Pennsylvania

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

License Required

Yes

Yes. Must obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience before operating intrastate.

Insurance Required

Yes. Minimum liability coverage of $300,000 to $750,000 depending on vehicle size.

Tariff Required

Yes. Must file and comply with a tariff; changes require 30 days’ notice.

USDOT / UCR Required

Where applicable. A USDOT number is required for vehicles that meet federal thresholds or are used interstate; UCR (Unified Carrier Registration) applies if operating interstate. Official UCR guidance is at plan.ucr.gov and filing at www.ucr.gov.

Additional Requirements

Shipments over 40 miles must be weighed by a public weighmaster; proofs of insurance must be maintained and filed; written estimates are required.

Application Fee

$350 filing fee for household goods application.

Consumer Protections & Complaints

Unlicensed operation may result in fines up to $1,000 per complaint; complaints handled by the PUC: Info Page

OverviewOverview & Scope

Pennsylvania classifies household goods movers as public utilities. Anyone operating intrastate moves must first obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience from the PUC and maintain compliance through insurance, tariffs, and regulatory filings.

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. Submit application and fee: File Form 189H and pay the $350 filing fee to the PUC.
2. File Insurance: Submit Form E (liability) and Form H (cargo) within 60 days; minimum required coverage is $300,000 to $750,000 depending on vehicle capacity.
3. Publish and File Tariff: Include rates and service terms. Any changes require a 30-day notice before implementation.
4. Publication Process: Applications are published for public comment in the Pennsylvania Bulletin; protests may trigger hearings.
5. Operational Compliance:
   • Shipments over 40 miles must be weighed by a public weighmaster; weight tickets are attached to the bill of lading.
   • Where the mover operates its own vehicles, vehicles must be marked with the carrier’s name, PUC number, and city, unless exempt due to USDOT registration.

ConsumerConsumer Protections

• Written estimates must be provided at least 48 hours prior to the move and must align with the filed tariff.
• Claims Process: A carrier must resolve damage or dispute claims per PUC standards.
• Enforcement Tools:
  • Unlicensed operations may result in fines and liens on vehicle registrations.
  • Consumers may file complaints with the PUC’s Safety & Enforcement Bureau.

ChecklistCompliance checklist

Company licensing

• PUC Certificate of Public Convenience (household goods)Where applicable (mover operates intrastate household goods moves within Pennsylvania)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Liability (Form E) and cargo (Form H) insurance filed with the PUC, liability at $300,000 to $750,000 depending on vehicle sizeWhere applicable (mover holds a PUC Certificate of Public Convenience)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Tariff filed with the PUCWhere applicable (mover holds a PUC Certificate of Public Convenience)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Tariff changes made only after 30 days’ noticeWhere applicable (mover holds a PUC Certificate of Public Convenience)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)

• Vehicles marked with the carrier’s name, PUC number and city, unless exempt due to USDOT registrationWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• USDOT numberWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles that meet federal thresholds or are used interstate)Verified by DocumentRequired

Customer practices

• Written estimates provided at least 48 hours before the move, consistent with the filed tariffWhere applicable (mover holds a PUC Certificate of Public Convenience)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• Shipments over 40 miles weighed by a public weighmaster, with weight tickets attached to the bill of ladingWhere applicable (mover holds a PUC Certificate of Public Convenience)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• Damage and dispute claims resolved per PUC standardsWhere applicable (mover holds a PUC Certificate of Public Convenience)Verified by AffirmationRequired