What to Do If a Mover Is Holding Your Belongings Hostage

A hostage load happens when a moving company refuses to deliver your belongings until you pay significantly more than the agreed price. This is illegal under federal law, but it happens thousands of times per year. Here's what to do if it happens to you.

Under FMCSA regulations, a mover cannot hold your goods hostage to collect charges above 110% of a non-binding estimate. If you have a binding estimate, they must deliver at the agreed price. Period. Demanding more is extortion.

If you pay under duress, you lose leverage. Instead, offer to pay the original agreed amount (or 110% of a non-binding estimate) and document the mover's refusal to accept it. Get this on video if possible.

Call the FMCSA hotline at 1-888-368-7238 or file online at nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov. FMCSA can contact the mover directly. This is the fastest federal route.

Holding your property and demanding payment beyond the contract is theft/extortion in most jurisdictions. File a police report. Some police departments are unfamiliar with moving fraud. Show them the contract and the FMCSA regulations.

Every state AG has a consumer protection division. File a complaint. Some states (Florida, New York, California) have specific moving company enforcement units.

Save all texts, emails, voicemails. Record phone calls (check your state's recording consent laws). Keep the original estimate, Bill of Lading, and any written communication showing the price change.

File a credit card chargeback if you paid by card. File a police report noting payment was made under duress. Pursue small claims court for the overpayment. The mover's demand for payment above the contracted amount is the violation, regardless of whether you paid.

Get a binding not-to-exceed estimate in writing. Verify the mover's USDOT at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Never hire a mover who won't do an in-person or video survey. Read reviews specifically looking for "price increase" or "held hostage" complaints.