USDOT Numbers & Moving: What Federal Regulation Does for You
Every legitimate interstate mover has a USDOT number — but almost nobody knows what it buys them as a customer. Short version: federal regulation gives you lookup power, paperwork rights, and claim deadlines. Here's how to use each.
What the numbers mean
- **USDOT number:** the federal registration for commercial vehicles crossing state lines — the mover's identity in the FMCSA system
- **MC number:** the operating authority to carry household goods for hire interstate — the actual license to move you
- Local-only NYC moves run under state rules instead (NYSDOT for intrastate NY) — the federal layer activates when a state line is crossed, even NYC→NJ
The lookup ritual (2 minutes, always worth it)
- Get the mover's USDOT number (any legitimate one volunteers it)
- Search it on the FMCSA mover-search site (safer.fmcsa.dot.gov / protectyourmove.gov)
- Check: authority status ACTIVE, "household goods" listed, complaint history, and that the company name matches who you're talking to — mismatches are the broker tell
The rights regulation gives you
- A **written estimate** — and binding estimates must be honored as written
- The **"Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" booklet** — movers must provide it on interstate moves
- The **110% rule:** on a non-binding estimate, you can't be required to pay more than 110% of the estimate at delivery to get your goods
- **Claim windows:** interstate claims can be filed up to 9 months after delivery; the mover must acknowledge within 30 days
- A complaint channel with teeth: FMCSA's consumer complaint database, which feeds the record the next customer looks up
FAQs
What is a USDOT number for movers?
The federal registration identifying a commercial carrier that crosses state lines. Combined with an MC number (household-goods operating authority), it's what makes an interstate mover legitimate — and lookupable on FMCSA's public database.
How do I check if a moving company is licensed?
Search their USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov: confirm ACTIVE authority, household-goods designation, the complaint record, and that the registered name matches the company quoting you.
What is the 110% rule in moving?
On interstate moves with non-binding estimates, federal rules cap what you must pay at delivery to receive your goods at 110% of the estimate — one of several reasons to prefer binding estimates anyway.