Skip to content Hiring a moving company involves more than comparing prices. One of the most important things to verify before booking is whether the company is properly licensed and insured to perform the type of move you need.
At FairPrice Movers, we believe customers should understand exactly what these credentials mean. This guide explains how licensing works, what DOT and MC numbers are, why state authority matters, and how to verify that a mover is operating legally and responsibly.
If you want a broader overview of pricing, protection, and moving expectations, visit our Moving Guides & Resources page.
A licensed and insured moving company is one that has the legal authority to operate and carries the required protections for the type of moves it performs.
This typically means the company:
Not every mover advertising online meets these standards, which is why checking credentials matters before you sign anything.
A USDOT number is a federal registration number issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
It is used to identify moving companies that operate in interstate commerce and helps track:
If a company performs interstate moves, a USDOT number is one of the first things customers should look for.
MC authority refers to Motor Carrier operating authority.
This is different from a USDOT number. A company may have a USDOT number, but customers should also confirm whether it has the proper operating authority for interstate household goods moves.
Understanding this difference is especially important when comparing a licensed carrier to a broker.
Federal authority is not the only thing that matters. State-level licensing can also be required depending on where the move takes place.
For example:
That means a legitimate mover may need different registrations depending on whether the move is local within a state or crosses state lines.
A licensed carrier is the company actually responsible for transporting your items.
A broker does not perform the move. Instead, a broker arranges transportation through another company.
This distinction matters because customers often assume the company they booked is the company handling their move. When that is not the case, communication, pricing, and accountability can become much more complicated.
That is one reason many customers specifically look for licensed carriers with clear operating authority. For a closer look at this issue, read our guide on why you should never use a moving broker for a long-distance move.
Before hiring movers, customers should verify:
Customers should also compare the information on the website, estimate, and contract to make sure everything matche
FairPrice Movers is properly registered for the services we offer.
Our credentials include:
These registrations support our ability to handle California intrastate moves, Pennsylvania intrastate moves, and interstate moving services in compliance with applicable requirements.
Working with a properly licensed and insured mover helps protect customers in several important ways.
It supports:
Licensing does not guarantee a perfect move, but it is one of the clearest signs that a company is operating as a legitimate mover rather than just advertising like one.
Understanding licensing also works hand in hand with understanding valuation and protection options. For that, visit our Moving Insurance & Valuation page.
If you want to learn more before booking, explore these pages:
If your move involves high-value items, larger homes, or complex logistics, you can also explore our white glove moving services:
Choosing a licensed and insured mover is one of the best ways to reduce risk before moving day begins.
Call: (408) 213-8139
Toll-Free: (877) 576-8882
FairPrice Movers
245 McEvoy St
San Jose, CA 95126
We specialize in local and long-distance moves, offering expert packing, unpacking, custom crating, art and antique moving, piano relocation, and secure short- and long-term storage—all with pricing to fit any budget and service tailored to every type of move.
