Hiring the wrong moving company in Los Angeles can cost you far more than the move itself. This is the list of questions to ask before any money changes hands — and what the correct answers should sound like.
1. What is your BHGS CAL-T number?
Why it matters: Every company that moves household goods within California must hold a CAL-T permit from the BHGS. Without it, they're operating illegally and their cargo insurance may be uncollectable.
Right answer: A specific CAL-T number you can verify at bhgs.dca.ca.gov. "We're in the process of getting licensed" means don't hire them yet.
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2. Are your movers W-2 employees or 1099 contractors?
Why it matters: 1099 contractors and day-labor hires have no accountability to the company and may not be background-checked.
Right answer: "All of our movers are W-2 employees, background-checked before their first day."
3. Will you give me the quote in writing before moving day?
Why it matters: Without a written quote, the rate can change the moment the truck parks in front of your building.
Right answer: "Yes — you'll receive your confirmed hourly rate and arrival window in writing before move day."
4. What does the hourly rate include?
Right answer: Truck, fuel, blankets, shrink wrap, tape, stairs, assembly/disassembly, and floor protection. Any company that lists "fuel surcharge," "stairs fee," or "tape charge" separately is a red flag.
5. Do you broker moves to other carriers?
Why it matters: Many companies that appear local are brokers. They take your deposit and hand off your move to a carrier you didn't vet.
Right answer: "No. We own our trucks and employ our movers. The company you call is the company that shows up."
6. How do you handle damage claims?
Right answer: Clear description of the claim process, timeline for resolution, and whether they carry replacement value or basic liability ($0.60/lb). Any company that says "we've never had a claim" is not being honest.
7. Can you provide a Certificate of Insurance for my building?
Right answer: "Yes, we issue COIs within 24 hours at no charge." Required for most mid-rise and high-rise buildings in LA. If a company says COIs take a week or cost extra, that's a service problem.
8. What happens if the move takes longer than estimated?
Right answer: "You're billed for actual time at the same hourly rate — no overtime surcharge." Watch out for companies that quote low and bill overtime rates after 4 or 6 hours.
9. What is your cancellation policy?
Right answer: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the move; a one-hour charge inside 48 hours. Companies that require non-refundable deposits of 20–30% of the estimated cost are a risk.
10. How do I pay, and when?
Right answer: Payment after the move is complete, not before. Card, cash, or Zelle. Any company demanding full payment upfront, or payment to "secure your date," is a red flag.
How Best Movers LA answers these questions
All 14 movers are W-2 employees. You get a written flat-rate quote before move day. There are no broker arrangements — the crew that answers your call is the crew that shows up. Get your free written quote or call (213) 679-6844.
Related questions
Which of these questions matters most?
The CAL-T number, because everything else depends on it. A mover without a current Household Mover Permit from the Bureau of Household Goods and Services cannot legally carry your belongings in California and is not carrying the insurance that pays when something goes wrong. Verify it at bhgs.dca.ca.gov before you discuss price at all.
Why does it matter whether movers are W-2 employees?
Because it determines who is covered and who is accountable. W-2 movers are employees the company trains, background-checks and insures. Day labor hired for the morning is none of those things, and the distinction only becomes visible on the day something is dropped.
What is a reasonable answer about damage claims?
A specific one. Ask how a claim is filed, what the coverage actually pays, and how long resolution takes. A company that answers in generalities about being fully insured has told you nothing — cargo coverage that pays by weight is very different from coverage that replaces value, and you want to know which you are getting.
Should I be suspicious of a company that asks for a deposit?
For a local move, yes. Reputable local movers in LA bill after the work, not before it. A deposit demanded before anything has moved is the single most common feature of the complaints people file, and there is no good reason for it on a job priced by the hour.
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