Missouri

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

License Required

Yes

Yes. Intrastate household goods carriers must secure operating authority from MoDOT before servicing within municipalities or commercial zones.

Insurance Required

Yes. Movers holding MoDOT operating authority must maintain liability and cargo coverage as defined by MoDOT.

Tariff

Not explicitly mandated under current state rules.

USDOT/UCR Required

Where applicable. A USDOT number is required for vehicles above federal thresholds or used in interstate operations. UCR (Unified Carrier Registration) applies to interstate operations; official guidance is at plan.ucr.gov and filing at www.ucr.gov.

Application Fee

Varies; subject to MoDOT fee schedule.

Consumer Complaints

Handled by MoDOT Motor Carrier Services Division.

OverviewOverview & Scope

Any entity providing household goods moving services within Missouri municipalities or commercial areas must obtain Operating Authority from MoDOT’s Motor Carrier Services. This includes moving, packing, loading, unloading, or storing household goods for compensation.

Federal requirements are separate: a USDOT number attaches to the company operating vehicles that meet federal thresholds or run interstate, and UCR applies to interstate operations. Where a mover subcontracts transport, the carrier’s own registrations cover the transport it performs.

RegistrationRegistration & Documentation Requirements

To operate legally:

1. Apply for Operating Authority from MoDOT, submitting:
   • Business details and service areas
   • Vehicle information
   • Insurance documentation
2. Demonstrate Insurance Compliance with adequate liability and cargo coverage.
3. Display Authority Documentation in vehicles or operational materials as directed.
4. Maintain Updates to MoDOT for any service area or company changes.
5. Where the mover operates its own vehicles, hold a USDOT number for vehicles above federal thresholds or used interstate.

InsuranceInsurance & Operational Compliance

• Must carry liability insurance covering property damage and personal injury
• Must maintain cargo insurance for items in transit
• USDOT number required for vehicles above thresholds or interstate movers

ConsumerConsumer Protections

• Movers must operate under valid MoDOT authority
• Consumers are encouraged to:
  • Request proof of MoDOT operating authority
  • Obtain written estimates and contracts
  • Report issues (for example, damage or disputes) via the MoDOT Motor Carrier Services Division

ChecklistCompliance checklist

Company licensing

• MoDOT household goods Operating AuthorityWhere applicable (mover offers intrastate household goods moves within Missouri)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Liability and cargo insurance as defined by MoDOTWhere applicable (mover holds MoDOT Operating Authority)Verified by DocumentRequired
• MoDOT notified of service area or company changesWhere applicable (mover holds MoDOT Operating Authority)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• UCR registrationWhere applicable (mover engages in interstate operations)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 above federal thresholds or in interstate operations)Verified by DocumentRequired
• MoDOT authority documentation displayed in vehicles as directedWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by AffirmationRequired