If you’re planning a long distance move, chances are you’ve already run into a few online “instant quote” sites promising cheap, fast, and hassle-free service. But before you give your credit card info or click submit — it’s crucial to understand the difference between a moving broker and a licensed moving company.
They are not the same thing.
A moving broker is not a mover. They don’t own trucks. They don’t have crews. They don’t pack or deliver your belongings. Most don’t even operate out of your state.
Brokers are sales agents. Their job is to book your move and then resell it to an actual moving company — sometimes to the lowest bidder.
In many cases, the company that shows up at your door has never spoken to you, seen your inventory, or agreed to the original quote you were given. That’s where things can go wrong fast.
Still not sure? Read our Scam Warning for Long Distance Moves
You receive a low quote… and then no one shows up on moving day.
Your job is “sold” multiple times, leading to confusing phone calls and spam.
The mover that arrives may try to upcharge you for extra weight or space.
Your items are co-loaded with strangers’ shipments, increasing risk.
Brokers often estimate based on cubic feet, not binding estimates — a red flag.
Some brokers operate without a valid DOT license or insurance.
Your deposit is taken via ACH or debit, with no way to recover it.
In fact, we’ve personally had our DOT number stolen and misused by rogue brokers — scamming customers who thought they were booking with us. That’s why we’ve made education and transparency a core part of our service.
Never accept a quote based on cubic feet. Never pay via debit or electronic check.
When you hire Reliable Movers, you’re hiring real people with real experience — not a call center or middleman.
Here’s how we’re different:
When you call, you speak with Mike or Jennifer, the owners of Reliable Movers. We answer the phone 7 days a week (excluding holidays). No scripts. No transfers. Just us.
We personally visit your home to assess your items, walk through your move, and provide a binding estimate in writing — guaranteed pricing with no surprises.
Once your shipment is on the road, you’ll have direct contact with the driver — no 1-800 number, no waiting on hold. You can call for real-time updates at any time.
We do not hire day laborers. Our men are long-term employees — some with us for over 12 years. The same crew that loads your items is the one that unloads them.
Unlike national carriers who may find “help” at your destination, we bring our own trained team to finish your move. If you're moving to Florida, Mike and Jennifer will be there in person.
We don’t hand off complaints or pass the buck. If there’s a problem, we fix it ourselves. That’s how we’ve built our reputation, and how we earn future referrals.
You’re not a number to us. Every move matters. That’s why we don’t overload our schedule, and we treat your shipment as if it were our own.
Want to learn how our team handles full-service interstate moves? Explore our Long Distance Moving services
The lowest price is not always the best value — especially when your life is packed into a truck.
With Reliable Movers, you get:
Honest, flat-rate pricing
Professional movers who show up
A real person answering your call
A team that’s been doing this for decades
Call 315-252-9214
Reliable Movers is licensed and authorized as a intrastate and interstate household goods mover.
USDOT#1605981 & NYS DOT# 36291 & MC# 837987