Louisiana

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

License Required

Yes

Yes. Certificate of Intrastate Authority required

Insurance Required

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

Tariff Required

Yes. Filed tariff required for all intrastate household goods carriers

USDOT/UCR

USDOT number required; UCR if operating interstate

Application Fee

Approximately $150 to $250

Consumer Complaints

Filed with the LPSC Consumer Services Division Online Form

OverviewOverview & Scope

Any company or individual offering household goods moving services within Louisiana for compensation must obtain authority from the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). Covered services include packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and storage in transit within the state.

Unauthorized operations are prohibited and subject to enforcement actions and penalties.

RegistrationRegistration & Documentation Requirements

To become a legal intrastate mover in Louisiana, applicants must:

1. Apply for a Certificate of Authority:
   • Submit a completed application to the LPSC
   • Include company name, business address, ownership details, and service area
   • Pay the required filing fee
2. File a Tariff:
   • Include rates, charges, fuel surcharges, and accessorial services
   • Tariff must be approved before beginning operations
3. Provide Required Insurance:
   • Public liability and property damage insurance
   • Cargo insurance covering damage or loss of household goods
4. Display USDOT Number:
   • All commercial motor vehicles must display a valid USDOT number
5. Maintain Compliance:
   • Renew authority as required
   • Keep tariff and insurance filings up to date

InsuranceInsurance & Tariff Requirements

• Liability Insurance: Minimum coverage is mandated to protect the public.
• Cargo Insurance: Ensures coverage of personal belongings during transit.
• Tariff: Movers must operate strictly according to their filed and approved tariff. Hidden fees are prohibited.

ConsumerConsumer Protections

Louisiana law provides robust protections for moving consumers, including:

• Right to a written estimate and Bill of Lading
• Right to review the mover’s filed tariff upon request
• Protection from unauthorized charges or service refusals
• Complaint resolution via the Public Service Commission

Consumers may report issues such as:

• Property damage
• Failure to deliver or detainment of goods
• Overcharges or hidden fees
• Operating without proper authority

ChecklistCompliance checklist

Company licensing

• LPSC Certificate of Intrastate Authority, renewed as requiredWhere applicable (mover offers household goods moving services within Louisiana for compensation)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Cargo insurance filed with the LPSCWhere applicable (mover holds LPSC authority)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 number displayed on each commercial motor vehicleWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Public liability and property damage insurance filed with the LPSCWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired

Customer practices

• Approved tariff (rates, charges, fuel surcharges, accessorial services) filed before operations; only tariff charges applied and the tariff available to consumers on requestWhere applicable (mover holds LPSC authority)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• Written estimate and bill of lading provided to the consumerWhere applicable (mover holds LPSC authority)Verified by AffirmationRequired