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By Todd W. Messerle | Chipman Relocation & Logistics | FMC No. 1639
Article 3 of 3 | Series: The Truth About Moving Brokers
After two posts about what can go wrong when a broker handles a household move, here’s the good news: finding a trustworthy residential mover isn’t complicated — you just need to know what to look for and what to ask.
Start with established van line agents
National van lines — Mayflower and United are great choices — operate through networks of independently owned, quality-certified local household moving agents. These agents own their trucks, employ their crews, and carry full accountability for your move under a brand that has real standards to uphold. That’s a fundamentally different arrangement than a broker.
Chipman Relocation & Logistics is a licensed, FMCSA-registered carrier (FMC No. 1639). We own our equipment, employ our crews, and stand behind every move we make.
Insist on an in-home survey or virtual survey
Any reputable home mover will survey your home before providing a final price. If a company will only quote you over the phone or through an online form, treat that as a warning sign — it’s how low-ball estimates happen.
Verify before you sign
Look up any mover at fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move using their USDOT or MC number. Check their registration, insurance, and complaint history. A company with nothing to hide will give you the number without hesitation.
Ask these questions directly
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“Are you a licensed carrier or a broker, are you an agent for a van line?”
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“Can I get a binding estimate after an in-home survey or virtual survey?”
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“Who will actually perform my move — your employees or subcontractors?”
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“What is your claims process if something is damaged?”
Price isn’t the whole story
The cheapest quote rarely reflects the true cost of a move gone wrong. An established van line agent gives you an honest number, a real contract, and a track record you can verify. When you’re trusting someone with everything you own, that accountability is worth paying for.
Ready to move the right way? Contact Chipman Relocation & Logistics for a free in-home estimate — licensed, insured, and no brokers involved.
Check out 5 Things to Watch Out for When Using a Moving Broker
