MO · In-state moves
Missouri moving company rules
Household goods movers must get operating authority from MoDOT Motor Carrier Services before operating in or between Missouri municipalities or commercial zones. Movers file proof of liability and cargo insurance, safety fitness and financial fitness, and MoDOT publishes a list of authorized household goods carriers. MoDOT's consumer guides explain estimates, valuation choices and claims for in-state moves.
| In-state oversight | State license compare states |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Missouri Department of Transportation, Motor Carrier Services |
| License lookup | Missouri intrastate household goods operating authority lookup Search by: Carrier name, DBA name, or USDOT number in MoDOT's List of Authorized Transporters of Household Goods (PDF) |
| Business registration | Missouri Secretary of State business entity search |
Estimates
Movers are not required to give a binding estimate, though MoDOT recommends one. A binding estimate is a contract good for 30 days, and the mover charges the lesser of the actual cost or the binding estimate, plus unforeseen services not covered by it. A non-binding estimate does not guarantee the price. Estimates are free in Missouri, and changes to date, location or goods void the estimate.
Liability for loss or damage
Every mover must assume some liability (valuation). For weight-based moves the options are $0.60 per pound, basic depreciated value, expanded depreciated value and non-depreciated value; for hourly moves the options are standard valuation and released value. The mover has 30 days to acknowledge a written claim and 90 more days to offer a settlement.
Insurance or bond
Under 7 CSR 265-10.030, movers must file liability coverage of at least $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident and $50,000 property damage, and cargo insurance or a surety bond of at least $2,500 per vehicle and $5,000 per occurrence. A shipper may agree in writing to different cargo limits or waive cargo insurance.
Where to complain
Other Missouri rules to know
- MoDOT warns that if an unauthorized mover loses or damages your goods, a claim may be difficult.
- On weight-based moves you may watch the weighing at no cost, and a reweigh may cost up to $20.
- MoDOT publishes sample distance and hourly tariffs and a household goods tariff circular for movers.
- If your goods cannot be delivered, the mover may place them in storage at your expense.
Moving into or out of Missouri? A move that crosses a state line follows federal rules instead. Check an interstate mover.
Sources
- Household Goods Transport , Missouri Department of Transportation
- List of Authorized Transporters of Household Goods within Missouri , Missouri Department of Transportation
- Moving in Missouri Guide , Missouri Department of Transportation
- Determining the Cost for Retaining a Moving Company , Missouri Department of Transportation
- Liability for Loss and Damage , Missouri Department of Transportation
- Intrastate Operating Authority Insurance Requirements , Missouri Department of Transportation
- Consumer Complaints , Missouri Attorney General's Office
- Search for a Business Entity , Missouri Secretary of State