Not necessarily. Many brokers are legitimate. Just know who you're dealing with, verify both broker and carrier, and confirm who is responsible for your shipment.

Is Move Out of California a broker?

No. We're a free matching service. Movers pay us for introductions; we don't arrange, sell or perform moves.

Mover Safety Center

Movers vs Moving Brokers: What's the Difference?

When you request moving quotes online, you may hear from carriers, brokers, or both. Knowing which is which helps you understand who is responsible for your belongings.

By Move Out of California Editorial Team · General information, not legal advice.

Carriers

A carrier (mover) owns or operates the trucks and crews that physically transport your belongings. Carriers need FMCSA operating authority to move household goods interstate and are responsible for your shipment.

Brokers

A household-goods broker arranges your move and then hands it to a carrier. Brokers need their own FMCSA broker authority. They do not transport goods themselves.

Brokers must tell you they are a broker and identify the carrier(s) they use.
Brokers may only provide estimates based on a carrier's tariff and with a written agreement with that carrier.
Brokers must give you the "Ready to Move" brochure and information about the carriers.

Why it matters

Your contract and claims will usually be with the carrier, not the broker.
Make sure the carrier who actually shows up is the one named in your paperwork.
Verify both the broker and the carrier on FMCSA.

What Move Out of California is

Move Out of California is neither a mover nor a broker. We are an independent resource and free matching service: we introduce you to up to three FMCSA-registered movers so you can compare their quotes directly. We don't provide estimates, sell moves, or transport anything. Your agreement is always directly with the mover you choose.

Official sources: FMCSA Protect Your Move · 49 CFR Part 375 · FMCSA complaint database

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