Short answer: A moving company, also called a carrier, owns or operates the trucks and sends its own crew to do your move. A moving broker doesn’t move anything. A broker books your move and hands it to a moving company you may never have talked to. Both are legal when registered, but with a broker you often don’t know who will show up at your door.
How a broker works
You call a company and get a quote. The broker collects a deposit, then looks for a carrier willing to take the job at that price. The carrier that shows up may not be the name on your quote. If the broker’s price was too low, the carrier may ask for more on moving day.
How a moving company works
You call the company that does the work. They look at what you’re moving, write the quote, schedule their own crew and truck, and handle your belongings from start to finish. One company, one point of contact, one responsibility.
Both must be registered
Florida requires both movers and moving brokers that handle moves within the state to register with FDACS. For interstate moves, both must be registered with FMCSA. Registration doesn’t change what a broker is. It just means they’ve filed with the state or federal government.
How to tell which one you’re talking to
Ask these questions on the first call:
- Do you own or operate the trucks?
- Will your own employees do my move?
- Is the company name on my quote the same one on the truck?
- Can I visit your office or yard?
A moving company answers yes to all four. A broker usually can’t.
When a broker might make sense
Brokers can help when you need a carrier in a part of the country with few options. For most moves within South Florida, or out of South Florida, working directly with a local moving company gives you more control.
Why it matters on moving day
When the company that quoted you is the company that moves you, nobody can blame someone else. The crew already knows your inventory, your stairs, and your timeline. That accountability is the whole point.
Albert’s Relocation Services is the moving company
We’re not a broker. When you call Albert’s, you’re talking to the company whose crew will carry your things. Our owner is a US Army veteran who learned the trade in his family’s moving business and still answers calls, texts, and emails himself.
We’re veteran-owned, family-owned, and based in Cooper City, registered in Florida (IM2653) and for interstate moves (USDOT 3615333). We handle residential moves, commercial moves, and long distance moves, including evenings and weekends. We serve cities like Hialeah and Coral Gables.
Call (954) 226-7912 or request a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is using a moving broker illegal?
No. Registered brokers are legal. The risk is not knowing which company will do the move. How do I check whether a company is a broker?
For interstate moves, look it up on FMCSA’s Protect Your Move site. For moves within Florida, check FDACS.gov. Then ask the four questions above.
Do brokers give estimates?
Yes. Make sure the estimate names the company that will actually perform the move.
Fla. Mover Reg. No. IM2653 · USDOT 3615333