CO · In-state moves
Colorado moving company rules
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regulates household goods movers on moves within Colorado under Title 40, Article 10.1 of the Colorado Revised Statutes and its transportation rules. Every legal in-state mover must hold a PUC permit, whose number starts with 'HHG' and must appear in its ads and contracts. The PUC does not regulate interstate moves; those fall under the U.S. Department of Transportation.
| In-state oversight | State license compare states |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Colorado Public Utilities Commission |
| License lookup | PUC Household Goods Mover permit (HHG number) lookup Search by: Full permit number (fastest), or full or partial company name and city, with permit type set to Household Goods |
| Business registration | Colorado Secretary of State business database search |
Estimates
A mover must give you a written estimate of the total cost, and the basis for it, at least 24 hours before a scheduled move, unless the move is set up less than 24 hours ahead. The mover cannot charge more than 110% of the estimate. Before any work starts, you and the mover must sign a contract that itemizes all costs, rates and services.
Liability for loss or damage
The contract must offer released value, where the mover's liability is the lesser of 60 cents per pound per lost or damaged article or the article's actual value after depreciation, and full replacement cost, which requires you to declare the shipment's value and may allow a deductible. You initial which options you accept or decline.
Insurance or bond
Movers must carry cargo coverage of at least $10,000 per vehicle or 60 cents per pound per article, whichever is greater, plus general liability coverage of at least $500,000, along with motor vehicle liability coverage. Cargo coverage is shown by a Form H or a Form J surety bond filed with the PUC.
Where to complain
Other Colorado rules to know
- By statute, refund disputes with household goods movers go to binding arbitration.
- Movers must accept at least two forms of payment from: cash, cashier's check, valid personal check, or credit card.
- At or before the start of work, the mover must give you a written consumer advisement explaining your rights and the arbitration process.
- A mover may never withhold prescription medicines, medical equipment or devices, or children's items such as furniture, clothing or toys.
- A mover that is not permitted by the PUC may not hold your property to force payment.
Moving into or out of Colorado? A move that crosses a state line follows federal rules instead. Check an interstate mover.
Sources
- Household Goods Movers: Consumer Info , Colorado Public Utilities Commission
- Household Goods Movers: Industry Info , Colorado Public Utilities Commission
- Search for Permits registered with the PUC , Colorado Public Utilities Commission
- Online Transportation Complaint Form , Colorado Public Utilities Commission
- 4 CCR 723-6, Rules Regulating Transportation by Motor Vehicle , Colorado Public Utilities Commission
- Contract for Service Samples , Colorado Public Utilities Commission
- Consumer Advisement Sample , Colorado Public Utilities Commission
- File a Complaint , Colorado Attorney General
- Business Database Search , Colorado Secretary of State