The 7 questions every honest mover answers fast
- "What’s your USDOT number and FLDACS IM#?" Any legitimate mover has both for Florida intrastate moves. Verify at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and FDACS Business Search.
- "Can you send me a written estimate?" "Yes, same day" is the only right answer.
- "What’s included in the hourly rate?" Should include truck, crew, pads, shrink wrap, dollies, tape, mileage, fuel. Anything else separate is a red flag.
- "What coverage options do you offer?" Released Value (free, 60¢/lb), Full Value Protection, and optional third-party insurance. See our insurance guide.
- "Do you subcontract?" Best answer: "No." Subcontractors mean your stuff gets handled by people the company you hired doesn’t control.
- "What’s your damage claims process?" Clear timeline (usually 30 days), clear contact, straightforward. Vague answers = slow payouts.
- "Can I see recent reviews?" Google Business Profile, not just testimonials on their own site. 100+ reviews with 4.5+ stars.
6 red flags that mean walk away
- Cash-only payment. Real businesses take cards and checks. Cash-only often means unlicensed.
- Large deposit required. Local moves under $2,000 shouldn’t need a deposit. Long-distance maybe 10% refundable 48 hours out. Anything else is a scam pattern.
- Unmarked truck or rental. Legitimate movers drive their own branded equipment.
- No written estimate. Verbal quotes become “final price” arguments at destination, holding your stuff hostage.
- Surprise fees on move day. Run from any mover adding charges after the truck is loaded.
- Huge price gap vs competitors. 40% below the market usually means they’ll find ways to make up the gap — usually by damaging your stuff.
Where to find reputable Orlando movers
- Google Business Profile — look for 100+ reviews, 4.5+ stars, active responses to reviews
- BBB — A+ rating + no unresolved complaints
- FMCSA database — safer.fmcsa.dot.gov shows insurance + authority status
- FDACS — csapp.fdacs.gov for Florida intrastate license verification
- AMSA/Pro Mover program — voluntary trade association with standards
The honest pitch
We’re Liberty Moves Orlando. USDOT 3455436. FLDACS IM3347. 300+ Google reviews. Licensed, insured, transparent. If you’re comparing us to other Orlando movers — ask them the 7 questions above. Let them earn your business. If we don’t, hire someone else. That’s the right way to make this decision.