A “no-show” happens when your movers are more than 15 to 30 minutes late without calling you, and the first thing you should do when this happens is to call the company for an update. If they don’t answer, it’s time for Plan B. You might need to find new labor quickly or rent a truck yourself.
While most delays are just due to traffic or bad weather, you still need to know when to wait and when to move on to a backup plan. This guide will help you find a fast solution to get your move back on track without losing your cool in case your movers don’t show up.
Immediate Steps When Movers Are Late or Absent
If your movers are late, don’t panic. Start by checking your email to confirm the date and time. Small delays often happen due to traffic or gas stops. At this point, it’s important to stay calm and keep a log of every call you make. This helps if you need a refund later.
If the delay lasts longer than a handful of minutes, follow this timeline to know exactly what to do:
Moving Day Delay Timeline
| Timeframe | What to Do |
| 15 minutes |
|
| 1-2 hours |
|
| Same day |
|
| Next day |
|
There’s a big difference between a late crew and a total no-show. A late crew will eventually call you back with an excuse. But if the sun goes down and they haven’t gotten in touch with you, they’re likely not coming. In that case, you need to switch to your backup plan immediately to keep your move on schedule.
Verify Booking Details and Contact Dispatch
Double-check your email to confirm your move date, time, and address. Then call the mover’s dispatcher directly for updates. If you booked through the HireAHelper platform, reach out to our support team for quick help.
Document Every Interaction
Keep a detailed log of every phone call and text message. Write down the names of anyone you speak with and the time of the call. Save written emails and take timestamped photos of your packed items to help with any future claims.
Your Backup Plan if Your Moving Help Doesn’t Show
If your moving company is late or doesn’t show at all, that likely means you no longer have hired help to assist with your move. How you tackle this depends on the nature of your relocation.
- For a local move: It’s time to activate your local network. Call friends, family members, long-time coworkers, or reach out through your church group or neighborhood social media page. Explain the situation and see if anyone is available to jump in. HireAHelper may also be able to help you find same-day movers.
- For a long-distance move: You may need to hire help at your destination unless you already have friends in your new city. Just like with local moves, HireAHelper may be able to assist in booking moving labor at the last minute, so don’t hesitate to reach out for professional assistance.
If you planned on handling some of the move yourself, you may also:
- Rent a truck and drive it yourself.
- Reschedule your move through a more reliable company. HireAHelper can connect you with a trusted provider, ensuring a smooth and dependable move without any bumps.
Before moving day even happens, it may be worthwhile to begin formulating your plan B while you’re putting together plan A. Take note of your second and third choices of moving companies just in case. Let friends and family know your move date, your general plan, and that you may need some last-minute help.
My Stuff is Missing — Now What?
If the issue evolves from movers being late for your final drop-off to not showing up at all, you have an even bigger problem at hand. Assuming you invested in a full-service move (that is, your movers are handling the transportation in addition to loading and unloading your belongings), the no-show means your stuff is missing. This can be a uniquely distressing situation.
First, know that the moving company cannot legally keep your stuff unless you’ve violated the terms of your contract. In some jurisdictions, moving companies have the right to hold onto your belongings if you:
- Haven’t arranged a delivery time yet.
- Agreed on a delivery time, but weren’t there when the movers arrived. In this case, you must schedule a new delivery time.
- Haven’t paid the outstanding charges owed to the moving company.
If none of those scenarios apply, then your movers are legally required to return your belongings to you. Here’s what you should do if your moving company and belongings are nowhere to be found:
- Call the authorities: Contact the police and inform them of the situation. Have all the important details handy, including your contract, the moving company’s name, the agreed-upon delivery time, and any steps you’ve taken to make contact and resolve the situation.
- Buy the essentials: Put your and your family’s comfort first. Buying essentials, such as toiletries, clothes, and comfort items, may help you feel more at ease while you await a more permanent resolution. Furniture can be rented if you need a place to sit or sleep, or you can get blow-up mattresses and linens at a big box or secondhand store.
While it’s impossible to foresee every possible issue ahead of time, creating and sticking to a moving checklist can make it easier to bounce back from adversity. Creating an inventory list of everything you pack and put onto the moving truck will result in an invaluable resource if you need to make an insurance claim or sue.
Prepping to-go bags packed with essentials that travel with you instead of on the truck is a smart play, too. That way, you’ll have important items like medications, your child’s favorite bedtime books, and a change of clothes handy, just in case.
Know Your Rights and Claims Process
When you hire a full-service mover, you receive a Bill of Lading. This is your contract. It lists the delivery window, which is the range of dates when your items should arrive. But what’s a reasonable timeline for how long a moving company has to deliver? In most cases, movers are expected to deliver your belongings within the date range listed on the Bill of Lading, unless the contract allows for delays under specific circumstances.
“A real company should have a license and insurance. For moves between states, check their USDOT number online. If they’re not licensed, they’re operating illegally.”
You also have rights regarding your items. Most moves include basic coverage, which pays for a small amount per pound if your stuff gets lost during moving. For better protection, you can choose full-value coverage. This ensures the company pays the actual cost to fix or replace anything they lose or break.
If your movers are late, you can file a late-delivery claim. Most companies give you nine months to file, but it’s best to do it right away. You will need your Bill of Lading, your log of phone calls, and photos of your boxes. Keep all receipts for expenses incurred due to the delay. Being prepared with your paperwork makes the claims process much faster and easier.
What to Do if You Can’t Reach the Moving Company
The only thing worse than a late moving company is one that also doesn’t answer the phone. Here’s what to do if you can’t make contact.
- Try alternate contact methods: If your moving company is late and you can’t reach them using the originally supplied contact method, try a different approach. Reach out via social media, email, or by texting the number instead of calling.
- Check online reviews for common complaints: Read online reviews to see if lateness or no-shows are commonplace for the company. This may help you decide how soon to escalate to the authorities.
- Consider reporting to the Better Business Bureau or FMCSA: In case of serious lateness or a total no-show, report the issue to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). If your move crosses state lines, you can file a report with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Recourse When Movers Are Late or Don’t Show Up
If your movers don’t arrive, you still have options. You can take legal steps to get your money back or report the company. Here’s how to handle a bad moving experience.
Understand Your Rights Under Your Local Laws
Each state has different regulations for moving companies. Some laws protect you from surprise fees or long delays. Check your state’s rules to see if the company broke any during your scheduled move.
Check Whether the Movers Are Licensed and Insured
A real company should have a license and insurance. For moves between states, check their USDOT number online. If they’re not licensed, they’re operating illegally. Insurance, on the other hand, protects your items if damage or loss occurs. This information is key if you need to file a formal report.
File a Complaint With the Moving Regulator or Licensing Agency
You can report issues to agencies like the BBB or FMCSA, which track complaints from customers. Filing a report helps other people avoid the same trouble and puts pressure on the company to fix the issue.
Consult With a Lawyer About Serious or Repeated Violations
If the company took your money or items and disappeared, you may need legal help. A lawyer can tell you if you have a case for fraud. Because legal help is also expensive, this is a good choice only after you’ve tried other methods or if you lost a significant amount of money and belongings.
Consider Small Claims Court for Financial Losses
For missed services or damaged items, small claims court is an option. It’s low-cost, doesn’t require a lawyer, and works well for limited financial losses. You just need to show the judge your contract and proof that the movers never showed up to help. But like most legal escalations, this is best saved for after you’ve tried other means to get your stuff back or a refund.
Common Reasons Movers May Be Late or No-Shows, And How to Respond
Delays and no-shows happen for many reasons. Knowing the cause helps you decide if you should wait or find new help immediately. Here are the most common causes of delays:
Traffic or Route Delays
Heavy traffic, accidents, or road construction can easily put a crew behind schedule. This is very common in busy cities or for long-distance moves. Most of the time, the movers are just as frustrated as you are. A quick phone call can usually clear this up.
Next steps:
- Call dispatch for an updated arrival time.
- Use the wait to finish packing or cleaning.
- Document the delay in case you need to file a claim.
Delays on the Previous Job
Local crews often handle two or three moves in one day. If the family before you had more heavy furniture than expected, your move might start late. While this is common, the company should always call you to give you a heads-up.
Next steps:
- Ask if they can send a second crew to help.
- Confirm the crew will still have enough time and energy for your move.
Poor Scheduling or Overbooking
During the busy summer season, some companies take on too many jobs. If they don’t have enough trucks or workers, your move might turn into a no-show. This is why using a marketplace with verified reviews like HireAHelper is helpful when vetting movers so you can see if one company does this often.
Next steps:
- Review your contract for delay policies.
- Call the main office to see if a truck is actually assigned to you.
- If they sound unsure, start looking for backup labor immediately.
Weather Conditions
Rain, snow, or high winds can make moving dangerous. A bad storm might cause a crew to stay off the road for safety. In most cases, they will try to reschedule for the next clear day and should contact you about this.
Next steps:
- Check the local weather report for your area.
- Ask about their policy for moving in the rain or snow.
Mechanical or Equipment Issues
Trucks can break down or get flat tires. If the moving truck is in the shop, the crew cannot get to your home. A professional company will try to rent a new truck quickly to keep your appointment.
Next steps:
- Request a new estimated arrival time.
- Ask if a replacement truck or crew is available.
- Document the issue and arrange backup help if needed.
Protecting Yourself from Mover Issues in the Future
The best way to handle a no-show is to prevent it from happening. By taking a few extra steps before you book, you can find a team that is reliable, professional, and on-time.
Research Movers Thoroughly Before Booking
Take your time to learn how to choose a good moving company. Don’t just pick the first name you see. Look for companies that have been in business for several years and have a history of arriving on time.
Verify Licenses, Insurance, and Physical Address
Check if the company has a real office address and a valid USDOT number. Professional movers must have insurance to protect your items. If they can’t prove they’re licensed, it’s safer to look for another helper.
Read Reviews on Multiple Independent Platforms
Check reviews on sites like Google, the BBB, and Trustpilot. When you look at how HireAHelper works, you’ll notice that we only show verified reviews from real customers. This helps you see which crews are truly the most reliable.
Be Cautious of Very Low Quotes and Large Upfront Deposits
If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Shady companies use low prices to lure you in, then never show up or raise the price later on. Also, while most honest movers will ask for a small deposit up front, they won’t ask for a large or a full cash deposit before the work starts.
Get a Written Contract With Clear Timing and Penalties
Always ask for a written contract that lists your move date and arrival window. It should also explain what happens if they’re late. Having this in writing makes it much easier to get a refund if a no-show happens.
Confirm Details Several Times Before Moving Day
Don’t wait for movers to call. Confirm your booking yourself. Double-check the date, time, address, and the number of workers coming. A quick call or email keeps everyone on the same page and helps catch any scheduling errors early.
Have a Backup Plan and List of Alternative Movers
Keep a list of two or three other local companies just in case. Knowing who else is available can save your weekend if your first choice fails.
Quick Mover Quality Checklist:
- Do they have a high rating (4 stars or more on HireAHelper)?
- Do they answer the phone during business hours?
- Are they transparent about their hourly rates?
- Do they provide a written confirmation immediately?
Benefits of Booking Through HireAHelper
Booking through HireAHelper means you get flexibility and peace of mind. Our platform lets you compare movers by price and reviews, book instantly, and see transparent costs upfront. The providers are also vetted, so you know you’re choosing from trusted options.
If issues come up, we can also help mediate between you and the mover. Plus, optional SmartProtection coverage adds extra security if your belongings get damaged during handling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a mover no-show?
A mover no-show happens when the crew fails to arrive within the agreed delivery window. Most contracts allow a short grace period, often a few hours. If movers still don’t appear and you can’t reach anyone at the office, you should treat it as a no-show and start your backup plan.
How do I file a late-delivery claim?
Start by gathering your Bill of Lading and all phone logs. Contact the moving company to ask for their official claim form. If they don’t help, you can file a complaint with a state regulator. Clear documentation and deadlines matter, so file quickly to protect your rights.
Can I book same-day help if my movers never arrive?
Yes, you can often find last-minute help on our marketplace. Many local crews have openings in the afternoon or for small jobs. Prices may be slightly higher for a same-day booking, but it’s still, it’s a great way to save your move when your original plan fails.
Should I rent storage if my movers don’t show?
If you need to leave your current home as soon as possible, it’s smart to rent a short-term storage unit. This keeps your items safe while you find a new crew. Check the cost for one month of rent. It might be cheaper than paying a high fee to stay in your old home late.
What paperwork should I keep for a claim?
Keep your signed contract and all payment receipts. You also need a log of every call and text you sent to the movers, and timestamped photos of your home. These documents prove that you followed the rules and that the company failed to show up.