How to Start a Moving Company Business
Setting up a moving business, from deciding on local or interstate moves to the federal and state checks and your first invoice.
This guide is about launching a moving company: the kind of moves you'll take, the federal rules that apply to interstate household moves, state and local checks, insurance, and the first invoice. Pricing by the hour, materials and extra charges are on the moving company invoicing guide linked below.
For interstate work, FMCSA's page on registered and authorized movers (In the US, FMCSA, last updated October 30, 2023) says "Interstate moving companies and brokers must be registered with the federal government and have a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number." It adds "An FMCSA registered moving company is different from an FMCSA authorized moving company." and "A company may be registered but not authorized to move household goods." For moves inside one state, ask your state's transportation or motor carrier office.
A first local move invoice with sample figures: a two-mover crew and truck for 5 hours x $140.00 = $700.00 and packing materials at 1 x $85.00 come to $700.00 + $85.00 = $785.00 before any tax.
Step-by-step startup guide
Follow these steps to launch your moving company business on solid footing.
- 1
Choose local, interstate or both
Interstate and local moves come under different rules, as the next two steps show. Decide where you'll start before you buy or lease a truck.
- 2
Check the federal rules for interstate moves
FMCSA's USDOT number page (In the US, FMCSA, last updated September 3, 2025) says "Companies that operate commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT Number". FMCSA's page on registered and authorized movers (In the US, FMCSA, last updated October 30, 2023) says "A company may be registered but not authorized to move household goods."
- 3
Check your state and city
FMCSA's USDOT number page (In the US, FMCSA, last updated September 3, 2025) says "Apart from federal regulations, some states require their intrastate commercial motor vehicle registrants to obtain a USDOT Number." Ask your state's motor carrier office and your city about local moves.
- 4
Register and get an EIN
The SBA's launch guide (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says "Most businesses will also need to get a tax ID number and file for the appropriate licenses and permits". The IRS EIN page (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated October 16, 2026) says "You never have to pay a fee for an EIN."
- 5
Look into insurance
The SBA's launch guide (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says "You also may be legally required to purchase certain types of business insurance." An insurance agent can walk you through cover for trucks, crew and customers' goods.
- 6
Quote, move, then invoice
Give each customer a written estimate, confirm it before moving day, and invoice from it when the move is done.
Tips for starting your moving company business
- Check permits where you load and unload. The SBA's launch guide (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says "Local governments determine registration, licensing, and permitting requirements, so visit local government websites to find out what you need to do."
- Photograph high-value items and existing damage before loading, and note it on the paperwork.
- Write down what an hour includes, such as drive time, before the customer confirms.
- Keep fuel and toll receipts. The IRS recordkeeping page (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated May 1, 2026) says "You must keep your records as long as needed to prove the income or deductions on a tax return."
How Billed helps you get started
Features to look at as you set up your business.
Estimate Templates
Billed's features page says: "Create professional estimates with Billed App estimate templates."
Convert An Estimate To Invoice
Billed's features page says: "Convert your estimate to invoice with a single click after getting approval from your client."
Attach Receipts
Billed's features page says: "Never lose a single receipt again."
Partially Paid Invoices
Billed's features page says: "See partially paid invoices and send payment reminders to your customers."
Frequently asked questions
More Startup Guides
Invoice Your First Move
Create invoices, track payments and keep your clients' details in one place with Billed.
At a glance
| Step | What to check | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | "registered with the federal government and have a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number" | FMCSA (In the US, last updated October 30, 2023) |
| Intrastate moves | Your state's motor carrier office | FMCSA (In the US, last updated September 3, 2025); state pointer |
| Local permits | City or county rules | SBA (In the US, checked October 31, 2026) |
| First invoice | Crew hours and materials from the estimate | Moving company invoicing guide |
When this isn't for you
If you work on a crew for an established mover rather than running your own company, this setup guide isn't aimed at you.