Start a Moving Company in Pennsylvania
Launch a professional moving business in Pennsylvania. Estimated startup costs: $19,600 - $98,000
Important Notices
Federal
Interstate moving without proper USDOT and MC numbers is a federal offense with fines up to $16,000 per violation.
Insurance
Operating without required insurance minimums can result in immediate shutdown and personal liability for damages.
Estimates
Federal law requires written estimates for interstate moves. Providing verbal-only estimates is illegal.
Claims
You must have a claims process and provide customers with information about filing claims for lost or damaged items.
State
Pennsylvania requires Household Goods Carrier Authority from Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for intrastate moves. Operating without this permit can result in fines and impoundment.
Important Notices
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| USDOT Registration Federal motor carrier identification number | $300 | $300 |
| MC Number Motor carrier operating authority for interstate | $300 | $300 |
| Household Goods Carrier Authority Pennsylvania intrastate moving authority | $196 | $196 |
| Business License State and local business registration | $147 | $147 |
| Moving Truck 26-foot box truck (used) | $34,300 | $34,300 |
| Equipment Dollies, straps, blankets, tools | $4,900 | $4,900 |
| Insurance (Annual) Cargo, liability, and commercial auto insurance | $7,840 | $7,840 |
| Surety Bond $75,000 bond required for interstate HHG movers | $75,000 | $75,000 |
| Marketing Website, truck lettering, advertising | $1,960 | $1,960 |
| Total | $124,943 | $124,943 |
USDOT & State Requirements
Business Registration
Register your business entity with Pennsylvania Secretary of State.
Pennsylvania Secretary of State
Business License
Obtain general business license from your city or county.
Local Government
USDOT Number
Required for interstate moving. Register with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
FMCSA
MC Number
Motor Carrier operating authority required for interstate household goods transportation.
FMCSA
Cargo Liability Insurance
Minimum $5,000 per vehicle, $10,000 per occurrence for interstate moves.
Insurance Provider
Public Liability Insurance
Minimum $750,000 required for interstate household goods movers.
Insurance Provider
$75,000 Surety Bond
Required bond for interstate household goods movers to protect consumers.
FMCSA
BOC-3 Filing
Designation of process agents in each state where you operate.
FMCSA
Household Goods Carrier Authority
Required for intrastate moving in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
Workers' Compensation
Required if you have employees.
Pennsylvania Workers' Comp Board
Commercial Driver's License
CDL required for drivers operating vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR.
Pennsylvania DMV
USDOT & State Requirements
Philadelphia
Moving company services in Philadelphia, PA
Pittsburgh
Moving company services in Pittsburgh, PA
Allentown
Moving company services in Allentown, PA
Erie
Moving company services in Erie, PA
Harrisburg
Moving company services in Harrisburg, PA
Moving Company Costs in Other States
View all 50 statesPennsylvania Moving Company Tips
Start with local moves while waiting for MC authority approval (10+ days)
Display USDOT number on both sides of all commercial vehicles
Always provide written estimates - it's federal law for interstate moves
Keep detailed inventories and condition reports to avoid damage claims
Train crews on proper lifting and packing techniques to reduce injuries and claims
Pennsylvania Moving Company Tips
Form Your Business
Register your business entity (LLC recommended) with Pennsylvania Secretary of State and obtain EIN from IRS.
Apply for USDOT Number
Register with FMCSA through the Unified Registration System (URS) to obtain your USDOT number.
Apply for MC Authority
File OP-1(HHG) form for household goods motor carrier authority. There is a 10-day protest period.
Secure Insurance & Bond
Obtain required cargo insurance, public liability coverage ($750,000 minimum), and $75,000 surety bond.
File BOC-3
Designate process agents using Form BOC-3 for each state where you'll operate.
Obtain Household Goods Carrier Authority
Apply to Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for state operating authority.
Acquire Vehicles & Equipment
Purchase or lease moving trucks. Trucks must display USDOT number on both sides.
Launch Operations
Create tariff (rate schedule), train staff, and begin marketing your services.