How do I check a moving company’s trucks and booking history before buying?

Start with the trucks. Ask who owns each one, whether any is leased or has a lender’s claim on it, and where the maintenance and inspection records are. Have an independent mechanic look at the vehicles you rely on most, and ask the seller which ones are close to replacement.

Then turn to bookings. Request the job history across a full cycle of seasons and note when the company is busy and when trucks sit. Ask how many jobs came from repeat customers, referrals, partners or online leads. If a few referral partners supply much of the work, find out how firm those relationships are.

Check how jobs end. Look at damage claims, complaints and how they were resolved, and ask what insurance is in place. Confirm which crew members are employees and which are casual. Finally, ask about deposits taken for future moves. These are commitments you will carry. Your lawyer can review the vehicle ownership papers and your accountant can check the equipment figures. Ask about the crews as well as the trucks. Experienced movers who handle goods carefully are hard to replace, so find out who has stayed longest and how the seller pays and schedules them. Their habits are part of the reputation you are taking over.

Key takeaways

• Confirm who owns or leases every truck.
• Get an independent mechanic to inspect the key vehicles.
• Ask how much work comes from a few referral partners.