Moving is stressful enough—so why add unnecessary uncertainty to the mix?

You’ve likely seen the signs plastered on poles at intersections or online ads touting, “Two Movers and a Truck for $65 an Hour!” At first glance, it sounds like a steal. But as with many things in life, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

So, who’s actually behind these bargain-bin moving deals? And are you putting your most valuable belongings in the hands of strangers you can’t vet? Let’s unpack what’s really going on—and how you can protect yourself from a moving day disaster.

 

The Hidden Players Behind Bargain Moving Ads

Here’s the thing: those low-cost moving ads aren’t typically posted by moving companies. They’re posted by moving brokers—middlemen who sell your job to the highest bidder.

That’s right. The broker you talk to on the phone? They don’t own trucks. They don’t employ movers. Their job is to collect your information, promise you a great rate, and then auction off your move to a company—any company—that’s willing to do the work at or near the price quoted.

Sometimes that means you get a legitimate mover. Other times, you may end up with two random dudes in a beat-up van, and no real accountability if something goes wrong.

 

With a moving broker, you may end up with any random guy with a van and no accountability (iStock)

 

When Middlemen Create Maximum Headaches

It’s not that all moving brokers are shady, but the system is built for miscommunication and risk. Here's how:

  • No control over who actually shows up: You think you're hiring a vetted crew. But on moving day, a completely different company may arrive—and you won’t have any relationship with them.
  • Low quotes that balloon: Many consumers report that the final bill is much higher than the estimate. Why? Because the actual moving company didn't agree to that original $65/hour rate.
  • Little to no recourse if something goes wrong: Damage to your belongings? Late arrival? No-show? It’s tough to track responsibility when you’ve never even spoken to the people moving your stuff.

And that’s assuming they show up at all. Complaints to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) often center around last-minute cancellations, surprise charges, and belongings being held hostage until a higher fee is paid.

 

How to Protect Yourself from Moving Mayhem

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to roll the dice on moving day. The key is simple—hire a licensed, insured, and accountable moving company directly.

Before booking, make sure to:

  • Check FMCSA registration: Reputable interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA. Look them up at protectyourmove.gov.
  • Ask if they’re a broker or carrier: Legitimate companies will be transparent about what they do. If they’re a broker, you have the right to ask who will actually perform the move.
  • Read real reviews and verify credentials: Websites like TrustDALE.com rigorously investigate and certify service providers, including movers, based on performance, customer satisfaction, and legal compliance.
  • Get the quote in writing: Make sure the quote includes everything—truck, labor, mileage, insurance, and additional fees. Avoid vague terms like “starting at…”

Think of it this way: would you trust a broker to choose your heart surgeon? Then why trust one with everything you own?

 

Bottom Line: You Deserve Peace of Mind on Moving Day

Moving isn’t just a logistics challenge—it’s an emotional transition. The last thing you need is to worry about whether the crew handling your grandmother’s antique dresser is licensed, insured, or even qualified.

So skip the flashy signs and too-good-to-be-true deals. Instead, take a few extra minutes to research and hire a company that will treat your move like the serious, professional operation it should be.

 

Need a hand finding someone trustworthy? Start with a vetted and certified mover at TrustDALE.com—because when it comes to your home, your money, and your sanity, the cheapest choice often ends up being the most expensive.

 

Got a moving story—good or bad? We’d love to hear it. Sharing your experience might help someone else avoid a costly mistake.