Figuring out which moving company you want to hire is a complicated process. Not only do you have to research reviews and call for pricing details, but you also have to wade through moving company websites that may not be the most informative or helpful. During your search, you might also encounter moving company brokers who claim to make the process of hiring a mover easier.
But what are moving company brokers? And should you use one? Here’s what you need to know.
What is a moving company broker?
A moving company broker is essentially a middleman between you and the moving company that ultimately moves your stuff. Brokers work with a network of movers to find one for your move and handle providing you with a quote to arrange services. In contrast to a moving company, brokers don’t actually own a fleet of trucks or provide moving services themselves.
Essentially, you’re paying the broker to do the work of finding you a suitable mover. As the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) puts it , “Moving brokers are sales teams that book your move and sell it to an actual moving company.”
How are moving company brokers paid?
Moving company brokers typically make money by taking a percentage of your overall move cost. According to local service review site Angi , this finder’s fee usually ranges between 20% and 40%, with the brokerage taking the difference between what it charges you and what you pay the moving company it ultimately finds for your move.
What are the pros of using a moving company broker?
The main draws of brokers are convenience and, sometimes, price. Here are the pros of hiring a moving company broker.
Convenience
Because they’re already connected with a network of movers and are familiar with the moving industry, brokers can save you time that would otherwise be spent hunting for a moving company yourself. They’ll offer you an estimate for your job and do all the hard work of finding and hiring a moving company. This can save you a lot of effort that would otherwise be spent shopping around.
Pricing
Moving company brokers can sometimes get you lower prices than you would otherwise pay by hiring a moving company directly. This isn’t always the case, but brokers compare quotes from multiple companies and may be able to negotiate lower prices from companies that bid on your move.
Connections for a wide range of services
Moving company brokers operate with a large network of moving companies to contact, so they may be able to arrange mixes of services that would otherwise be complicated to do on your own. If you need a piano moved and junk hauled away, but no one company near you does both, a moving broker can arrange services from both for you.
What are the cons of using a moving company broker?
While there are some benefits to brokers, there are many more downsides. Here are the cons of hiring a moving company broker.
Inaccurate estimates
Because moving brokers aren’t doing the actual work, the estimate they give you may be inaccurate. They may also be incentivized to start with a low estimate to draw you in and gradually increase it if they struggle to find movers who will take the job.
Communication delays
Any time you involve a middleman, communication becomes more complicated. If you need to change something about your move, such as a date or type of service, there could be significant delays bouncing that information from the broker to the moving company. While it may not be as significant a problem while your move is weeks away, slow communication could be a major problem at the last minute.
Surprise charges
Since you aren’t in direct contact with the moving companies, you have less control over how things are communicated. This could cost you if you can’t ensure the details of your move are properly shared with your mover, resulting in surprise charges. For example, if you have a piano to move but the broker didn’t clarify that to your mover, you could be on the hook for an additional charge.
Risk in hiring unlicensed movers
Reputable brokers should be registered with the FMCSA and only use movers that are as well, but disreputable ones may skirt those rules. The FMCSA has a set of requirements and consumer rights that registered moving companies are supposed to adhere to, so hiring unregistered movers may put you at risk of being fleeced.
Scams
Unfortunately, moving scams are relatively common, and fake moving brokers are a perfect vehicle for them. Always ensure that the moving broker you’re using is registered with the FMCSA by searching its online database . You can also read our guide to spotting and avoiding moving scams for more tips.
What's the difference between brokers and moving companies with agents?
While you're looking into large, national moving companies, you may see that some operate with a network of local agents. At first glance, this may seem like they're acting as a broker, but the agent model is quite different. While brokers simply act as intermediaries between you and independent movers with no connection, companies like United Van Lines and Mayflower contract with companies that meet their qualifications and operate under their brand name.
When you deal with a national moving company with a network of agents, that company is legally responsible for everything involved with your move from start to finish. In contrast, brokers don't own any equipment, don't perform moves and aren't responsible for anything beyond connecting you with a third-party moving company.
Generally, you'll get better customer support and have more recourse in remedying issues by dealing directly with a national van line that uses a network of local agents, rather than hiring through a broker. However, even if you're dealing with a company that uses agents, it's still a good idea to protect yourself by asking which local movers it may assign your move to. This allows you to look into local reviews and assess whether to go through with a different mover.
Should you use a moving company broker?
Ultimately, whether to hire a moving broker comes down to how much you value their convenience versus the potential complications of using a middleman. Brokers can save you some time and effort, but the prospect of communication issues and surprise charges could outweigh their utility. By taking the research and booking process into your own hands, you can be sure your needs are communicated clearly and have a more hands-on approach through direct contact with your moving company.
Always make sure any broker you use is registered with the FMCSA and only works with moving companies that are. The broker should also clearly state that they are a broker and not lead you to believe they are a moving company.
If you decide to book a moving company yourself, read our guide to 10 things you should know before hiring a moving company for some tips.
