USA – Interstate Licensing & Compliance

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

  1. USDOT Number – Safety identifier filed via MCS-150.
  2. MC (Operating Authority) Number – Granted after filing OP-1 (Household Goods Motor Carrier).
  3. BOC-3 – Designation of process agents in all states.
  4. Insurance Filings – Liability (BMC-91/91X) and household-goods cargo (FMCSA filing; amounts per current federal minimums).
  5. 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

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