Moving is a people business on wheels. Getting the registrations, insurance and crew right is what separates a lasting company from a risky side hustle.
| Type | What it involves | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Local residential moves | Moves within a city or state | Most common starting point; state rules apply |
| Interstate moves | Moves across state lines | Federal registration, consumer protection rules and more insurance |
| Commercial and office moves | Moving businesses, furniture, IT equipment | After-hours work, project planning |
| Labor-only moving | Loading and unloading trucks the customer rents | Lower startup cost; no truck needed |
| Specialty moves | Pianos, safes, art, senior moves | Special skills and equipment; higher rates |
| Packing and storage | Packing services, supplies and storage units | Add-on revenue |
Many owners start with labor-only or local moves and expand once they have trucks, crews and a track record.
See our guides on how to start a business and the legal requirements checklist.
Registration depends on where you operate:
Rules are detailed and change, so confirm the requirements with the FMCSA and your state before your first paid move.
Federal rules for interstate household goods moves include obligations to consumers. Interstate movers generally must give customers the FMCSA booklet “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” and the “Ready to Move” brochure, provide written estimates, offer valuation options, give an order for service and bill of lading, and participate in a dispute settlement program. Valuation typically includes full value protection and a lower-cost released value option set by regulation. Make sure you understand these rules before quoting interstate jobs.
| Coverage | What it does |
|---|---|
| Commercial auto liability | Covers injuries and damage your trucks cause; federal minimums apply for interstate carriers |
| Cargo insurance | Covers customers’ goods while in your care |
| General liability | Covers property damage and injuries at customers’ homes |
| Workers’ compensation | Covers employee injuries; required for employers in most states, and moving work carries high injury risk |
| Warehouse or storage coverage | Covers goods in storage, if you offer it |
| Bonding | Some states or clients require a surety bond |
Talk to an insurance agent who specializes in movers, and keep certificates ready, since many apartment buildings and offices require proof of insurance before a move.
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Vehicles | Box trucks (sized for your typical move), possibly a tractor-trailer for long distance; rent or lease at first to conserve cash |
| Moving gear | Furniture pads, dollies, hand trucks, appliance dollies, straps, ramps |
| Protection | Floor runners, door jamb protectors, mattress bags, stretch wrap |
| Tools | Basic tools for disassembling furniture, labeled hardware bags |
| Packing supplies | Boxes, tape, paper, wardrobe boxes (also a sales item) |
| Safety | Lifting belts are optional; gloves, safety shoes and first aid kits |
| Technology | Booking, estimating, scheduling, time tracking and invoicing tools |
Common pricing approaches:
| Method | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate per crew | Rate per hour for a truck and a set number of movers, often with a minimum | Local moves |
| Flat rate | Fixed price based on an inventory and estimate | Customers who want certainty |
| Weight and distance | Price based on shipment weight and miles | Interstate moves (with federal estimate rules) |
| Add-ons | Packing, supplies, stairs, long carries, specialty items, storage | All moves |
Your rates must cover fully loaded labor (wages plus payroll taxes, workers’ compensation and benefits), fuel, truck costs, insurance, overhead and profit. Use the labor burden calculator to find your real labor cost per hour.
Interstate household goods movers generally need a USDOT number and FMCSA operating authority. Some states also require a USDOT number or state license for in-state moves. Check with the FMCSA and your state transportation agency.
Drivers generally need a commercial driver’s license for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more. Many local movers use smaller box trucks that do not require a CDL, but other safety rules may still apply.
Commonly commercial auto liability, cargo insurance, general liability and workers’ compensation, plus storage coverage and bonding where needed.
Local moves are often charged per hour for a truck and crew, with a minimum. Long-distance moves are often priced by weight and distance. Packing, supplies and specialty items are usually extra.
Yes. Labor-only moving, where your crew loads and unloads trucks customers rent, is a common low-cost way to start.
Movers who work under your direction, on your schedule and with your equipment are usually employees under federal and state tests. Misclassification can lead to back pay, taxes and penalties.
With jobs and clients tagged in EZTime, you can compare what you quoted with the hours the work really took.