South Carolina

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

License Required

Yes

Yes. Movers must hold a Class E Certificate of Public Convenience & Necessity.

Insurance Required

Yes. Must file proof of public liability and cargo insurance with the ORS.

Tariff Required

Yes. A tariff with rates and service terms must be filed and accessible.

Valuation Coverage

Yes. Standard released value must be offered; higher valuation is available for an additional fee.

Oversize/Overweight Moves

Yes, where the mover operates its own vehicles. Separate permits are required from SCDOT for moves involving oversized or overweight loads.

USDOT / Interstate

Where applicable. A USDOT number and UCR (Unified Carrier Registration) are needed for interstate operations. Official UCR guidance is at plan.ucr.gov and filing at www.ucr.gov.

Consumer Complaints

Handled via the ORS’s Motor Carrier Services and enforcement division. Phone: (803) 737-5230

OverviewOverview & Scope

In South Carolina, intrastate household goods carriers must be certified with the ORS as Class E motor carriers before legally operating. These carriers must maintain insurance, publish tariffs, adhere to valuation rules, and comply with permit requirements for oversized or out-of-state moves.

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

RegistrationRegistration & Operational Requirements

Movers operating intrastate must:

1. Obtain a Class E Certificate (PC&N) from the ORS.
2. Submit Insurance Documentation, including liability and cargo coverage.
3. File a Tariff detailing service rates, conditions, and valuation options.
4. Offer Standard Valuation, with an option for additional coverage at a fee.
5. Obtain SCDOT Permits for oversized or overweight household goods moves, where the mover operates its own vehicles.
6. Maintain USDOT and UCR Compliance, when applicable for interstate operations.

ConsumerConsumer Protections

Consumers benefit from:

• Hiring licensed and insured movers, increasing accountability.
• Access to clear, filed rates outlined in public tariffs.
• Optional higher valuation protection for more accurate compensation.
• A formal complaint process via the ORS if moves are mishandled or pricing disputes arise.

ChecklistCompliance checklist

Company licensing

• ORS Class E Certificate of Public Convenience & NecessityWhere applicable (mover performs intrastate household goods moves within South Carolina)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Public liability and cargo insurance filed with the ORSWhere applicable (mover holds a Class E Certificate)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Tariff filed with the ORS, covering rates, service conditions and valuation optionsWhere applicable (mover holds a Class E Certificate)Verified by DocumentRequired
• 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)

• SCDOT oversize/overweight permitsWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles on oversized or overweight moves)Verified by DocumentRequired
• USDOT numberWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles in interstate operations)Verified by DocumentRequired

Customer practices

• Standard released value offered, with higher valuation available for an additional feeWhere applicable (mover holds a Class E Certificate)Verified by AffirmationRequired