Alex just had the worst moving experience of his life!
The mover he hired promised low rates but “delivered” hidden fees, poor communication, damaged belongings, and no recourse to resolve the issues.
Alex thought he was hiring a mover, but he was actually hiring a moving broker — and experiences like this (unfortunately) aren’t uncommon.
When it comes to having a streamlined, low-stress move, an experienced, reliable moving partner makes all the difference.
Let’s talk about the differences between moving companies and moving brokers — and how you can spot red flags and avoid scams.
If you’d prefer a quick overview, here’s a downloadable PDF of this information!
What’s a Moving Broker?
Moving brokers are companies that make arrangements to load and move your belongings. They are essentially “middlemen” who book your move and sell it to an authentic moving company. Think of them as sales lead generators or travel agents for the moving industry.
Moving brokers are not moving companies. They don’t have their own team of movers or vehicles.
Brokers aren’t authorized to transport your cargo and assume no responsibility for successfully handling your relocation.
Many of these sales teams operate from call centers across the country and don’t have local knowledge or connections.
This means that you really don’t know who will be handling your move — and might end up with hidden costs and unreliable service.
What Are the Risks of Hiring Moving Company Brokers?
Often, moving brokers entice customers with lowball estimates and falsely claim associations with top movers.
But the reality faced by customers can be a nightmare. Here are some real-life examples we’ve seen:
- Brokers may lure customers with low rates, only to triple charges on delivery and hold belongings hostage until they’re paid.
- They often require large, upfront, non-refundable deposits — only to disappear and become unresponsive after taking your money.
- Brokers use third-party companies, leading to inconsistent, disorganized service.
We’ve actually seen moving brokers’ customers LITERALLY stranded on moving day after the promised trucks never arrived.
These customers have had to rent trucks themselves after being scammed out of their deposit.
At Central, we NEVER ask for a deposit for any reason.
Why Hire Moving Companies Not Brokers?
Unlike brokers, reputable moving companies (like Central) are directly responsible for your move.
- You work directly with our team — no middlemen or third-party confusion.
- With direct communication, you know exactly who is responsible for every stage of your move.
- We’re transparent about our pricing and process. You stay informed the whole time, no surprises.
- We have our own equipment, vehicles, and moving professionals.
- We offer robust insurance and liability coverage — so you can be confident your belongings are protected.
Central Transportation Systems is a trusted agent of United Van Lines, and we’ve got over 100 years of experience successfully handling local, complex, and long-distance moves.
How Do You Know if You’re Hiring a Moving Company Broker?
Moving brokers often seem legitimate, and it can be tricky to know whether they’re actual moving companies.
Here are some red flags to look out for:
🚩 Asking for a large, upfront deposit
🚩 No local address in your area
🚩 Refusing to provide a written estimate
🚩 Lack of a regional track record or reputation (always check reviews!)
🚩 They don’t have their own vehicles or team
🚩 Providing dirt-cheap estimates (if it sounds too good to be true… it probably is!)
🚩 They can’t provide you with their license number or documentation
All moving companies AND moving brokers must register with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association). You can check their registration and complaint history here.
If you’re in Texas, you can start by verifying their USDOT number through the FMCSA database.
The best way to avoid moving brokers is to partner with a reputable carrier backed by a trusted van line (like United Van Lines).
Making Your Move With Confidence
Moving is more than just transporting items — it’s about starting a new chapter with peace of mind. Hiring moving brokers comes with big risks, but you deserve a moving partner you can count on. By partnering with moving companies not brokers, you can start your new journey with confidence.
Here at Central Transportation Systems, we stand by our word and our service. As trusted agents of United with a century of experience, we’re committed to handling every aspect of your move with excellence, transparency, and care. We’d love to help you have the best move possible.
Do you have questions about planning your upcoming move? Contact Central today!
