HOUSEHOLD GOODS & MOVING — 49 CFR §382 + §385
What household goods movers must do after getting DOT authority
Local movers, long-distance movers, office relocation services, and portable storage carriers all face the same core federal compliance requirements as any new motor carrier. This checklist covers the steps that apply to a standard household goods operation.
What is the complete compliance checklist for household goods & moving carriers?
The steps below apply to a standard for-hire interstate carrier in this sector. Items marked "We do this for you" are handled by Vertical Identity when you enroll.
Activate your authority
File your BOC-3 (process agent)
A registered process agent must file this. We resell a partner that handles it.
When:Before authority is granted; must stay on file.
Source: 49 CFR §366 · reviewed 2026-06-14
File your insurance (BMC-91X)
Your insurer files this electronically. $750k for most for-hire property; higher for passenger/hazmat.
When:Within 20 days of FMCSA Register publication.
Source: 49 CFR §387 · reviewed 2026-06-14
Authority goes ACTIVE
You may not operate until your authority shows ACTIVE. (Not a flat "21 days.")
When:~3–4 weeks (10-day protest + 20-day filing); longer if vetted.
Source: FMCSA registration · reviewed 2026-06-14
Register for UCR
UCR's site makes DIY easy — do it yourself there, or we'll handle it. Fees = official UCR schedule.
When:Annual; before interstate operation.
Source: 49 U.S.C. §14504a · reviewed 2026-06-14
Get compliant to operate
Join a drug & alcohol consortium (C/TPA)
Owner-operators MUST be in a consortium for random testing — you can't self-administer. We are your C/TPA.
When:Before any driver performs a safety-sensitive function.
Source: 49 CFR §382 · reviewed 2026-06-14
Pass a pre-employment drug test
The test must be passed — not just taken — before driving. We order it.
When:Negative result REQUIRED before the first dispatch.
Source: 49 CFR §382.301 · reviewed 2026-06-14
Register + query the FMCSA Clearinghouse
Login.gov steps are yours; we run the queries as your TPA.
When:Full query pre-employment; limited query annually.
Source: Clearinghouse final rule · reviewed 2026-06-14
Build your Driver Qualification File
Even a solo owner-operator needs a DQF on themselves. We manage it.
When:Before driving; MVR within 30 days of hire + annually.
Source: 49 CFR §391.51 · reviewed 2026-06-14
DOT medical card (physical)
Required to hold a CDL for interstate non-excepted driving. We perform the physical.
When:Valid up to 24 months — can be shorter. Renew before expiry.
Source: 49 CFR §391.41–.49 + §383.71 · reviewed 2026-06-14
Written drug & alcohol policy
A written policy is required. We provide one per DOT mode.
When:Provided to drivers before they drive.
Source: 49 CFR §382.601 · reviewed 2026-06-14
Supervisor reasonable-suspicion training
60 min drugs + 60 min alcohol for anyone making reasonable-suspicion calls. We train them.
When:Before the DER/supervisor supervises drivers.
Source: 49 CFR §382.603 · reviewed 2026-06-14
Register your truck
File IRS Form 2290 (HVUT)
Vehicles ≥55,000 lb. E-file returns a stamped Schedule 1 in minutes — do it yourself at IRS.gov.
When:Before plating (Schedule 1 required to register).
Source: IRS Form 2290 · reviewed 2026-06-14
Register IRP apportioned plates
Multi-state operation. File through your base state — link below for each state you picked. Apportioned plates are about the VEHICLE running interstate, not about holding MC authority — private and exempt-commodity carriers (USDOT-only, no MC) register IRP too.
When:After authority is active; needs your base state.
Source: IRP / base-state · reviewed 2026-06-14
Get your IFTA license + decals
Qualified vehicles in 2+ jurisdictions. Issued by your base state.
When:Before interstate operation; quarterly returns after.
Source: IFTA · reviewed 2026-06-14
Pass your New Entrant Audit
Pass your New Entrant Safety Audit
The #1 automatic failure is having no drug & alcohol program. Stay enrolled and you pass.
When:Within 12 months of starting operations.
Source: 49 CFR §385 subpart D · reviewed 2026-06-14
Core regulatory sources: 49 CFR §382 — drug & alcohol testing · 49 CFR §385 subpart D — New Entrant Safety Audit · last reviewed 2026-06-14
Household goods carriers: verify your specific requirements
Beyond the core checklist above, household goods movers often have additional federal and state-specific requirements — including consumer protection rules, tariff and valuation disclosure obligations, dispute resolution programs, and state mover license requirements that vary significantly by jurisdiction. These requirements can be substantial and are separate from the DOT compliance stack shown above. Requirements vary — verify with FMCSA and your state DOT before you operate.
Frequently asked questions
Do household goods movers need to join a drug and alcohol consortium?
Yes. The drug and alcohol testing requirements under 49 CFR §382 apply to motor carriers employing CDL drivers in safety-sensitive functions. For owner-operators, that means consortium enrollment and a negative pre-employment test before first dispatch.
Are there federal consumer protection rules for household goods movers?
Yes. Household goods movers operating in interstate commerce are subject to federal consumer protection regulations including valuation, disclosures, and dispute resolution requirements. These are separate from the DOT safety compliance stack. Verify the applicable rules with FMCSA.
Does the New Entrant Safety Audit apply to moving companies?
Yes. FMCSA audits every new motor carrier within 12 months of starting operations under 49 CFR §385 Subpart D. Moving companies are subject to the same audit. The most common automatic failure remains not having a drug and alcohol testing program in place.
Do I need a state mover license in addition to DOT authority?
Many states require separate mover licenses or registrations for intrastate moves and sometimes for operating within the state even on interstate authority. Requirements vary significantly by state. Verify with your state DOT.
Let us handle the compliance stack
Enroll in our consortium and we take care of your drug and alcohol program, Clearinghouse queries, and driver qualification files — so you can focus on your operation.
Enroll in the consortiumThis is general guidance, not legal advice. Verify requirements with FMCSA and your state DOT.