A household goods motor carrier (moving company) is an authorized for-hire motor carrier that transports only household goods for the general public in exchange for payment (per 49 CFR 375.103). Household goods are personal items that will be used in a home. They include items shipped from a factory or store, if purchased with the intent to use in a home and transported at the request of the householder who pays for the transportation charges.
Household goods motor carriers, offer some or all of the following additional services: binding and nonbinding estimates; inventorying; protective packing and unpacking of individual items at personal residences; and/or loading and unloading at personal residences.
Household goods motor carriers must file proof of both public liability (Bodily Injury & Property Damage) and cargo insurance with FMCSA to obtain interstate Operating Authority.