How to File an FMCSA Complaint in 3 Steps

Moving can present a host of issues–from remembering to schedule new utilities and coordinating logistics to ensuring that all your stuff arrives at your new location safely. When that doesn't happen, you could be forced to spend even more money replacing your valuables. If you are dealing with the consequences of careless movers and want compensation, you might be interested in knowing how to file an FMCSA complaint.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Commission is designed to handle instances of moving fraud. While not all issues are covered by the commission, read on if you suspect that you should learn how to file an FMCSA complaint.

Reasons to File a Complaint With a Moving Company

There are a variety of reasons why you might need to contact your moving company to file a complaint. Here are just a few of those reasons:

• If you suspect that your belongings were stolen or lost during a move.
• If your valuables were damaged during a move.
• If movers quoted you one price upfront and try to charge you a higher rate after the move is completed.
• If moving your items ends up taking much longer than you anticipated.

Some unscrupulous moving companies might even hold your valuables hostage and demand that you pay those higher fees, putting you in a precarious position. You don't have to deal with unfair moving companies on your own, however. There are organizations in place designed to protect you from moving companies who try to put pressure on you.

When to Reach Out to the FMCSA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Commission, or FMCSA, protects customers from moving fraud. Here are some things to know about filing a complaint with the FMCSA:

1. If you feel as though you've been a victim of fraud in the past due to the actions of a moving company, you could be eligible for help from the FMCSA.
2. The FMCSA is designed to investigate past actions, so if you are dealing with an ongoing concern, you might not be able to get much help from the FMCSA.

How to File a Complaint With the FMCSA on Your Own

There are several ways to file a complaint with the FMCSA on your own.

By Phone

You can file a complaint with the FMCSA over the phone. Once you contact a representative over the phone, you can explain the circumstances of the moving fraud that you believe you experienced. After the FMCSA has collected all the data, they will be able to decide whether to launch an investigation against the moving company that you dealt with.

Using the Online Tool

The FMCSA also has an online tool that you can use to file a complaint. To file a complaint online, you will need the following information, according to the FMCSA website:

• Your contact information, including your name, address, and telephone number.
• The contact information of the moving company that you worked with.
• The origin and destination of the goods transported.
• The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) identification numbers, if you have them.
• The specific incident that occurred with the moving company.

You can contact FMCSA here:

After you submit the required information through the online tool, the FMCSA will begin its investigation into the incident. It could take 4-6 weeks before you hear back on your claim, so have patience during this process.

Use DoNotPay to Help File a Moving Company Complaint

There are other ways to take movers to task for unfair incidents. If you want help dealing with an unscrupulous moving company, turn to DoNotPay. We have experience getting compensation for consumers who have had negative experiences with moving companies - and we can save you time and stress.

Here's how to file a complaint against a moving company using DoNotPay:

1. Search for moving issues on DoNotPay.
2. Start our Solve My Moving Issues product by telling us the name of the moving company you are having issues with.
3. Answer some questions about your specific move, your moving company, and the complaint for which you’d like relief.

That's all there is to it - DoNotPay will write a letter to your moving company, detailing both your complaints and your demands for compensation and relief. DoNotPay will also warn the moving company about a possible lawsuit if those demands aren't met.

If you don't get a response within two weeks, we can help you escalate to small claims court! With DoNotPay, you don't have to tackle the process on your own. We've got your back and can help you get the compensation that you deserve.

What Else Can DoNotPay Help You With?

DoNotPay is your one-stop solution for getting compensation after being burned by a moving company. Here are some other questions DoNotPay can answer for you:

• Does renters insurance cover moving damage?
• How to send demand letters to a moving company successfully
• How to get in touch with customer service quickly
• How to find lost items