The Department of Transportation in every state is responsible for the licensing, safety and insurance of motor carriers for hire operating within the state. In addition, the Department of State oversees the rates and services of household goods movers providing residential moving services.
Starting a moving company is an expensive proposition. Our experience shows that three out of every five applicants go out of business within their first year. Therefore, it is in your best interest and highly recommended that you do your homework to find out what your start-up costs will be prior to applying for authority. We will help you meet all requirements you will need to obtain local moving authority by assisting you with formulating a plan.
Know the Role of the Department of Transportation (DOT)
Each state’s Department of Transportation is responsible for regulating motor carriers for hire. This includes:
- Licensing Requirements
- Safety Standards Compliance
- Insurance Verification and Oversight
If you’re planning to operate a moving company within your state, securing DOT approval is a mandatory step.
What About Household Goods Movers?
In addition to the DOT, your State’s Department of State typically oversees:
- Rate Structures
- Service Guidelines
- Residential Moving Regulations
Compliance in both areas is essential for operating legally and building trust with your customers.
The Reality of Starting a Moving Business
Launching a moving company isn’t cheap. In fact, our experience shows that 60% of new applicants go out of business within the first year. The most common reason? A lack of planning and underestimating the real cost of starting and operating the business.
We’re Here to Help You Succeed
Before you invest your time and money, it’s crucial to:
- Estimate Start-Up Costs Accurately
- Understand Insurance and Licensing Requirements
- Create a Strategic Business Plan
That’s where we come in.
How We Support Your Journey
Our team helps you meet all requirements to obtain your local moving authority, including:
- Guidance on DOT and State Department compliance
- Assistance with licensing and insurance applications
- Help developing a realistic and actionable start-up plan
- Ongoing support as your business grows
Ready to Move Forward?
Let us take the guesswork out of the process. We’ll guide you through every step of starting your moving company—so you can focus on building a business that lasts.