Who regulates interstate moving companies?
Interstate movers answer to a specific federal framework, not a patchwork of state rules — which is different from how local movers are typically regulated.
FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)
The primary regulator for interstate movers. An agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation, the FMCSA issues USDOT and MC numbers, sets safety standards, requires written estimates and consumer disclosures, and handles enforcement against carriers and brokers that violate federal rules.
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
The FMCSA operates within the DOT — "USDOT number" refers to registration in this system. For most practical purposes, FMCSA is the agency you'll interact with directly for moving-specific issues.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The FTC enforces general consumer protection law, which can apply to deceptive moving-company practices (false advertising, unfair business practices) alongside FMCSA's industry-specific rules. These agencies' jurisdictions overlap rather than compete.
State-level regulation
States regulate intrastate (within-state-only) movers directly, and requirements vary significantly by state. Some states also provide consumer-protection avenues (attorney general complaints) relevant even for interstate movers operating within their borders. If your move is entirely within one state, check that state's specific transportation or consumer protection agency rather than relying on federal rules, which apply to interstate moves specifically.
What this means in practice when you're booking a move
For most household movers, the practical takeaway is simple: check FMCSA registration before booking (see our USDOT/MC verification guide), and know that a genuine regulatory violation — not just a bad experience — belongs with the FMCSA specifically, while a deceptive-practices complaint can also go to the FTC or your state attorney general. You rarely need to know the fine details of which agency does what unless you're actually filing a complaint.
Frequently asked questions
Is the FMCSA the same as the DOT?
The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) is an agency within the DOT (Department of Transportation) specifically focused on commercial motor carrier safety and registration — 'USDOT number' refers to a registration issued through this system.
Do individual states also regulate interstate movers?
States regulate intrastate (within-state) movers directly, and some also handle consumer protection complaints that touch interstate movers operating in their state, but the core interstate licensing and safety regulation is federal, not state-by-state.
What does the FTC have to do with moving companies?
The Federal Trade Commission enforces general consumer protection law, which can apply to deceptive moving-company practices alongside FMCSA's industry-specific rules — the two aren't mutually exclusive.
Where do I actually go if I have a complaint?
Start with the FMCSA for interstate carrier/broker issues — see our full guide on how to report a moving scam for the complete list of relevant agencies depending on your specific situation.