When it comes to long-distance moves, trust is everything. You’re not just handing over your belongings—you’re entrusting a company with the things that make up your home and your life. At Coastal Moving Services, we know how important that responsibility is. That’s why we go to great lengths to ensure that every carrier we work with is trustworthy, professional, and fully qualified.
In this article, we’ll take you behind the scenes to show you exactly how we screen our carrier partners. Our vetting process isn’t just about checking a few boxes—it’s a multi-step system built to protect our customers and ensure top-notch service from start to finish.
Why Carrier Screening Matters
Many customers don’t realize that moving companies often work with a network of carriers—especially for long-distance moves. While some movers operate their own trucks and crews, others coordinate moves by working with vetted carriers across the country.
This setup offers flexibility and better coverage, but only if the carriers are top-tier. Poorly vetted or unqualified carriers can lead to delays, damaged items, or even missing belongings. That’s why a strong screening process is non-negotiable. At Coastal Moving Services, we’ve built a system to make sure every move is handled by professionals who meet our high standards.
Step 1: Verifying Licensing and Registration
Before anything else, we check to make sure the carrier is fully licensed to operate in the United States. Every long-distance moving carrier must have a valid USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number and be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Here’s what we look for:
- Active USDOT number: This confirms the carrier is legally allowed to transport goods across state lines.
- MC (Motor Carrier) number: Required for carriers operating as for-hire transporters of regulated commodities.
- No red flags: We check for any violations, suspensions, or revoked licenses.
Licensing is the foundation of legitimacy in the moving world. If a carrier can’t provide valid credentials, we don’t consider them. It’s that simple.
Step 2: Confirming Insurance Coverage
Moving household goods is a big responsibility. That’s why we also require proof of adequate insurance before partnering with any carrier.
Carriers must show:
- Cargo insurance: This protects the customer’s belongings in case of damage or loss during the move.
- Liability insurance: Covers potential damage to property or injury during the moving process.
- Workers’ compensation (where applicable): Ensures movers are covered in case of injury on the job.
We make sure insurance policies are current and meet all federal and state requirements. We also confirm the types and limits of coverage, so we know what’s covered—and what’s not—before the move even begins. This extra layer of diligence ensures our clients are protected no matter what happens on the road.
Step 3: Checking Safety Records
Safety is a top priority at Coastal Moving Services. We dig into each carrier’s safety record using the FMCSA’s SAFER system, which provides detailed safety and performance data for commercial carriers.
We examine:
- Accident history: Frequent or serious accidents can signal a pattern of unsafe practices.
- Inspection results: Poor results or repeated violations raise red flags.
- Out-of-service rates: We avoid carriers with high rates of noncompliance or vehicle maintenance issues.
This step helps us find carriers who not only drive responsibly but maintain their equipment to high standards. Our customers deserve to know that the truck carrying their belongings is safe, legal, and roadworthy.
Step 4: Evaluating Experience and Reputation
While paperwork and safety records are essential, they don’t tell the whole story. That’s why we also look at a carrier’s reputation and track record.
We assess:
- Years in business: Longevity isn’t everything, but it often speaks to reliability.
- Online reviews: We look at independent platforms to see how customers have rated their experiences.
- Referral history: Some of our best carriers come through referrals and have worked successfully with others in the industry.
If a company has a reputation for being rude, careless, or unreliable, they’re not the right fit for us—or for you.
Step 5: Interview and Relationship Building
Finally, we take the human approach. Before we officially work with a carrier, we conduct a thorough onboarding call or meeting to discuss:
- Expectations and policies
- Communication standards
- Customer service values
- Timeliness and handling of disputes
We’re looking for partners—not just service providers. If a carrier doesn’t prioritize clear communication, on-time deliveries, and respectful treatment of customers, we move on.
Coastal Moving Services maintains ongoing relationships with our carrier partners, which means we’re in constant communication. This helps us quickly identify and address any issues, while reinforcing the high standards we expect on every move.
Continuous Monitoring
Our vetting doesn’t end once a carrier is approved. We continually monitor performance and conduct reviews based on real customer feedback, delivery timelines, claim frequency, and communication quality.
If a carrier underperforms or receives multiple complaints, we pause the partnership and investigate. This keeps our network strong and ensures we’re always delivering the best possible experience to our customers.
Why This Matters to You
When you work with us, you don’t have to worry about researching or second-guessing your movers. We’ve already done the hard work—reviewing credentials, checking insurance, digging into safety data, and building strong relationships with trustworthy carriers.
Our thorough screening process ensures that your belongings are in the hands of professionals who care just as much as we do. It also means fewer surprises, less stress, and a smoother move from beginning to end.
Your Peace of Mind Is Our Priority
Moving is stressful enough without having to worry about whether your movers are legit. That’s why Coastal Moving Services takes vetting seriously. We believe that by doing the homework up front, we can deliver the kind of experience that earns your trust and makes your transition feel a little easier.
From coast to coast, we’ve got your back—and we make sure our partners do, too.
