Dictionary

Broker

What a household-goods broker does and how the role differs from the carrier that transports the shipment.

Published 4 Sep 2026 · Updated 4 Sep 2026. Sources, scope and corrections

TRE Dictionary

Broker

A broker arranges or offers to arrange transportation by an authorized carrier but does not itself transport the household goods as the mover.

In plain English

The broker connects the customer with a moving company that will perform the transportation.

Why it matters

Consumers should understand whether the company they are hiring will physically transport the goods or arrange for another registered mover to do so. FMCSA requires brokers for interstate moves to be registered and to use registered interstate movers.

TRE common-language definition

Broker: A business that arranges household-goods transportation with a mover rather than acting as the transporting mover itself.

Carrier · Estimate · Interstate Move · Shipper

Sources & Evidence

The Relocation Ecosystem provides educational information and does not provide legal advice.

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Broker

In plain English

Why it matters

TRE common-language definition

Related terms

Sources & Evidence

What does your experience add?

Read more

A Loved One’s Belongings After a Death: Where to Start

The Anatomy of a Move: What Happens, Who Is Responsible, and What Comes Next

Can Someone Help Pay for My Move? A Guide to Relocation and Moving Assistance

Apartment and Rental Moving Checklist: Parking, Elevators, Access and Handover