Moving broker vs. carrier: what changes for you

Both brokers and carriers can operate legally. What matters is knowing which one you are dealing with.

Carriers move your belongings

A carrier owns or leases the trucks and employs the crew that loads, drives and delivers your belongings. Its USDOT number should be on the truck and on your bill of lading.

Brokers arrange the move

A broker sells you the move and then hires a carrier to do it. A broker doesn’t transport anything itself. Brokers must hold their own FMCSA authority and keep a $75,000 bond or trust on file.

Why it matters

Many complaints start the same way: a broker gives a low price, then a different company arrives on moving day with a higher one. That can happen when the broker’s estimate was not based on the carrier’s real pricing, or when nobody surveyed what you are moving.

What to ask a broker

Which carrier will do my move? Please give me its name and USDOT number in writing.
Is the estimate binding or non-binding, and who issued it — you or the carrier?
What will I pay at pickup and at delivery?

Then check the carrier with the same care as the broker. The Quote Checker does both in one step.

Common questions

What is the difference between a moving broker and a carrier?

A carrier has its own trucks and crews and physically moves your belongings. A broker arranges the move and hires a carrier to do it.

Is it legal to use a moving broker?

Yes, when the broker holds FMCSA broker authority and keeps a $75,000 bond or trust on file. Ask it in writing which carrier will do your move, and check that carrier too.