"In 1980, I founded Gentle Giant Moving Company with a friend's borrowed truck and a $17 investment: a one-time ad in the Boston Phoenix newspaper." That's how Larry O'Toole, all six feet six inches of him, describes the start of a company that grew to 18 offices in nine states (Gentle Giant).
You can still start small. What's changed since 1980 is the paperwork, the insurance and the competition on Google. This guide covers all three in the order you'll face them, with a tool that tells you which licenses you need for your state, your truck and the moves you plan to do.
of Americans moved to a different home in 2024
active interstate household goods carriers, by FMCSA's estimate
FMCSA fee for operating authority
states and territories that want a USDOT number even for in-state moves
Sources: US Census Bureau, Federal Register, June 2025, FMCSA, FMCSA.
The First Decision: Local Or Interstate
Everything else depends on this. Will you only move people within your state, or across state lines too?
Your state's rules apply. Many states license household goods movers through a transportation, utility or consumer affairs agency, and the rules vary a lot. Faster and cheaper to launch.
Federal rules apply on top: FMCSA operating authority, a process agent filing, minimum insurance, an arbitration program, a tariff and specific paperwork for every customer.
A myth to drop. Many guides say local only movers can skip federal registration. Not always. FMCSA lists 38 states plus Puerto Rico that require intrastate carriers to get a USDOT number, including California, Texas, Florida and New York (FMCSA). Weight thresholds vary by state, so check yours.
Starting local is how most movers begin. You learn pricing, crews and customers first, then add interstate authority once you have revenue and reviews.
Which Licenses Do You Need? Find Out
Pick your state, the moves you plan to do and your biggest truck. The list updates with what applies to you, each with its source. It's a starting point, not legal advice, so confirm with each agency before you launch.
Not sure? The GVWR is printed on a sticker inside the driver's door.
Ten Steps To Launch
Choose local or interstate
Decide before you spend anything. It changes your licenses, insurance and timeline.
Set up the business
Form your company, get a free EIN from the IRS, open a business bank account, and keep every dollar of the business separate from day one.
Get insurance quotes early
Commercial auto, cargo, general liability and, once you hire, workers' comp. Insurance is often the cost that surprises new movers most, so get real quotes before you buy a truck.
Register
State license or permit, and for interstate moves your FMCSA registration and operating authority. FMCSA says applications "may take 20-25 business days," longer if reviewed further (FMCSA).
Rent before you buy
Your first jobs can run on a rented truck while you learn which size you actually need. Buy once your calendar justifies it.
Get the right gear
Moving blankets, dollies, straps, shrink wrap, floor and door protection, and a basic tool kit for taking furniture apart.
Hire carefully
Your crew is your brand. If your trucks are over 10,000 lbs and you cross state lines, drivers need a DOT medical certificate (49 CFR 391.41), and trucks of 26,001 lbs or more need a CDL driver.
Set your prices and paperwork
Hourly for local moves is common. For interstate moves, federal rules decide how estimates, inventories and the bill of lading work. We cover those in our moving software guide.
Get found online
A Google Business Profile, a simple fast website and a way to collect reviews from your very first customer. Start with our 30 day SEO checklist.
Write a simple business plan
Your prices, your costs per job, how many jobs you need each month to cover them, and where those jobs will come from. Our moving company business plan guide walks you through it.
The Costs You Can't Skip
Truck, insurance and equipment costs depend on your market, so get local quotes. These government fees are fixed:
| Item | Cost | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| FMCSA operating authority | $300, not refundable | Interstate for-hire movers (FMCSA) |
| Unified Carrier Registration | $46 for 0 to 2 vehicles (2026), $55 for the 2027 year | Carriers operating across state lines (49 CFR 367.40, 2027 rule) |
| EIN from the IRS | Free | Most businesses, and any business with employees |
| State license or permit | Varies | In-state movers in many states |
The federal insurance minimums for interstate household goods carriers are $750,000 in public liability for trucks of 10,001 lbs or more, and cargo coverage of $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence (FMCSA, 49 CFR 387.303T). Those are minimums. Many customers, buildings and commercial clients will ask for more.
The biggest cost most new movers forget is a cash cushion. Slow weeks happen, especially outside the summer season. Keep enough to cover a few months of fixed costs before you count on steady jobs.
Your First Customers
Larry O'Toole had a $17 newspaper ad. You have more options, and most of them are free:
- Your Google Business Profile. Set it up before your first job, and ask every customer for a review.
- People you know. Friends, family, past coworkers. Tell everyone you're open.
- Realtors and apartment managers. They know who's moving before anyone else.
- Small jobs first. Studio apartments, single items, labor only help. Do them perfectly and the reviews pay you back.
- A fast reply. New companies win by answering first. Our CRM guide has follow up texts you can copy.
When you're ready to grow past word of mouth, read how to get moving leads and our 30 marketing ideas, filterable by budget. And for how small movers built brands bigger than their fleets, see how small movers beat giants.
FAQ
What license do I need to start a moving company?
It depends on where you move people. For interstate moves you need FMCSA registration, household goods operating authority, a BOC-3 process agent filing and minimum insurance. For moves within one state, your state's rules apply, and many states license movers. FMCSA also lists 38 states plus Puerto Rico that require a USDOT number for in-state carriers. Use the license finder in this guide for your state.
How much does it cost to start a moving company?
It depends mostly on whether you rent or buy a truck, your insurance and your market. The fixed government fees are small: $300 for FMCSA operating authority if you move across state lines, and $46 for Unified Carrier Registration for 0 to 2 vehicles in 2026. Insurance and trucks are the big costs, so get local quotes before you commit.
Do I need a USDOT number for local moves?
In many states, yes. FMCSA lists 38 states plus Puerto Rico that require intrastate carriers to get a USDOT number, including California, Texas, Florida and New York. The weight threshold is set by each state, so check yours.
How long does it take to get an MC number for a moving company?
FMCSA says applications may take 20 to 25 business days, and longer if they are reviewed further. After your application is published, there is a 10 day window when others can protest it. You also need your insurance and BOC-3 filed before your authority becomes active.
Do I need a CDL to start a moving company?
Only for trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 lbs or more. Most box trucks used by small movers are under that. If you cross state lines with trucks of 10,001 lbs or more, drivers need a DOT medical certificate.
How do new moving companies get customers?
Set up a Google Business Profile before your first job, tell everyone you know, build relationships with realtors and apartment managers, start with smaller jobs you can do perfectly, and answer every lead fast. Ask every customer for a review from day one.
Goran is co-founder of Move Accelerator, a marketing agency that works only with moving and junk removal companies. Before marketing, he spent 10 years in customer service, which is why he cares about how a new company treats its very first customers. He writes about what's working for movers right now, including the parts most agencies keep quiet.
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