The moving industry is full of red tape. Interstate moving, especially, can be confusing. Even experienced local movers usually have a difficult time pinning down what the FMCSA requires before they get started. Whether you’re new to interstate, or new to moving in general, this 8 step guide will help you cover your bases for this (in my opinion) needlessly complex process.

Get Started with Interstate Moving in 8 Easy(ish) Steps

By law, there are a few things you need to have in place before you start running interstate moves. Safety auditors will probably ask for proof of a few of these things. Bear in mind that ALL of the following steps are legal requirements. It’s best if you do them in order.

Arbitration is a third party moderated claims resolution program. If your customer is not satisfied with your compensation for damages, the FMCSA dictates that they have the right to move to arbitration. In other words, it’s a requirement that you’re actively enrolled in an arbitration program (movers have lost major lawsuits for not doing this).

Moving Pros Network offers a standalone arbitration program, but you’ll be better off bundling arbitration with your INTERSTATE TARIFF (more about that at number four). You can enroll in arbitration and also receive a tariff here.

Once you have your DOT# and Arbitration, you’ll also need an MC# (a unique identifier of your operating authority as an interstate moving company). To apply for your MC#, go here. Scroll down to “Registration Options” and continue through the fmcsa.dot.gov application portal.

While applying, you may be asked to provide “Proof of Arbitration.” If you signed up for Moving Pros Network’s Tariff + Arbitration Program, you will have received an Arbitration Certificate which you can use for this. The Arbitration Certificate is almost always emailed to you same-business-day when you enroll.

The MPN tariff is used by over 300 movers across the U.S. for it’s affordability and ease of use. One of the big selling points is that it comes with an online pricing software that automatically calculates estimates based off the tariff and ensures that you stay within the tariff ruleset. If you haven’t already purchased the tariff bundled with the aforementioned tariff, you can do so here.

The bill of lading is the official contract your customers will sign off on for the job. If you have the MPN tariff, your bill of lading will automatically print out prefilled from the software. Otherwise, you’ll need to get a blank bill of lading form to fill out for each job. A quick Google Images search will give you several generic bill of lading forms that will work fine. Just keep in mind that the final charges presented on the bill of lading must be calculated through your tariff.

For interstate moves, you’re required to have $750,000 in BIPD (Bodily Injury and Property Damage) insurance and $5,000 in cargo insurance. All you need to do is purchase the coverage, since it is your insurance company’s responsibility to file your proof of insurance with the FMCSA.

The UCR (United Carrier Registration) collects fees associates with your trucks. They require that you register once per year and pay a fee for each truck you cross state lines with (vehicles you’re not using for interstate moves are exempt). You can register yourself at www.ucr.gov.

If you’d prefer that we register on your behalf, go here. Select the year you’re registering for and the number of trucks you’re using.

That’s it! You're ready to start moving.