Licensing & Compliance · United States
Interstate USA
Moving between states, where federal rules apply.
DefinitionWhat "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.
RegistrationsCore identifiers & registrations
USDOT Number
Safety identifier, now registered and maintained through Motus (motus.dot.gov), FMCSA's registration system that replaced the legacy Unified Registration System (URS) as of May 14, 2026.
MC (Operating Authority) Number
Operating authority is requested through the same Motus registration flow.
BOC-3
Designation of process agents in all states. The process-agent/insurance-provider side of this filing moved to Motus in December 2025.
Insurance Filings
Liability (BMC-91/91X) and household-goods cargo (FMCSA filing; amounts per current federal minimums).
UCR (Unified Carrier Registration)
Annual registration if you operate interstate; separate from the FMCSA registration system.
Tip
Keep your biennial USDOT/MCS-150-equivalent update current (every two years, per 49 CFR 390.19), and complete it sooner if company details change.
Financial responsibilityMinimum 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.
OperationsSafety & 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 protectionConsumer 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
Federal standards, 49 CFR 370.5 and 370.9: acknowledge within 30 days; pay, settle, or deny within 120 days. If unresolved after 120 days, the carrier must send the claimant a written status update every 60 days until disposition.
Arbitration
Carriers must offer access to an independent arbitration program meeting the 11 elements in 49 CFR 375.211, covering loss/damage disputes and certain carrier-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.
RiskCommon pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
Operating without authority
Complete registration 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-day/120-day/60-day clocks; respond in writing and on time.
ChecklistQuick compliance checklist (Interstate HHG)
USDOT registration active & current
Operating authority granted
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 consumersFor 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.
Licensing & Compliance · United States
Other move types
Between states
Long distance within the US, where federal rules apply.
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