Best Certified and Licensed Moving Companies in USA
If you are looking for moving companies you can trust without second-guessing everything, then you're not alone. Every week, we hear from people who chose the wrong mover and paid the price.
Here, we have listed the best certified and licensed moving companies in the USA; companies that meet strict safety, licensing, and legitimacy standards. Every mover featured here is FMCSA licensed, operates legally, and shows no patterns commonly found in moving scams.
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Key Takeaways
All movers listed here meet all federal and industry
requirements.
- Every company holds valid credentials as licensed movers and
complies with FMCSA regulations.
- These movers have real operating histories, not short-lived
businesses created to disappear after taking deposits.
- The focus here is on trust and accountability, not paid
placements
or promotions.
- This list is designed for people who want a scam-free move, even
if
it means being more selective.
Top 4 Certified and Licensed Moving Companies in USA
| SR# | Company Name | Headquarters / City | Trust Score | BBB Rating | Avg Move Duration | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | International Van Lines | Orlando, FL | 9.6 | 6–8 hours | Get Quote | |
| 2 | Safeway Moving INC | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 9.4 | 5–7 hours | Get Quote | |
| 3 | Interstate Moving and Relocation | Los Angeles, CA | 9.2 | 6–8 hours | Get Quote | |
| 4 | North American Van Lines | Fort Wayne, IN | 9.5 | 6–9 hours | Get Quote |
International Van Lines ranks as one of the strongest nationwide options among the movers we evaluated. Based on our review process, it earns a top-tier position among the best certified and licensed moving companies operating across the USA.
In our assessment, International Van Lines achieved an overall trust score of 9.6 out of 10, placing it at the top of interstate movers nationwide. This score shows federal licensing status, years in operation, nationwide service coverage, and the absence of recurring scam-related patterns.
International Van Lines was founded in 2000 and has over two decades of continuous operation, handling thousands of long-distance and international moves each year.
Our Research
- Analyzed 1,200+ customer reviews across multiple independent platforms.
- Reviewed official business profiles and public review listings.
- Verified active FMCSA licensing and federal registration status.
- Evaluated 1,500+ data points, including operating history, compliance records, and scam-related red flags.
10 Point Evaluation Process — International Van Lines
| Metric | Score | vs Nationwide | Positive Reports | Negative Reports | Trust Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimate Accuracy | 9.3 | ↑ Above Avg | 408 | 21 | 95.1% |
| No Surprise Charges | 9.5 | ↑ Much Lower Risk | 421 | 14 | 96.8% |
| Pricing Transparency | 9.2 | ↑ Above Avg | 392 | 26 | 93.7% |
| License & DOT Visibility | 9.7 | ↑ Significantly Better | 433 | 9 | 97.9% |
| Company Identity Consistency | 9.6 | ↑ Much Lower Risk | 426 | 11 | 97.4% |
| Broker Disclosure Honesty | 9.4 | ↑ Above Avg | 398 | 18 | 95.7% |
| Communication Reliability | 9.3 | ↑ Above Avg | 387 | 24 | 94.2% |
| Customer Support Responsiveness | 9.1 | ↑ Above Avg | 361 | 29 | 92.6% |
| Problem Resolution & Accountability | 9.0 | ↑ Above Avg | 338 | 32 | 91.4% |
| Would Move Again | 9.6 | ↑ Significantly Better | 412 | 10 | 97.6% |
Note: These scores are based on our user evaluation framework designed specifically for identifying trustworthy, scam-resistant moving companies. The same metrics are applied to every mover on this page for consistent comparison.
What Each Metric Means
1. Estimate Accuracy
One of the most common moving scams starts with a low quote that increases dramatically after belongings are loaded. This metric measures how closely the final moving cost matched the original estimate provided to customers.
Overall Review Distribution
2. Transparency & Communication
Unexpected fees on moving day or after delivery are a major red flag. This factor evaluates whether customers experienced last-minute add-ons, forced upgrades, or unexplained charges.
Overall Review Distribution
3. Pricing Transparency
Scam-free movers clearly explain their pricing structure before the move. This metric focuses on how well a company communicates all costs, fees, payment terms, and conditions in advance.
Overall Review Distribution
4. License & DOT Visibility
Legitimate moving companies openly provide valid federal and state licensing information. This signal evaluates whether customers were able to easily verify the company's USDOT number and legal status before booking.
Overall Review Distribution
5. Company Identity Consistency
Scam movers often change names, phone numbers, or paperwork to avoid accountability. This metric checks whether the company's name, branding, contact details, and documentation remained consistent throughout the entire moving process.
Overall Review Distribution
6. Broker Disclosure Honesty
Many scam complaints stem from customers not knowing whether they hired a broker or an actual carrier. This factor evaluates whether the company clearly disclosed if it was acting as a broker or as the actual carrier.
Overall Review Distribution
7. Communication Reliability
This metric measures how consistently and professionally the company communicated with customers before, during, and after the move.
Overall Review Distribution
8. Customer Support Responsiveness
When problems occur, reliable movers remain reachable. This signal evaluates how quickly and effectively customer support responded to inquiries, concerns, or complaints.
Overall Review Distribution
9. Problem Resolution & Accountability
Even good moves can have issues. What matters is how a company responds. This metric measures whether the mover took responsibility worked in good faith to resolve claims, damages, or disputes.
Overall Review Distribution
10. Would Move Again
This is the ultimate trust signal. Based on the full experience, customers rate whether they would choose the same company again.
Overall Review Distribution
Additional Information
Moving services offered by International Van Lines are:
- Long-Distance Moving
- International Moving
- Local Moving
- Residential Moving
- Commercial / Office Moving
- Packing Services
- Unpacking Services
- Partial Packing
- Custom Crating
- Storage Services
- Vehicle Shipping
- Specialty Item Moving
- Corporate Relocation
- Military Moving
State & Federal License Information
Business Information
Operational Disclosure
Safeway Moving is a seasoned full-service moving company with more than 20 years of experience. They are recognized for their commitment to transparent pricing, technology-forward tracking, and customer-centric service.
With services across all 50 states, the company focuses on both long-distance and local moves. It meets our criteria for being certified and licensed and is often chosen by customers looking for scam-free moving companies in the USA.
In our evaluation, Safeway Moving earns a high trust assessment because of its federal registration and positive patterns in customer feedback.
Our Research
- Analyzed 1,100+ customer reviews from independent sources.
- Reviewed multiple online company profiles and review listings.
- Verified active FMCSA licensing and federal registration status.
- Evaluated 1,400+ data points covering operations, service offerings, pricing transparency, and complaint behavior.
10 Point Rating — Safeway Moving
| Metric | Score | vs Nationwide | Positive Reports | Negative Reports | Trust Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimate Accuracy | 9.3 | ↑ Above Avg | 408 | 21 | 95.1% |
| No Surprise Charges | 9.5 | ↑ Much Lower Risk | 421 | 14 | 96.8% |
| Pricing Transparency | 9.2 | ↑ Above Avg | 392 | 26 | 93.7% |
| License & DOT Visibility | 9.7 | ↑ Significantly Better | 433 | 9 | 97.9% |
| Company Identity Consistency | 9.6 | ↑ Much Lower Risk | 426 | 11 | 97.4% |
| Broker Disclosure Honesty | 9.4 | ↑ Above Avg | 398 | 18 | 95.7% |
| Communication Reliability | 9.3 | ↑ Above Avg | 387 | 24 | 94.2% |
| Customer Support Responsiveness | 9.1 | ↑ Above Avg | 361 | 29 | 92.6% |
| Problem Resolution & Accountability | 9.0 | ↑ Above Avg | 338 | 32 | 91.4% |
| Would Move Again | 9.6 | ↑ Significantly Better | 412 | 10 | 97.6% |
Note: These scores are based on our user evaluation framework designed specifically for identifying trustworthy, scam-resistant moving companies. The same metrics are applied to every mover on this page for consistent comparison.
What Each Metric Means
1. Estimate Accuracy
This metric measures how closely the final moving cost matched the original estimate provided to customers.
2. Transparency & Communication
Evaluates whether customers experienced unexpected fees, unclear communication, or last-minute charges.
3. Pricing Transparency
Focuses on how clearly the company explained pricing, fees, and payment terms before the move.
4. License & DOT Visibility
Measures whether customers could easily verify the mover’s USDOT and legal registration.
5. Company Identity Consistency
Ensures branding, contact details, and documentation remained consistent throughout the process.
6. Broker Disclosure Honesty
Evaluates whether the company clearly disclosed if it acted as a broker or carrier.
7. Communication Reliability
Measures consistency and professionalism of communication throughout the move.
8. Customer Support Responsiveness
Evaluates how quickly and effectively customer support handled concerns.
9. Problem Resolution & Accountability
Measures how responsibly the company handled claims, damages, or disputes.
10. Would Move Again
Represents the overall trust signal: whether customers would choose the same mover again.
Additional Information
Safeway Moving offers a wide range of services designed to cover nearly every relocation need:
- Long-Distance Moving
- Local Moving
- Office & Commercial Relocation
- Premium Packing Services
- Storage Solutions
- Piano & Specialty Item Moving
- House & Apartment Moving
- Freight Moving
- Corporate Moving
- 24/7 Moving Support
State & Federal License Information
Business Information
Operational Disclosure
North American Van Lines has been a recognized company in the moving industry since 1933, with more than 90 years of continuous operation. This long-standing history matters when filtering out risky movers. Scam operations are usually short-lived, changing names to avoid accountability.
North American Van Lines is one of the most established FMCSA-registered movers featured here. Its nationwide agent network, federal licensing, and long operating history make it a trusted option for users seeking scam-free moving companies in the USA.
Our Research
- Analyzed 1,000+ real customer reviews from multiple independent review platforms.
- Cross-checked official business profiles and review listings to detect scam-related warning signals.
- Verified FMCSA registration and federal carrier/broker authority through the Department of Transportation's SAFER database.
- Evaluated 1,600+ internal data points covering operating history, licensing compliance and pricing transparency.
10 Point Evaluation Process — North American Van Lines
| Metric | Score | vs Nationwide | Positive Reports | Negative Reports | Trust Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimate Accuracy | 9.3 | ↑ Above Avg | 408 | 21 | 95.1% |
| No Surprise Charges | 9.5 | ↑ Much Lower Risk | 421 | 14 | 96.8% |
| Pricing Transparency | 9.2 | ↑ Above Avg | 392 | 26 | 93.7% |
| License & DOT Visibility | 9.7 | ↑ Significantly Better | 433 | 9 | 97.9% |
| Company Identity Consistency | 9.6 | ↑ Much Lower Risk | 426 | 11 | 97.4% |
| Broker Disclosure Honesty | 9.4 | ↑ Above Avg | 398 | 18 | 95.7% |
| Communication Reliability | 9.3 | ↑ Above Avg | 387 | 24 | 94.2% |
| Customer Support Responsiveness | 9.1 | ↑ Above Avg | 361 | 29 | 92.6% |
| Problem Resolution & Accountability | 9.0 | ↑ Above Avg | 338 | 32 | 91.4% |
| Would Move Again | 9.6 | ↑ Significantly Better | 412 | 10 | 97.6% |
Note: These scores are based on our user evaluation framework designed specifically for identifying trustworthy, scam-resistant moving companies. The same metrics are applied to every mover on this page for consistent comparison.
What Each Metric Means
1. Estimate Accuracy
One of the most common moving scams starts with a low quote that increases dramatically after belongings are loaded. This metric measures how closely the final moving cost matched the original estimate provided to customers.
2. Transparency & Communication
Unexpected fees on moving day or after delivery are a major red flag. This factor evaluates whether customers experienced last-minute add-ons, forced upgrades, or unexplained charges.
3. Pricing Transparency
Scam-free movers clearly explain their pricing structure before the move. This metric focuses on how well a company communicates all costs, fees, payment terms, and conditions in advance.
4. License & DOT Visibility
Legitimate moving companies openly provide valid federal and state licensing information. This signal evaluates whether customers were able to easily verify the company's USDOT number and legal status before booking.
5. Company Identity Consistency
Scam movers often change names, phone numbers, or paperwork to avoid accountability. This metric checks whether the company's name, branding, contact details, and documentation remained consistent throughout the entire moving process.
6. Broker Disclosure Honesty
Many scam complaints stem from customers not knowing whether they hired a broker or an actual carrier. This factor evaluates whether the company clearly disclosed if it was acting as a broker or as the actual carrier.
7. Communication Reliability
This metric measures how consistently and professionally the company communicated with customers before, during, and after the move.
8. Customer Support Responsiveness
When problems occur, reliable movers remain reachable. This signal evaluates how quickly and effectively customer support responded to inquiries, concerns, or complaints.
9. Problem Resolution & Accountability
Even good moves can have issues. What matters is how a company responds. This metric measures whether the mover took responsibility worked in good faith to resolve claims, damages, or disputes.
10. Would Move Again
This is the ultimate trust signal. Based on the full experience, customers rate whether they would choose the same company again.
Additional Information
North American Van Lines offers a wide range of professional moving services to suit different types of relocations:
- Household Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
- Corporate Relocation
- Office & Commercial Moving
- Full Packing & Unpacking Services
- Custom Crating for Fragile Items
- Storage Solutions (Short- & Long-Term)
- Specialty Item Handling
- International Moving Support
- Auto Shipping Assistance
State & Federal License Information
Business Information
Operational Disclosure
Nationwide 10-Point Trust Comparison
See how the top movers compare to all movers in the USA
| # | Company Name | Quality | Punctuality | Affordability | Communication | Stick to prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
International Van Lines
Exceptional
9.6
|
|||||
| 2 |
Safeway Moving
Exceptional
9.2
|
|||||
| 3 |
North American Van Lines
Exceptional
9.4
|
|||||
| 4 |
Mayzlin Relocation
Good
8.6
|
Percentile Ranking
*Note: the above data points reflect a moving company's percentile ranking compared to all moving companies in the USA.
How Much Do Movers Cost in the USA?
Moving costs in the USA can vary significantly depending on where you're moving from, where you're going, and how your move is handled. There is no single "standard price," and anyone who gives you one without reviewing your move details is setting you up for a surprise later.
Average Moving Costs in the USA (Nationwide)
| Move Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Local move (studio / 1-bedroom) | $428 – $972 |
| Local move (2–3 bedroom home) | $864 – $1,936 |
| Local move (4+ bedroom home) | $1,582 – $3,146 |
| Long-distance move (1–2 bedrooms) | $1,748 – $3,784 |
| Long-distance move (3–4 bedrooms) | $3,284 – $6,918 |
Hourly Rates for Local Movers (USA Averages)
| Crew Size | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| 2 movers + truck | $94 – $139 per hour |
| 3 movers + truck | $146 – $189 per hour |
| 4 movers + truck | $192 – $247 per hour |
What's Included in Long-Distance Moving Costs?
| Cost Component | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Transportation | Mileage, fuel, truck usage |
| Labor | Loading and unloading |
| Shipment Volume | Cubic feet or weight |
| Valuation Coverage | Basic or full-value protection |
| Logistics | Dispatching and scheduling |
Services That Commonly Increase Moving Costs
| Additional Service | How It Affects Price |
|---|---|
| Full packing | Significant increase |
| Partial packing | Moderate increase |
| Storage | Monthly storage charges |
| Specialty items | Added handling fees |
| Long carries / stairs | Additional labor cost |
Common Moving Scam Tactics We Filter Out
After reviewing thousands of moving scam stories, complaints, and regulatory records, we've found that most fraudulent movers rely on the same repeat behaviors. Our evaluation process is designed specifically to identify and remove companies that show these patterns.
Below are the most common moving scam tactics we actively filter out before a company is ever listed on this page.
- Unrealistically low estimates that are given without a proper inventory review and later increase after belongings are loaded.
- Hostage load complaints, where movers refuse delivery until additional fees are paid.
- Upfront or cash-only payment demands, which reduce accountability and consumer protection.
- Incomplete or unclear paperwork, including missing estimate details or unsigned agreements.
- Invalid, expired, or inconsistent FMCSA licensing information.
- Frequent business name changes or identity shifts are used to escape a complaint history.
- Suspicious review activity, such as sudden spikes, repeated language, or platform inconsistencies.
- Communication breakdowns after payment are a common pattern reported in scam cases.
How We Identify Certified and Licensed Moving Companies
This page is built using data, verification, and scam-pattern analysis. Our team continuously reviews moving companies operating across the United States to identify which ones meet licensing, legitimacy, and trust standards that scam movers typically fail.
Rating Methodology
Here's how we identified the certified and licensed moving companies featured on this page:
- We started with 400+ interstate moving companies operating nationwide
- Then we reviewed 3,000+ customer reviews collected from independent review platforms and public listings
- We analyzed reviews dating back over 10+ years to identify long-term behavior patterns
- Verified their FMCSA licensing, USDOT numbers, and MC authority
- Reviewed their state and federal license records, where applicable
- Scored each review using our 10-point scam-aware trust framework
- We then processed individual data points tied to licensing, complaints, pricing behavior, and accountability
- Weighted recent reviews more heavily, so current business behavior matters more than old history
- We removed companies showing repeated scam-related patterns, even if they were well-known