How to Hire a Licensed Mover in New Jersey

Check the license first: a company that moves household goods within New Jersey must be licensed by the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, and its ads have to show the license number. Then get a written estimate after an in-home or virtual survey, read what the mover owes you if something breaks, and for a move out of state, look up the company's USDOT number with the federal motor carrier agency.

I'm Dennis Mark Interdonato with The Dennis Mark Group at Keller Williams Realty Ocean Living. When you're downsizing, the movers are carrying the things you decided were worth keeping. Here's how to hire them carefully in Monmouth and Ocean County, or anywhere in New Jersey.

Does a mover need a license in New Jersey?

Yes. New Jersey's Public Movers and Warehousemen Licensing Act makes it unlawful to engage in the business of public moving or storage without a license, and every ad has to include the license number plus a New Jersey address and phone number (N.J.S.A. 45:14D-9). If the ad, the website or the truck has no license number, that's your first question.

How do you check a mover's license?

The Division of Consumer Affairs moved its public mover license lookups to its regulated business portal (Verify a License or Registration). Search the exact company name on the estimate. Complaints about public movers go to the Division's Regulated Business Section (NJ Division of Consumer Affairs).

What should the estimate look like?

The Division's consumer brief says the mover has to survey your belongings on site or virtually, give you a written estimate, and hand you the "Important Notice to Consumers Using Public Movers" brochure. The regulations add detail (N.J.A.C. 13:44D):

• Non-binding estimate. It has to reach you, with the brochure, at least 24 hours before the move, and state that the charges shown are estimated charges only. Charges can't exceed the mover's filed tariff. The brochure says plainly that a non-binding estimate isn't a contract.
• Binding estimate. Signed by you and the mover and attached to the bill of lading.

Get at least two or three estimates, and give every mover the same list of what's moving.

What happens if something gets damaged?

Read this part twice. The Division's brief says a mover is required to compensate you only up to $1.00 per pound, per article. Under that minimum, a 10-pound lamp is worth $10 to the mover no matter what you paid for it. Increased valuation coverage is optional, and you have to ask for it. Claims go to the mover in writing within 90 days of getting your things, and the mover has 90 days to settle (N.J.A.C. 13:44D-4.6 and 4.16).

Ask your homeowners insurance agent too, before moving day, how your policy treats belongings in transit.

What if you're moving out of state?

Interstate moves follow federal rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration:

• A USDOT number is required for interstate movers, and you can look one up on FMCSA's Protect Your Move site.
• The 110 percent rule. On a non-binding estimate, the mover can't collect more than 110 percent of the estimate at delivery; the rest is billed later.
• Coverage. Full Value Protection is the default. Released Value is no more than 60 cents per pound per article and requires your signed statement. You have nine months after delivery to file a written claim (FMCSA).
• Two booklets. The mover has to give you "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" and the "Ready to Move" brochure.

Don't mix up the two sets of numbers. Within New Jersey the minimum is $1.00 per pound per article; on an interstate Released Value move it's 60 cents.

What are the red flags?

FMCSA's red flags list includes:

• An estimate given sight unseen, or no written estimate
• A demand for cash or a large deposit
• Being asked to sign blank documents
• No local address or licensing information on the website
• A claim that all your goods are covered by their insurance
• The phone answered with a generic "Movers"
• A rental truck showing up on moving day

How do you get the move right when you downsize?

1. Sort before the survey. Measure the next home, decide what fits, and get the estimate on what's actually moving. See what to do with furniture and belongings.
2. Book around both closings. The move date depends on when you get the keys to the next home, and a short rent-back after your sale can give you room.
3. Clear what isn't going. An estate sale or clean-out crew handles the rest. I got a guy for everything.
4. Keep valuables and papers with you, including your closing documents.

It all starts with a plan for the sale. Find out what your home should bring on my home value page, and read the Downsizing Guide for the timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do movers in New Jersey need a license?

Yes. Anyone in the business of public moving or storage in New Jersey must be licensed by the Division of Consumer Affairs, and ads must show the license number.

How much is a mover liable for in New Jersey?

Only up to $1.00 per pound, per article, unless you arrange increased valuation coverage.

What's the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?

A binding estimate is signed by both sides and attached to the bill of lading. A non-binding estimate shows estimated charges only and isn't a contract.

How long do I have to file a damage claim?

For a move within New Jersey, 90 days after you receive your goods. For an interstate move, nine months after delivery.

This is general information, not legal, tax or lending advice. The NJ Division of Consumer Affairs and FMCSA have the current rules.

About the author

Dennis Mark Interdonato is a REALTOR® and Master CDRE® who leads The Dennis Mark Group at Keller Williams Realty Ocean Living in Point Pleasant, NJ, helping buyers and sellers throughout New Jersey make their next move, with Monmouth and Ocean County as home base. Read more about Dennis Mark.

Keep reading

• The address changes to make after you move
• Selling your home and buying the next one
• The Downsizing Guide and how I plan a downsizing move
• Have a question this didn't answer? Send it to Dennis Mark.