CT · In-state moves
Connecticut moving company rules
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) regulates movers on moves within Connecticut. A mover needs a CTDOT household goods carrier certificate (a certificate of public convenience and necessity) or a motor contract carrier permit, must file its rates with the Commissioner of Transportation, and must issue a bill of lading. Moves that cross state lines are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
| In-state oversight | State license compare states |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Connecticut Department of Transportation |
| License lookup | CTDOT household goods carrier certificate lookup Search by: Open the household goods mover roster spreadsheet linked on the page; it can be searched by town, name, certificate number or any other column |
| Business registration | Connecticut business records search (CT.gov Business Services) |
Liability for loss or damage
CTDOT notes that most moving contracts cover damage by weight, usually $0.60 per pound, so a damaged 200-pound piece worth $1,000 might be covered for only $120. You can buy more coverage; make sure it is written into the contract before you sign. The mover's duties under the bill of lading follow Connecticut's Uniform Commercial Code rules for bills of lading.
Insurance or bond
State regulations set minimum liability insurance for in-state motor carriers of property at $200,000 for injury or death of one person, $600,000 for injury or death of more than one person in one accident, and $100,000 for damage to others' property in one accident.
Where to complain
Other Connecticut rules to know
- Printed ads for a household goods mover must show its CTDOT certificate number and any U.S. Department of Transportation permit or registration number.
- Holding yourself out as a household goods carrier without a certificate, with intent to gain a benefit or defraud someone, is a class B misdemeanor.
- A certificated mover may not charge more or less than the rates it has on file with the Commissioner of Transportation.
- CTDOT says most moving-day disputes involve charges rising above the estimate, and it suggests asking for a binding quote that sets a firm price.
- CTDOT has jurisdiction only over movers that hold a CTDOT certificate.
Moving into or out of Connecticut? A move that crosses a state line follows federal rules instead. Check an interstate mover.
Sources
- Household Goods Movers with CTDOT Certificate to Operate from CTDOT , Connecticut Department of Transportation
- New Household Goods Carrier Certificate , Connecticut Department of Transportation
- Household goods carrier regulations , Connecticut Department of Transportation
- Connecticut General Statutes, Chapter 245c, Motor Carriers of Property for Hire , Connecticut General Assembly
- Movers and Moving , Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
- File a Complaint , Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
- Business Search , Connecticut Secretary of the State