The official roadmap
to starting a moving
company in Massachusetts.
A verified guide sourced from Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU).
License type
MA DPU Household Goods Carrier Certificate
Min. insurance
$300,000 liability
Fee range
$200-$600 initial
Timeline
4-10 weeks
How to get licensed
in Massachusetts.
Form your business entity
Register your LLC or corporation with the Massachusetts Secretary of State. An LLC is the recommended structure for moving companies — it protects your personal assets. Research your state’s filing fee and processing time at the Secretary of State website.
Agency: Massachusetts Secretary of State
Obtain your federal EIN
Apply for an Employer Identification Number from the IRS at irs.gov/ein. Free, instant, and required before any other registrations or opening a business bank account.
Agency: IRS · Visit website →
Get your USDOT number
Required for any company with vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR or operating interstate. Register at FMCSA.dot.gov. Interstate movers also need MC authority from the same portal.
Agency: FMCSA · Visit website →
Apply for Massachusetts household goods carrier operating authority
Contact Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to apply for your intrastate operating authority. The application requires proof of insurance, a fitness review, and applicable fees. Timeline is typically 4-10 weeks.
Agency: Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) · Visit website →
Secure commercial insurance
You need commercial auto insurance for all moving vehicles, general liability insurance, and cargo insurance. File proof of coverage with the regulatory agency. Massachusetts requires a minimum of $300,000 liability.
Agency: Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) (insurance filing)
Obtain local business license
Most cities and counties in Massachusetts require a local business license or registration. Contact your local government for specific requirements and fees in your area.
Agency: Local city or county government
What makes Massachusetts unique.
Massachusetts requires intrastate household goods movers to obtain a certificate from the Department of Public Utilities. The process includes insurance filing, tariff submission, and fitness review.
Boston is one of the most unique moving markets in the US — the September 1 move-out/move-in date (due to the academic calendar) creates the single-largest moving surge of any market in the country. Thousands of leases turn over on or around September 1st.
Boston move-in requirements are complex: many apartment buildings require COIs (certificates of insurance), parking permits, elevator reservations, and specific moving time windows.
Massachusetts moving company
questions answered.
What license do I need to start a moving company in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts requires a Household Goods Carrier Certificate from the MA Department of Public Utilities. You also need a USDOT number for vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR and commercial insurance meeting state minimums.
What is the September 1st moving surge in Boston?
Boston's academic calendar means the vast majority of leases in the city expire on August 31st and new leases begin September 1st. This creates the largest single-day moving surge in the US. Moving companies in Boston can generate enormous revenue in a 2-3 week window around September 1st. Strategic operators book out months in advance.
Do I need special insurance to move in Boston apartments?
Most Boston apartment buildings require movers to provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) naming the building owner as additionally insured. This is standard practice and you should be prepared to issue COIs quickly — customers will request them when booking.
Explore other states:
Licensed in Massachusetts?
Now let’s get you found.
Getting licensed is step one. Step two is making sure customers in Massachusetts can find you on Google when they’re ready to move.