Massachusetts

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

License Required

Yes

Yes. Intrastate Household Goods Mover License (DPU operating authority)

Insurance Required

Yes. Minimum cargo insurance must be filed with the DPU

Tariff Required

Yes. Rates and charges must be filed and publicly accessible

USDOT Number Required

Yes, where the mover operates its own vehicles over 10,001 lbs, even for intrastate moves

Application Fee

$100 application fee, plus $40 per vehicle decal, $100 per tariff filing

Consumer Complaints

Handled by the DPU Transportation Oversight Division Online Form

OverviewOverview & Scope

All companies that move household goods within the state must obtain intrastate operating authority from the Massachusetts DPU. This includes moving services using vehicles for packing, transporting, and unloading household items.

RegistrationRegistration & Documentation Requirements

To operate legally in Massachusetts as a household goods mover:

1. Submit Application: includes business documentation, balance sheet, and completed application form.
2. Pay Fees:
   • $100 application fee
   • $40 per vehicle decal
   • $100 per tariff submission
3. File Required Documents:
   • Proof of business registration
   • Certificate of insurance
   • Detailed tariff to be filed and updated when rates change
4. Obtain a Public Hearing: applications are reviewed at hearings, and the principal owner must attend.
5. Annual Renewal: Update proof of insurance and renewal decal; also required when tariffs change.

InsuranceInsurance & Tariff Requirements

• Cargo Insurance must meet the state’s minimum coverage and stay active throughout the permit period.
• Tariffs must detail rates and services; movers may only charge what’s filed. Tariffs must be accessible to the public.

ConsumerConsumer Protections

Massachusetts law ensures transparent and fair moving practices:

• Movers must conduct written, in-home estimates; verbal quotes are non-binding.
• A Bill of Lading must be provided before loading.
• Complaints regarding rates, service, or damage can be filed with the DPU’s Transportation Oversight Division.

ChecklistCompliance checklist

Company licensing

• DPU Intrastate Household Goods Mover License (operating authority), renewed annuallyWhere applicable (mover moves household goods within Massachusetts)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Cargo insurance at the state minimum, filed with the DPUWhere applicable (mover holds a DPU license)Verified by DocumentRequired

Subcontracted transport

• Where transport is subcontracted, the mover uses carriers that hold the licences required for the transport they performWhere applicableVerified by AffirmationRequired

Vehicles and drivers (where the mover operates its own vehicles)

• DPU vehicle decal for each vehicle, renewed annuallyWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired
• USDOT numberWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles over 10,001 lbs)Verified by DocumentRequired

Customer practices

• Tariff of rates and services filed, updated when rates change and publicly accessible; only filed rates chargedWhere applicable (mover holds a DPU license)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• Written, in-home estimate providedWhere applicable (mover holds a DPU license)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• Bill of lading provided before loadingWhere applicable (mover holds a DPU license)Verified by AffirmationRequired