Before hiring movers, industry experts recommend you know what documents you'll need, how you'll be charged and what your rights are. When speaking with potential moving companies, do the following: – Request a U.S. Department of Transportation registration number and/or motor carrier number. Twenty-eight states require movers to complete both state and DOT registration. You can search a federally registered mover's complaint history at protectyourmove.gov. – Obtain a copy ...