Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our review process, moving company standards, and how to protect yourself.
About Our Reviews
How do you verify customer reviews?
Our team cross-references each submitted review against booking records, move dates, and customer contact information. We also screen for duplicate accounts and suspicious patterns. Only reviews from confirmed customers are marked as Verified.
Can companies pay to get better reviews or remove negative ones?
No. Companies have no ability to pay for higher ratings, suppress negative reviews, or influence our editorial scores in any way. Our review platform is fully independent.
What happens if a review violates your guidelines?
Reviews that violate our community guidelines — including fake reviews, defamatory content, or spam — are removed after investigation. Businesses can dispute reviews through our contact form, and we respond within 5 business days.
How is the overall star rating calculated?
The overall rating is the arithmetic mean of all published, verified reviews for a company. We do not weight, filter, or adjust ratings artificially. The rating you see reflects genuine customer sentiment.
Hiring a Moving Company
What should I look for when hiring a moving company?
Look for a company with a valid USDOT number (required for interstate moves), a physical address, and transparent pricing. Always request a binding estimate — not a non-binding estimate — before moving day. Avoid movers who demand large cash deposits upfront.
What is the difference between a moving broker and a carrier?
A carrier owns the trucks and physically performs your move. A moving broker (or planner) is DOT-licensed to arrange your move and assign a licensed carrier. The key is whether the broker carefully vets its carriers and stays involved. Coastal Moving Services is a DOT-licensed moving planner that matches you with vetted, fully licensed and insured carriers and acts as your single point of contact throughout — it does not directly transport household goods.
What is a binding estimate?
A binding estimate is a legally guaranteed price for your move — the final cost cannot exceed the quoted amount, regardless of the actual weight or time. A non-binding estimate can increase significantly on moving day. Always insist on a binding estimate in writing.
Are moving companies federally licensed?
Interstate moving companies must be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and registered with a USDOT number. You can verify any company's license status at FMCSA.dot.gov.
Getting a Quote
Is the quote from Consumer Business Reviews free?
Yes. Requesting a free quote through our platform is completely free and comes with no obligation. You will be connected with Coastal Moving Services, one of our featured, verified carriers.
How quickly will I hear back after requesting a quote?
A moving specialist from Coastal Moving Services will typically contact you within 2 business hours during normal business hours (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm EST). For urgent moves, call directly at (888) 316-8329.
Still have questions?
Our team is happy to help. Reach out and we'll get back to you quickly.