How to Choose a Moving Company From Hawaii to the Mainland

Step 1: Verify registration

Interstate household goods movers must be registered with FMCSA. Search the USDOT number on the Company Snapshot and check operating authority for household goods.

Step 2: Questions to ask every company

1. Are you the carrier or a broker? Who handles the ocean leg and the mainland delivery?
2. Is this estimate binding, non-binding or not-to-exceed?
3. What valuation is included, and what does full value protection cost?
4. How are goods packed for ocean transit and humidity?
5. What's your delivery window once goods reach the mainland port?
6. Is storage-in-transit available and what does it cost?
7. What's excluded (shuttle, stairs, crating, port fees)?
8. How do I file a claim, and what's the deadline?

Quote comparison worksheet

Copy this into a spreadsheet, one column per company:

• Company name, USDOT, MC
• Carrier or broker
• Estimate type and total
• Cubic feet or weight estimated
• Valuation included / upgrade price
• Pack date, ship date, delivery window
• Exclusions
• Deposit required
• Claims process

Your federal protections in numbers

• Bill of lading: the mover must give it to you at least three days before pickup.
• Full Value Protection is the default: at least $6.00 per pound times shipment weight.
• Released Value covers only 60 cents per pound per item, and you must waive Full Value Protection in writing.
• Claims: you have nine months from delivery to file.
• Movers must offer arbitration and must agree to it for claims of $10,000 or less.
• Brokers must give you 'Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move' and 'Ready to Move'.

Red flags

• No physical address or USDOT number.
• A quote that's far lower than all others.
• Large up-front deposit.
• Won't give a written estimate.
• Company name changes on paperwork.