US Interstate Licensing & Compliance (FMCSA)
What “interstate” means
You are an interstate household goods motor carrier if you transport a customer’s belongings across state lines (including DC), or originate in one state and deliver to another—even if part of the trip passes through a third state.
Who needs federal authority
Any company that moves household goods for-hire across state lines must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and operate under federal rules for licensing, safety, consumer protection, and insurance.
Core identifiers & registrations
- USDOT Number – Safety identifier filed via MCS-150.
- MC (Operating Authority) Number – Granted after filing OP-1 (Household Goods Motor Carrier).
- BOC-3 – Designation of process agents in all states.
- Insurance Filings – Liability (BMC-91/91X) and household-goods cargo (FMCSA filing; amounts per current federal minimums).
- UCR (Unified Carrier Registration) – Annual registration if you operate interstate.
Tip: Keep your MCS-150 updated at least every 24 months (or sooner if details change).
Minimum insurance & financial responsibility
- Public liability: Federal minimums apply (amount depends on commodity/vehicle).
- Household-goods cargo: A separate federal cargo filing is required for HHG carriers.
- Workers’ compensation: As required by the state(s) where you employ staff.
Always verify current federal minimums and state add-ons; requirements can change.
Safety & operations (high-level)
- Driver qualification files; pre-employment and random testing under the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.
- Hours of Service (HOS) compliance; ELDs where applicable.
- Vehicle inspections & maintenance (DVIRs, annual inspections).
- Safety audits (new entrant audit within the first 12 months).
- Recordkeeping: Bills of lading, estimates, weight tickets, inventories, claims records.
Consumer protection requirements (Household Goods)
Interstate HHG carriers must follow federal consumer rules (49 CFR Parts 371–379), including:
Required documents to shippers
- “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” brochure (and/or Ready to Move?).
- Written estimate (binding or non-binding) with clear services/charges.
- Order for service and bill of lading at pickup; inventory when applicable.
- Valuation options disclosed: Released Rates (e.g., $0.60 per lb per article) and Full Value Protection (FVP) option with pricing/coverage terms.
Weighing & charges
- Tare and gross weights (or constructive weight) must be documented if charges are weight-based.
- Accessorials and shuttle/long-carry/extra services must be disclosed and authorized.
Claims & dispute handling
- Claim filing window: generally within 9 months of delivery for loss/damage.
- Carrier timelines (typical federal standards): acknowledge within 30 days; pay, settle, or deny within 120 days, with updates every 30 days if unresolved.
- Arbitration: Carriers must offer access to an independent arbitration program for certain disputes (loss/damage and some charge disputes) and disclose how to initiate it.
Advertising & representation
- Display USDOT and MC numbers where required.
- Use the exact legal or DBA name on paperwork, websites, ads, and vehicles.
- Do not misrepresent broker vs. carrier status.
Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
- Operating without MC authority → File OP-1 and secure insurance/BOC-3 before you haul.
- Lapsed insurance filings → Monitor expirations; a lapse can suspend authority.
- Missing consumer brochures → Automate inclusion in every estimate packet.
- Improper estimates → Match estimate type to service scope; document all accessorials.
- Claims delays → Track the 30/120-day clocks; respond in writing and on time.
Quick compliance checklist (Interstate HHG)
- USDOT (MCS-150) active & current
- MC operating authority granted (OP-1)
- BOC-3 on file
- Liability & HHG cargo insurance filings on file and active
- UCR paid for current year
- Safety program (DQ files, Clearinghouse, HOS/ELD, inspections)
- Consumer packets (brochures, estimates, valuation disclosures)
- Arbitration program access disclosed
- Claims process & timelines implemented
- Records retained per federal rules
For consumers: what to expect
- A written estimate and clear explanation of services/charges.
- A bill of lading at pickup and delivery.
- Valuation choice (basic released rates vs. Full Value Protection).
- A documented claims process—and access to arbitration if needed.
Disclaimer: This page summarizes federal interstate moving requirements for household goods carriers. It is not legal advice. Regulations and thresholds can change; always verify current FMCSA rules and any applicable state add-ons before operating.
Last updated: August 18, 2025