Hawaii

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

License Required

Yes

Yes. Intrastate movers must obtain PUC certification (“PUC #“) to operate legally

Insurance Required

Yes. Minimum liability coverage (where the mover operates its own vehicles) and cargo coverage mandated by Hawaii rules

Written Estimate Required

Yes. Movers must provide written estimates containing full detail before transporting household goods

Complaint Contact

PUC Motor Carrier Services (contact info available via PUC site) Online Form

OverviewOverview & Scope

Hawaii requires any for-hire intrastate household goods mover to hold a Public Utilities Commission motor carrier certification (PUC #) prior to operation. The PUC regulates their certification, filings, and oversight of moving operations in Hawaii.

RegistrationRegistration & Insurance Requirements

• PUC Motor Carrier Certification is mandatory for operation.
• Insurance must meet minimums as established under Hawaii Administrative Rules:
  • Liability coverage for property carriers:
    • Bodily injury/death per person: $250,000
    • Bodily injury/death per accident: $750,000
    • Property damage per accident: $250,000
  • Cargo coverage must protect against loss or damage up to $1,500 per vehicle or $3,000 aggregate
• Such insurance or surety bonds must be properly filed with the PUC and cannot be contractually limited in liability by movers

EstimatesEstimates & Consumer Protections

• Movers must provide a written estimate to the shipper before beginning a move. This estimate must include:
  • All applicable rates and charges
  • Estimated time of service
  • Approximate shipment weight
  • General description of items
  • Declared valuation information, with a clear statement that additional insurance may be needed beyond the declared value
• The written estimate must be attached to the bill of lading or invoice

ChecklistCompliance checklist

Company licensing

• PUC motor carrier certification (PUC #)Where applicable (mover performs intrastate household goods moves in Hawaii)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Cargo coverage ($1,500 per vehicle or $3,000 aggregate), insurance or surety bond filed with the PUCWhere applicable (mover holds PUC certification)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)

• Liability insurance at Hawaii minimums ($250,000 bodily injury/death per person; $750,000 per accident; $250,000 property damage per accident) filed with the PUCWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired

Customer practices

• Written estimate (rates and charges, estimated time, approximate weight, description of items, declared valuation statement) provided before the move and attached to the bill of lading or invoiceWhere applicable (mover holds PUC certification)Verified by AffirmationRequired