Regulatory & compliance · Intrastate household goods

West Virginia

State license required

Regulated byPublic Service Commission (PSC)

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

License Required
Yes
Yes – Must hold a Certificate of Convenience & Necessity to operate intrastate household goods moves
Insurance Required
Yes
Yes – Liability and cargo insurance must be maintained and filed with PSC
Tariff Required
Yes
Yes – Movers must operate under a PSC-approved tariff with regulated rates
Oversize/Overweight Moves
Yes
Yes – Separate permits required from WV Department of Transportation
Local Permits
May be needed for restricted parking or curb use, especially in cities like Charleston or Huntington
Federal Compliance
USDOT number and FMCSA compliance required for interstate moves
Mutual Recourse
Consumers have complaint mechanisms through the PSC – State Attorney General Online Form

OverviewOverview & Scope

In West Virginia, any company transporting household goods for compensation within state lines must be authorized by the Public Service Commission with a Certificate of Convenience & Necessity. Movers must comply with insurance, tariff, and permit regulations to ensure legal and transparent operations.

RegistrationRegistration & Compliance Requirements

To legally operate:

  1. Obtain a Certificate of Convenience & Necessity from the PSC.
  2. File Required Insurance – including liability and cargo coverage, as regulated.
  3. Operate Within Filed Tariff – all rates and charges must be approved by the PSC.
  4. Secure Oversize/Overweight Permits for moves exceeding standard vehicle dimensions or weight.
  5. Comply with City Permitting – such as temporary parking or loading permits in municipal areas.
  6. Meet Federal Requirements – including USDOT registration and compliance with FMCSA if transporting across state lines.

ConsumerConsumer Protections

  • Movers are limited to delivering final charges no more than 10% above a nonbinding estimate.
  • Consumers may report violations or complaints through the PSC’s enforcement process.
  • Transparent tariff pricing ensures clarity and protection from unexpected fees.

ChecklistCompliance checklist

  • PSC Certificate of Convenience & NecessityYes
  • Liability and Cargo Insurance FiledYes
  • Adherence to Filed TariffYes
  • Oversize/Overweight Move PermitsRequired if applicable
  • Local Parking/Loading PermitsRequired if applicable
  • USDOT/FMCSA Compliance for Interstate MovesRequired if applicable
  • Limit Final Charge to ≤110% of EstimateEnforced
  • Consumer Complaint Process via PSCProvided