NM · In-state moves
New Mexico moving company rules
Household goods movers operating within New Mexico need operating authority from the New Mexico Department of Transportation's Transportation Regulation Bureau, which took over motor carrier regulation from the Public Regulation Commission. Movers must file tariffs, carry cargo insurance, and follow state rules on estimates, inventories, and liability. The Bureau publishes each mover's tariff and takes complaints online.
| In-state oversight | State license compare states |
|---|---|
| Regulator | New Mexico Department of Transportation, Transportation Regulation Bureau |
| License lookup | NMDOT operating authority (certificate) for household goods service lookup Search by: Company name in the Bureau's household goods mover list, which opens each mover's filed tariff; you can also call the Bureau at 505-827-4519. |
| Business registration | New Mexico Secretary of State Business Search |
Estimates
The mover must give you a written estimate before loading that describes the shipment and services and lists the most you may have to pay. On a binding estimate, charges are limited to the estimate amount. On a non-binding estimate, you cannot be required to pay more than the estimate plus 10 percent at delivery, and you have 30 days to pay the rest.
Liability for loss or damage
At a minimum the mover must accept liability at released value, at no charge, settled by the weight of the lost or damaged item times the per-pound rate in its tariff. Movers may also offer declared value or replacement value coverage priced in their tariffs, and you must accept the level you choose on the bill of lading. The mover must prepare an inventory that both of you sign.
Insurance or bond
Household goods movers must meet federal minimum liability coverage levels and carry $50,000 in cargo liability insurance per shipper.
Where to complain
Other New Mexico rules to know
- Movers must give every customer a written notice with their NMDOT operating authority number and how to contact the Department of Transportation.
- Operating authority numbers issued by the Public Regulation Commission stayed the same after the move to the Department of Transportation, so a mover may still show an older NMPRC number.
- A mover may not charge for any service that is not in its approved tariff.
- If you report new damage at delivery, you must be given the chance to record it on the inventory before signing.
Moving into or out of New Mexico? A move that crosses a state line follows federal rules instead. Check an interstate mover.
Sources
- Household Goods Moving Companies , New Mexico Department of Transportation
- Transportation Regulation Bureau , New Mexico Department of Transportation
- Transportation Regulation Bureau FAQs , New Mexico Department of Transportation
- Company Directory , New Mexico Department of Transportation
- 18.3.11 NMAC, Household Goods Carriers , New Mexico State Records Center and Archives
- 18.3.3 NMAC, Financial Responsibility , New Mexico State Records Center and Archives
- Transportation Regulation Bureau Complaints , New Mexico Department of Transportation
- Submit a Complaint , New Mexico Department of Justice
- Business Search , New Mexico Secretary of State