What is the FMCSA?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration was created in 2000 by the U.S. Department of Transportation in accordance with the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999. FMCSA efforts are dedicated to preventing casualties and injuries caused by buses and large trucks. FMCSA mandates rules and regulations that bus and trucking companies must follow. Rules and regulations include safety information, educational messages that are aimed at making the industry more efficient.  In conjunction, the FMCSA works with safety interest groups, motor carrier associations, and government agencies.  

Motor Carriers including interstate and moving companies are required by the FMCSA to register based on where they are located and plan on operating. In most cases, motor carriers will have to register with the DOT and the FMCSA before they are legally able to operate their motor vehicle. Once a company has registered, they will be given a motor carrier number which will be displayed on company trucks. The FMCSA also controls what level of financial and insurance responsibilities the company will have.

What FMCSA Does For the Customer
FMCSA was put in place for movers and moving companies to know their rights.  The ultimate goal was to ensure that each move is a successful and smooth move. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has provided several resources to protect consumers before, during, and after the move. A published booklet that should be handed out by every mover called "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" outlines:

• Selecting reputable movers
• Outlines your rights and responsibilities
• What to expect from movers
• Understanding the terms and conditions in contracts
• How to address  problems that may arise

Before making a decision on a mover, verify that they are registered with FMCSA. Verifying this ensures that they have been educated with the latest laws, rules, and regulations.  Once a mover has arrived, check for the US DOT number that should be printed on the doors of the cab and the rear tractor. If you need more information, you can check SAFER (Safety and Fitness Electronic Records) and get a company snapshot of a moving company’s profile free of charge.