The Official Roadmap to Starting a Moving Company in Colorado

A verified guide sourced exclusively from the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

Business Check: Are your rates set?

Colorado is a "Market-Based" rate state. You do not file a tariff, but you must lock in your prices in the contract.

Step 1: PUC Application

Authority: Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

Apply: Submit the "Household Goods Mover Application" online.
Fee: Annual filing fee is approximately $332.00.
USDOT: You must have a USDOT number before applying.

Mark Step 1 as Complete

Step 2: Insurance Filing

Your agent must file these directly with the PUC.

Liability: Form E required. Minimum $500,000 (Combined Single Limit).
Cargo: Form H required. Minimum $10,000 coverage.
Verification: The PUC will not issue the permit until these forms are received electronically.

Mark Step 2 as Complete

Step 3: Operational "Must Haves"

Required by Colorado PUC statutes.

Advisement: Must provide the "Consumer Advisement" form before the move.
Payments: You MUST accept at least 2 of these: Cash, Check, Money Order, or Credit Card.
Markings: Truck must display your Company Name and PUC Number (e.g., HHG-000123).

Mark Step 3 as Complete

The "Don't Get Fined" Zone

No "Cash Only": It is a violation to demand cash only. You must offer payment options.
Lien Rule: You cannot hold goods hostage if the customer pays the amount listed on the shipping document.
Advertising: Your PUC Permit Number must be in ALL ads, including your website and social media.

Official Government Portals

Frequently Asked Questions
      1. What license do I need?
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        You need a Household Goods (HHG) Mover Permit issued by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC). General "freight" or "property" permits are not sufficient for moving residential goods.
      
      2. Do I need a USDOT number?
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        Yes. All movers in Colorado must obtain a USDOT number from the FMCSA, even if they only operate intrastate (within Colorado). This number tracks your safety record.
      
      3. Are my rates regulated? (Tariffs)
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        No. Colorado is a "Market-Based" state. The PUC does not set your rates. However, you must disclose your rates in writing to the customer before the move, and you cannot exceed those agreed-upon rates.
      
      4. What brochure must I give customers?
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        You must provide the "Consumer Advisement" document (often called the TR-2 form). This document outlines the customer's rights, including the rule that you cannot withhold goods if they pay the quoted price.
      
      5. Can I be "Cash Only"?
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        No. Colorado law requires you to accept at least two of the following four payment forms: Cash, Personal Check, Credit Card, or Cashier's Check/Money Order.
      
      6. What are the insurance limits?
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        You typically need $500,000 in General Liability/Auto Liability and a minimum of $10,000 in Cargo Insurance. Your agent must file Form E (Liability) and Form H (Cargo) with the PUC.
      
      7. Can I hold goods hostage?
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        No. If the customer pays the amount specified in the shipping document (contract), you MUST release the goods. Disputes over extra fees must be settled later; you cannot hold the property as leverage.
      
      8. How much is the permit fee?
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        The annual filing fee for a Household Goods Mover permit is approximately $332.00. Unlike other carriers, HHG movers are generally exempt from the annual vehicle stamp fee.
      
      9. What markings must be on my truck?
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        Your truck must display your Company Name, your Physical Address (city/state), and your PUC Permit Number (e.g., HHG-12345). This number must also appear in all your advertisements.
      
      10. Do I need to renew my permit?
      ▼
    
        Yes. The HHG Permit is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. You must also maintain continuous insurance coverage; if your Form E/H expires, your permit is revoked immediately.

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What to expect on this call:

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A "Mini-Audit": We’ll pull up your current website or Google profile live on the call.
Real Advice: You’re talking to actual movers who have scaled companies, not a script-reading salesperson.