moving companies online, offering affordable quotes to attract victims. They'll "hype" up the offer and create a sense of urgency, saying it's a limited-time deal.

They'll then require you to make a down payment so you can secure the slot. Unfortunately, the fraudsters will never arrive on moving day and will simply vanish along with your down payment money.

How Are Consumers Solving the Moving Industry's Trust Issue? 

The illicit schemes plaguing the moving industry are contributing to trust problems, prompting consumers to research and analyze moving company reliability ratings better. As someone who's relocating and considering hiring a mover yourself, consider these strategies to address trust issues.

Thoroughly Vet Each of Your Prospective Moving Companies 

Say you're in the market specifically for trusted Idaho moving experts. In this case, verify each of your prospects has a valid registration with the Idaho Transportation Department.

If you're hiring them for a long-distance move, ensure they have a valid U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) license. Confirming the validity of USDOT licenses is key to avoiding moving scams, as this document proves the moving company has a clear safety record and legal permission to operate.

It also means the firm carries proper, adequate insurance and is an actual entity, not a fly-by-night one. You can also look up each of your prospects via the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) online search tool for interstate movers. 

Use Digital Inventory Tools to Keep Track of Your Belongings 

Another way consumers address the trust issue in the moving industry is by using digital inventory tools to replace handwritten lists, which are easy to lose and tamper with. If you digitize your inventory, you can minimize your risk of having to deal with "lost" items, as these tools allow you to:

• Track items via barcodes
• Document original item conditions with high-resolution photographs
• Hold movers accountable for lost or damaged items

Report Fraudsters and Scammers Immediately 

While booking trustworthy movers by confirming credentials is crucial, it's just as vital to report unscrupulous individuals and firms you encounter immediately. You can file a complaint or report with the FMCSA and the DOT online or via phone (1-888-368-7238 or 1-800-424-9071, respectively). 

Complaints and reports can help chase rogue entities away, making the moving industry safer for others who are also relocating. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Top Red Flags for Moving Companies You Should Be Aware Of? 

If a moving company provides a too-good-to-be-true estimate (very low quote) without even asking to see your home and belongings, take that as a red flag. No self-respecting, legitimate company will make such low offers without even knowing what and how much they're transporting. 

Demanding significant cash deposits before the actual moving day is another red flag. Check your state laws; there may be a legal cap limiting the allowed percentage that movers can charge.

In most cases, the range is between 10% and 25%.

Are There Ways to Save On Professional Moving Costs? 

Yes, including packing and unpacking your belongings yourself. Hiring a professional moving company to pack, transport, and unpack your items can cost you far more.

If you decide to go with the DIY packing route, reuse and repurpose packaging materials to further save on costs. Ask your local grocery stores if they can give you boxes for free, and ask friends and family to give you old newspapers and magazines (to wrap and protect fragile items). 

Downsize your load, too, as this minimizes the cargo that movers will have to deal with. Consider selling or donating items you don't use anymore. 

Navigate Trust Issues With the Moving Industry Using These Tactics

The moving industry may be facing trust issues, but many professional movers remain trustworthy and reliable. Ensure you work with one of these reputable firms by thoroughly vetting all your prospects, using digital inventory tools, and being on the lookout for red flags. 

Find even more informative guides like this or read up on the latest North Idaho events and happenings by exploring more of our news platform. 

This article was prepared by an independent contributor which helps us continue delivering quality content to our audiences.