Ohio

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

License Required

Yes

Yes. Intrastate household goods movers must register and obtain a Certificate of Authority (HHG Certificate) from PUCO.

Insurance Required

Yes. Must file liability insurance (Form E) and cargo insurance to meet PUCO standards.

Tariff Required

Yes. Movers must file a tariff listing all rates and accessorial charges.

USDOT / UCR Required

A USDOT number is required for PUCO household goods registration. UCR (Unified Carrier Registration) is required if operating interstate. Official UCR guidance is at plan.ucr.gov and filing at www.ucr.gov.

Records & Billing

Must issue a written estimate, followed by a bill of lading that includes all charges per PUCO rules.

Consumer Complaints

Managed by PUCO, with instructions provided on the bill of lading: Online Form

OverviewOverview & Scope

In Ohio, anyone operating as a household goods mover within state boundaries must register with PUCO as an intrastate, for-hire carrier. This ensures compliance with safety, insurance, and consumer-protection standards.

UCR is a separate federal-plan registration that applies to interstate operations. Where a mover subcontracts transport, the carrier’s own registrations cover the transport it performs.

RegistrationRegistration & Compliance Steps

1. Obtain a USDOT Number as a starting requirement for state-level registration.
2. Complete PUCO Registration, including:
   • Applying for the HHG Certificate online
   • Submitting proof of required insurance coverage
3. File a Rate Tariff listing your services, rates, and extra charges before operating.
4. Provide Written Estimates and Bill of Lading compliant with PUCO format and content regulations.
5. Update Annually: Renew your registration and submit updates as needed to maintain compliance.

InsuranceInsurance & Consumer Protections

• Movers must carry adequate liability and cargo insurance to protect consumers.
• Consumers receive legal protections, including:
  • Written estimates aligned with filed tariffs
  • Detailed bill of lading with charge breakdowns
  • Clear instructions for filing complaints with PUCO

ChecklistCompliance checklist

Company licensing

• PUCO HHG Certificate of Authority, renewed annuallyWhere applicable (mover operates as a household goods mover within Ohio)Verified by DocumentRequired
• USDOT numberWhere applicable (mover registers with PUCO as an intrastate household goods carrier)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Liability (Form E) and cargo insurance filed with PUCOWhere applicable (mover holds a PUCO HHG Certificate)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Tariff filed with PUCO listing all services, rates and accessorial chargesWhere applicable (mover holds a PUCO HHG 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

Customer practices

• Written estimate, then a bill of lading with all charges and complaint instructions, in PUCO formatWhere applicable (mover holds a PUCO HHG Certificate)Verified by AffirmationRequired