To file a complaint against a moving company in 2026, start by filing a written claim directly with the carrier, then escalate to FMCSA (for interstate moves), your state Attorney General, the BBB, and small claims court if necessary. Under FMCSA regulations, you have 9 months from delivery to file a damage claim with the carrier, who then has 30 days to acknowledge and 120 days to resolve it. For the fastest results, file in multiple venues simultaneously: a written claim with the mover, an FMCSA complaint at nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov, and a credit card chargeback if applicable.
This guide walks through every complaint avenue step by step, explains what to document, covers the FMCSA arbitration process, and provides a timeline of key deadlines.
| Venue | Best For | Can Award Money? | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrier direct claim | Damage or loss under bill of lading | Yes | Free |
| FMCSA (nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov) | Interstate regulatory violations | No (enforcement only) | Free |
| State Attorney General | Intrastate moves, fraud, deceptive practices | Rarely (enforcement focus) | Free |
| Better Business Bureau | Mediation, public accountability | No (facilitates, doesn't enforce) | Free |
| Credit card chargeback | Overcharges, unauthorized charges | Yes (refund to card) | Free |
| FMCSA arbitration | Disputes under bill of lading | Yes (binding on carrier) | Low ($25-$200 typically) |
| Small claims court | Financial losses up to state limit | Yes (court judgment) | $30-$100 filing fee |
For interstate moves by FMCSA-regulated carriers, go to nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov and file through the National Consumer Complaint Database. You will need: the mover's company name, USDOT number (found on their truck or at SaferSys), dates of your move, a description of the problem, and copies of your estimate, bill of lading, and photos. FMCSA investigates patterns of complaints and can fine carriers or revoke their operating authority, but they do not resolve individual disputes or award damages.
| Action | Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| File written damage claim with carrier | Within 9 months of delivery | 49 CFR 370.3 |
| Carrier must acknowledge claim | Within 30 days of receipt | 49 CFR 370.5 |
| Carrier must resolve or deny claim | Within 120 days of receipt | 49 CFR 370.9 |
| Credit card chargeback | Within 60 days of statement | Fair Credit Billing Act |
| Small claims court statute of limitations | 2-6 years (varies by state) | State law |
The Park family's interstate move results in a damaged dining table (leg broken, surface scratched) and a missing box of kitchen items. Replacement value: $1,200 table, $400 kitchen items. They have full-value protection at $6 per pound per article.
Interstate carriers are required to participate in an arbitration program for household goods disputes. The arbitration process is faster and cheaper than court. You can request arbitration within the timeframe specified in your bill of lading. The arbitrator's decision is binding on the carrier, meaning they must pay if you win. However, you can reject the arbitration outcome and still pursue court action. Fees are typically $25 to $200 depending on the dispute amount. Check your bill of lading for the carrier's designated arbitration program and filing instructions.
Start by filing a written complaint directly with the moving company, citing specific contract terms they violated. If the mover does not resolve it within 30 days, file a complaint with FMCSA at nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov for interstate moves. For intrastate moves, file with your state's Department of Transportation or Attorney General. You can also file with the Better Business Bureau and leave factual reviews on Google and Yelp. For significant financial losses, small claims court is an option in most states for disputes under $5,000 to $15,000.
Go to nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov and select National Consumer Complaint Database. You will need the mover's name, USDOT number, the dates of your move, a description of the problem, and copies of your estimate, bill of lading, and any photos of damage. FMCSA does not resolve individual disputes or award damages, but they investigate patterns of violations, can fine carriers, and can revoke operating authority. Filing creates an official record that may support your case in other venues.
For damage claims against the carrier, you must file a written claim within 9 months of delivery under FMCSA regulations for interstate moves. The carrier then has 30 days to acknowledge and 120 days to resolve the claim. For FMCSA complaints about service violations, there is no strict filing deadline but filing promptly strengthens your case. For BBB complaints, most offices accept complaints up to 12 months after the transaction. State AG and small claims court deadlines vary by state.
Yes. Small claims court handles disputes up to a dollar limit that varies by state, typically $5,000 to $15,000. You do not need a lawyer for small claims. File in the county where the mover is located or where the service was performed. Bring your contract, estimate, bill of lading, photos of damage, repair estimates, and all written communication. If the mover does not appear, you may win a default judgment. Collecting the judgment is a separate process.
Document the mover's name, USDOT number, and contact information. Keep copies of your written estimate, bill of lading, inventory list, and receipts. Take dated photos and video of all damaged items and property damage immediately at delivery. Get written repair or replacement estimates for damaged items. Save all emails, texts, and records of phone calls including dates, times, and the names of people you spoke with. This evidence is critical for any complaint venue.
Not directly in most cases. FMCSA does not award refunds or damages. The BBB facilitates mediation but cannot force a resolution. Filing with your state AG creates a record that can trigger enforcement action but rarely produces individual restitution. The venues most likely to get your money back are filing a damage claim directly with the carrier under your bill of lading, disputing credit card charges, using FMCSA arbitration for disputes under the bill of lading, and small claims court.
Yes. If the mover charged more than the agreed estimate without proper authorization, or charged for services not rendered, you can file a chargeback dispute with your credit card company. Provide your card issuer with copies of the original estimate, the bill of lading, and documentation showing the overcharge or breach of contract. Chargebacks are typically processed within 60 to 90 days. This is one reason paying by credit card is recommended over cash.
FMCSA requires interstate movers to participate in an arbitration program for disputes involving loss, damage, or overcharges. You can request arbitration within the timeframes specified in your bill of lading. The arbitrator's decision is binding on the carrier but you can still pursue court action if you reject the arbitration outcome. Arbitration fees are typically lower than court costs. Check your bill of lading for the carrier's designated arbitration program and filing procedures.