MA · In-state moves
Massachusetts moving company rules
Any company moving household goods from one Massachusetts location to another must be licensed by the Department of Public Utilities, whose Transportation Oversight Division sets licensing and insurance requirements and investigates written complaints. Licensed movers must file their rates as a tariff and may not charge more or less than those rates. The Department publishes a searchable list of the movers it regulates, with their tariffs.
| In-state oversight | State license compare states |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, Transportation Oversight Division |
| License lookup | DPU operating certificate (household goods mover license) lookup Search by: Company name, using the table's search bar or the downloadable CSV |
| Business registration | Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth corporations search |
Estimates
The Department advises getting a written, in-home estimate; estimates by phone or email are non-binding. An estimate is not a bid or contract, and the final charge depends on the filed hourly rate, packing done and other services performed.
Liability for loss or damage
Many movers offer a base declared rate, filed with the Department, that limits their liability to 60 cents per pound per article. Most offer the option of a higher declared value; items of extraordinary value such as antiques or paintings may need separate coverage.
Insurance or bond
Licensed movers must carry a minimum amount of cargo insurance set by the Department.
Where to complain
Other Massachusetts rules to know
- The bill of lading must list the mover's name, address, phone number and DPU license number; you should get a copy before loading starts.
- Hourly moves add a travel time charge based on the distance between the first loading point and the final unloading point.
- The Department does not regulate storage of household goods; storage problems go to the Office of Public Safety and Inspections.
- Tariffs are public, so you can compare a mover's filed rates on the Department's list before booking.
Moving into or out of Massachusetts? A move that crosses a state line follows federal rules instead. Check an interstate mover.
Sources
- Moving Within Massachusetts , Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities
- Moving companies regulated by the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) , Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities
- Transportation Oversight Division , Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities
- File a complaint against a bus, moving, or towing company , Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities
- General Laws Chapter 159B , Massachusetts Legislature
- Corporations Search , Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts