Interstate Moving

State to State Movers

If you’re preparing to move to another state, you have your work cut out for you.

The challenges of an interstate move are inherently different and you should do your best to prepare for the tasks ahead. Before you pack your entire life into a cardboard box, you will need to find a moving company you can entrust with your belongings.

Federal and state regulations hold interstate moving companies to a different standard than local movers and it’s important that you do too.

Rights and Responsibilities of Interstate Movers

It shouldn’t come as a complete surprise that interstate moving companies are regulated differently than local movers considering the extra distance and risk covered by an out-of-state move.

To ensure you are aware of our rights, interstate moving companies are mandated to provide you with a booklet published by the United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, entitled Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.

Key Federal Requirements for Interstate Movers

Regulators impose a number of special standards upon interstate moving companies to keep them compliant with federal and state laws. These laws are written to ensure the safe, legal transit of your belongings.

At the very least, you should ensure that a mover holds interstate operating authority before letting them take possession of your property. Here’s how to tell whether your movers are qualified: 

• Acceptable Insurance Levels

  All interstate movers are required to carry a minimum level of motor vehicle insurance and liability insurance, as well as workers’ compensation insurance to protect employees (and customers) in the event that a worker is injured while transporting your goods.
   

• FMCSA Registration
   

  Make sure your interstate moving company is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to transport household goods across state lines, and that their registration is up-to-date. Interstate movers are required to update their registration every two years.

• U.S. DOT. Number

  In addition to FMCSA registration, interstate moving companies should also have a unique identifier issued by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). This number is used to keep track of things like audits, compliance reviews, crash investigations, inspections, and other safety information.