A moving carrier is responsible for physically transporting your household goods. It supplies or contracts the equipment and moving labor, and its agreement sets out transportation services and liability terms.
A moving broker arranges transportation rather than performing it. MoveSafe Relocation is an interstate household goods moving broker, not a motor carrier. Independent authorized carriers perform the physical moving services.
Both roles are regulated by the FMCSA for interstate household goods moves, but their responsibilities differ. Verify each company's authority and review its written estimate and agreement. A USDOT number alone is not proof of current operating authority or service quality.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates both moving brokers and carriers. Here is what each must do under federal law.
Both brokers and carriers must provide customers with the FMCSA publication "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" before accepting any payment.
You can verify any broker or carrier at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. MoveSafe is USDOT #4021844.
Here is what most articles about brokers vs carriers get wrong.
The risk is not whether you use a broker or a carrier. The risk is whether the company you use — broker or carrier — is reputable, licensed, and accountable.
There are excellent moving brokers and terrible ones. There are excellent moving carriers and terrible ones.
The questions you should ask any moving company are the same regardless of whether they are a broker or carrier:
Neither a company's age nor a brokerage arrangement guarantees the outcome of a move. Check the specific broker and carrier, and understand who is responsible for each part of your relocation.
Learn how to avoid moving scams by watching for these warning signs.
Any broker or carrier operating interstate must have a USDOT number. If they cannot provide one do not book them under any circumstances.
Request a written estimate explaining the inventory, services, carrier tariff, and whether it is binding or non-binding. Neither estimate type is an unconditional guarantee; do not rely on verbal price promises.
A reasonable deposit is normal. A large cash deposit — especially more than 20 percent of the total — before your move starts is a scam warning sign.
Real moving companies have real addresses. Search the address online. If it does not exist or is a residential address that is a red flag.
Experience matters in moving. A company that has been in business for less than 3 years has a limited track record. Check when they were founded before you book.
Search for reviews specifically mentioning price changes on delivery, missing items, and deposit issues. These patterns repeat with scam companies.
MoveSafe Relocation is a licensed interstate household goods moving broker, not a motor carrier, registered under USDOT #4021844 and MC #1517170. You can read about MoveSafe to learn more about our company.
Here is exactly how we work.
We arrange interstate household goods transportation with FMCSA-authorized motor carriers. The selected carrier, not MoveSafe, supplies the moving labor, equipment, and transportation.
Estimates depend on your inventory, requested services, and the selected carrier's published tariff. Review the written estimate, brokerage terms, and carrier agreement, including how changes or additional services are handled.
Contact MoveSafe about brokerage arrangements and your carrier about pickup, transportation, delivery, and shipment claims. Keep the carrier's name and contact details with your moving documents.
Our interstate moving brokerage is for household relocations crossing state lines. We do not offer local or intrastate moves. Carrier availability and service terms depend on your route and move details.
Our business address is 811 Lucerne Ave, Lake Worth, FL 33460. Review our disclosures, ask questions before booking, and check our reviews to see what customers say.
| Category | Carrier | Broker |
|---|---|---|
| Physical transportation | Performs the move | Arranges a carrier; does not transport |
| Trucks and moving labor | Provides or contracts equipment and crews | Does not supply the physical moving service |
| FMCSA authority | Household goods carrier authority | Household goods broker authority |
| Estimate basis | Inventory, services, and carrier tariff | Selected carrier’s published tariff |
| Route availability | Depends on its operations and schedule | Depends on available authorized carriers |
| Customer contact | Transportation and shipment questions | Brokerage arrangements and coordination |
| Loss or damage claims | Carrier’s claims process and liability terms | Does not replace the carrier’s responsibility |
| Before booking | Verify authority, estimate, and agreement | Verify broker and carrier separately |
Learn the red flags to watch for before you book any mover.
See how MoveSafe compares to SafeShip side by side.
Planning an interstate household move? Request an estimate based on your inventory and the selected carrier's tariff.