Tennessee

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

License Required

Yes

Yes. Intrastate movers must apply for Intrastate Operating Authority.

Insurance Required

Yes. Must file Form E (liability) and Form H (cargo), including household goods coverage.

Tariff

Not mandated. There is no explicit tariff requirement under current rules.

USDOT / UCR Required

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

Application Fee

Typically includes a base fee plus approximately $8 per vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

Managed by the Division of Consumer Affairs.

OverviewOverview & Scope

Intrastate household goods movers in Tennessee must obtain Operating Authority from the Department of Revenue’s Motor Carrier Services. This authority applies to in-state moves of household items, mobile homes, and general freight. Movers must file the required insurance forms (E and H) and designate a local agent for legal process.

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 & Compliance Steps

Movers must:

1. Submit an Intrastate Authority Application, including:
   • Designated Process Agent form
   • Proof of insurance via Forms E (liability) and H (cargo)
2. Pay the per-vehicle fees, approximately $8 per vehicle.
3. Provide or maintain a valid USDOT number, if required (where the mover operates its own vehicles that meet federal thresholds).
4. Renew annually, keeping insurance and filings current.
5. Display legal identifiers, such as the authority number, in documentation and advertising as required.

ConsumerConsumer Protections

Consumers should:

• Ensure the mover has current Tennessee Intrastate Authority and valid insurance filings
• Request a written estimate and contract
• Confirm carrier compliance via Motor Carrier Services if there are disputes or concerns
• Understand that while tariff regulation isn’t mandated, general consumer protection law still applies to pricing and contract practices

ChecklistCompliance checklist

Company licensing

• Tennessee Intrastate Operating Authority, renewed annuallyWhere applicable (mover performs intrastate household goods moves within Tennessee)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Form E (liability) and Form H (cargo) insurance filingsWhere applicable (mover holds Tennessee Intrastate Operating Authority)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Designated process agent on fileWhere applicable (mover holds Tennessee Intrastate Operating Authority)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Authority number displayed in documentation and advertising as requiredWhere applicable (mover holds Tennessee Intrastate 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 that meet federal thresholds or are used interstate)Verified by DocumentRequired