Kentucky

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

License Required

Yes

Yes. Certificate required for intrastate household goods movers

Insurance Required

Yes. Liability insurance (where the mover operates its own vehicles) and cargo insurance required

Tariff Required

Yes. Must maintain and operate under a filed tariff

USDOT/UCR

USDOT number required; UCR if operating interstate

Application Fee

Approximately $100 to $250 depending on service

Consumer Complaints

Complaints may be filed with the Transportation Cabinet

OverviewOverview & Scope

All individuals or companies that provide household goods moving services within the state of Kentucky must be certified by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. This includes the loading, transporting, and unloading of personal items between locations within the state for compensation.

Movers must hold a valid certificate, maintain insurance, and adhere to all applicable tariff and safety rules. Unlicensed operations are subject to penalties.

RegistrationRegistration & Documentation Requirements

To legally operate as a household goods mover in Kentucky:

1. Apply for a Certificate to Operate:
   • Submit a completed application to the Department of Vehicle Regulation
   • Provide company details, ownership structure, and service scope
   • Include a proposed tariff and safety plan
   • Pay applicable filing fees
2. Obtain Required Insurance:
   • Public liability insurance to cover damage or injury
   • Cargo insurance to protect consumer property
3. File and Maintain Tariff:
   • Document all service charges, accessorial fees, and rate structures
   • Must be made available to the public upon request
4. Additional Requirements:
   • Maintain a USDOT number for identification and compliance
   • Ensure all vehicles are compliant with Kentucky safety regulations
   • Renew certificates annually or as directed

InsuranceInsurance & Tariff Requirements

• Liability Insurance: Proof of adequate coverage must be on file with the state.
• Cargo Insurance: Required to protect household goods in transit.
• Tariff Filing: Movers must operate according to filed rates and charges. No hidden or unfiled fees are allowed.

ConsumerConsumer Protections

Consumers in Kentucky are encouraged to:

• Verify the mover’s license and tariff status
• Request a written estimate and contract before the move
• Retain a copy of the Bill of Lading for all services rendered
• File complaints for:
  • Delays or no-shows
  • Damage to goods or property
  • Overcharging or unauthorized fees
  • Refusal to release goods

The Transportation Cabinet accepts complaints and may investigate or take enforcement action.

ChecklistCompliance checklist

Company licensing

• KYTC Certificate to Operate as a household goods mover, renewed annually or as directedWhere applicable (mover provides household goods moving services within Kentucky)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Cargo insurance on file with the stateWhere applicable (mover holds a KYTC certificate)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)Where applicable (mover engaged in interstate commerce)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)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Public liability insurance on file with the stateWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Vehicles comply with Kentucky safety regulationsWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by AffirmationRequired

Customer practices

• Tariff of all charges, accessorial fees and rate structures filed, maintained and available to the public on request; only filed rates chargedWhere applicable (mover holds a KYTC certificate)Verified by AffirmationRequired