MI · In-state moves
Michigan moving company rules
Michigan's Motor Carrier Act requires household goods movers to get intrastate operating authority, called CVED Authority, from the Michigan State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division before moving goods within the state. Movers must file cargo and liability insurance and proof of workers' compensation, and renew every year. Rates for moves of 40 miles or less are not regulated, while longer in-state moves follow regulated weight-and-mileage rates.
| In-state oversight | State license compare states |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Michigan State Police, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, Regulatory and Credentialing Section |
| License lookup | CVED Authority (intrastate operating authority) lookup Search by: CVED number, USDOT or MC number, carrier name, DBA, address, city, state or ZIP; filter by operation type (Household Goods) and authority status (active, expired, revoked, suspended) |
| Business registration | Michigan LARA MiBusiness Registry search |
Estimates
State Police guidance urges an onsite inventory and estimate. For moves over 40 miles the customer must be given a non-binding estimate. If charges exceed a non-binding estimate, you pay 110% of the estimate at delivery and the balance within 30 days.
Liability for loss or damage
You may accept the mover's liability at 60 cents per pound at no extra cost, or a valuation of $6 per pound for a premium. Claims must be filed in writing within 30 days.
Insurance or bond
Household goods carriers must file a Form E liability certificate, a Form H cargo certificate, and proof of workers' compensation insurance or an approved exclusion.
Where to complain
Other Michigan rules to know
- A USDOT number alone does not prove a mover has authority to move household goods in Michigan.
- On moves of 40 miles or less, movers may charge by the hour and rates can be negotiated.
- Movers going more than 40 miles must hold a tariff membership unless they operate under a continuous contract.
- Under the Motor Carrier Act the mover may require payment before the truck is unloaded.
- Household goods carriers must renew their CVED Authority each year; failure to renew leads to revocation.
Moving into or out of Michigan? A move that crosses a state line follows federal rules instead. Check an interstate mover.
Sources
- Regulatory & Credentialing Section , Michigan State Police
- Key Tips to Protecting Your Household Goods (HHG) Move , Michigan State Police
- The Motor Carrier Act, Article III, Motor Carriers of Household Goods , Michigan Legislature
- File a Complaint , Michigan Department of Attorney General
- MiBusiness Registry , Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
- CVED Authority Carrier Search , Michigan State Police