North Carolina

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

License Required

Yes

Yes. Intrastate household goods movers must obtain a Certificate (“C” number) from the NCUC.

Insurance Required

Yes. A minimum of $50,000 liability and $50,000 cargo insurance is required.

Tariff Required

Yes. Movers must comply with the Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT) issued by the NCUC.

Valuation Options

Required. Movers must offer at least Basic and Full Value protection per the MRT.

USDOT/UCR Required

Where applicable. A USDOT number is required for interstate or large vehicles; UCR (Unified Carrier Registration) applies if operating interstate. Official UCR guidance is at plan.ucr.gov and filing at www.ucr.gov.

Consumer Complaints

Handled by the NCUC or Public Staff commission staff.

OverviewOverview & Scope

In North Carolina, household goods moving within city or state boundaries is regulated by the NCUC. Movers must hold a valid Certificate (“C” number) and adhere to the Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT), which governs pricing, forms, and consumer disclosures for regulated moves.

Federal requirements are separate: a USDOT number attaches to the company operating vehicles that meet federal thresholds or run interstate, and UCR applies to interstate operations. Where a mover subcontracts transport, the carrier’s own registrations cover the transport it performs.

RegistrationRegistration & Compliance Essentials

Movers must:

1. Secure a Certificate (“C” number) from the NCUC before operating.
2. Maintain Insurance: at least $50,000 each for liability and cargo.
3. Follow the MRT: abide by maximum rates while offering competitive (lower) pricing options.
4. Offer Valuation Options:
   • Basic Value Protection: $0.60 per pound per article, included at no extra cost.
   • Full Value Protection: Covers replacement or repair per specified rates and valuation.
5. Use Approved Forms, including the bill of lading and informational brochures as required by the MRT.
6. Display Certificate on documentation and make it verifiable to consumers.

The NCUC publishes and updates a directory of certificated movers monthly.

ConsumerConsumer Protections

Consumers benefit from the following protections:

• Regulated Rates: moves are billed hourly under 35 miles or by weight and distance over 35 miles, with publicly accessible tariffs.
• Liability Clarity: valuation options must be explained and documented.
• Transparent Paperwork: movers must provide approved documentation like the bill of lading and consumer guide.
• Complaint Process: Consumers can verify mover credentials and file complaints through the NCUC or the Public Staff.

ChecklistCompliance checklist

Company licensing

• NCUC Certificate (“C” number)Where applicable (mover performs intrastate household goods moves within North Carolina)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Liability and cargo insurance, at least $50,000 eachWhere applicable (mover holds an NCUC Certificate)Verified by DocumentRequired
• UCR registrationWhere applicable (mover engages in interstate operations)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)

• USDOT numberWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles that meet federal thresholds or are used interstate)Verified by DocumentRequired

Customer practices

• Charges within the NCUC Maximum Rate TariffWhere applicable (mover holds an NCUC Certificate)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• Basic Value Protection ($0.60 per pound per article, at no extra cost) and Full Value Protection offered, explained and documentedWhere applicable (mover holds an NCUC Certificate)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• MRT-approved bill of lading and consumer brochures usedWhere applicable (mover holds an NCUC Certificate)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• Certificate number displayed on documentationWhere applicable (mover holds an NCUC Certificate)Verified by AffirmationRequired