The Official Roadmap to Starting a Moving Company in Hawaii

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

Scope Check: Island Authority

Hawaii issues licenses by specific island. Do you know which island(s) you will operate on?

Step 1: CPCN Application (Form 92-001A)

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Authority: Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

  • Apply: Submit "Application for Motor Carrier Certificate or Permit for Property" (Form 92-001A).
  • Classification: Select "Household Goods" and the specific island(s).
  • Financials: Must attach a Balance Sheet and Income Statement (Exhibit D).

Step 2: Insurance & Tax Clearance

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You must prove financial responsibility.

  • Liability: Min $750,000 Bodily Injury/Property Damage per accident.
  • Cargo: Must file Form MCB-8/MCB-9 if required by your specific tariff or classification.
  • Tax Clearance: Must obtain a Tax Clearance Certificate from the Dept. of Taxation.

Step 3: Tariff Filing

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You cannot operate without filed rates.

  • Tariff: You must file a tariff listing your rates with the PUC, or join a tariff bureau (like the Western Motor Tariff Bureau).
  • Adherence: You must charge exactly the rates in your tariff. No "off the books" deals.

Step 4: Operational "Must Haves"

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Required by Hawaii Administrative Rules.

  • Vehicle Inventory: Must file a "Vehicle Inventory List" (Exhibit B) with the PUC.
  • Markings: Truck must display your Company Name and PUC Certificate Number.
  • Leases: If leasing trucks, a copy of the lease must be filed with the PUC.

The "Don't Get Fined" Zone

  • Annual Reports: You must file an Annual Financial Report (AFR) and pay a fee (~0.25% of gross revenue) by April 30th.
  • Island Specific: Your certificate is only valid for the island listed. You cannot move goods on Maui if your license says Oahu.
  • Tariff Rates: Charging more OR less than your filed tariff rate is a violation subject to fines.

Official Government Portals

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What license do I need in Hawaii? ▼
You need a "Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity" (CPCN) issued by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC). You must apply for a specific classification: "Household Goods".
2. Can I operate on any island? ▼
No. Your CPCN is granted for a specific island (e.g., Oahu, Maui). To operate on another island, you must file an "Extension Application" to amend your certificate.
3. What is a Tariff? ▼
A tariff is a document listing your rates, charges, and service rules. You must file this with the PUC. You are legally required to charge the rates listed in your tariff. Many movers join a tariff bureau to simplify this.
4. What are the insurance requirements? ▼
For property carriers, you generally need Liability insurance of $750,000 per accident (Bodily Injury/Property Damage). Cargo insurance requirements vary but are typically required by your tariff rules.
5. How much is the application fee? ▼
The filing fee for a new Motor Carrier Certificate application is typically $30.00 (check current fee schedule as this can change). You may also have fees for registering vehicles or joining a tariff bureau.
6. Do I need a Tax Clearance? ▼
Yes. You must submit a Tax Clearance Certificate from the Hawaii Department of Taxation with your application to prove you are current on all state taxes.
7. Can I charge less than my tariff? ▼
No. You must charge exactly the rates listed in your filed tariff. Charging more (overcharging) or less (undercharging) is a violation of PUC rules and can lead to fines.
8. What markings must be on my truck? ▼
Your vehicle must display your Company Name and your PUC Certificate Number (e.g., "PUC #1234-C") on both sides of the vehicle. If you lease the truck, it must show the lessee's name.
9. Do I need to report my revenue? ▼
Yes. All motor carriers must file an Annual Financial Report (AFR) by April 30th each year. You must pay a Motor Carrier Gross Revenue Fee (typically 0.25% of your gross revenue) at that time.
10. How long does the application take? ▼
It can take several months. After you file, the PUC publishes a notice, and there is a 20-day waiting period for interventions/protests. If there are no protests, the PUC reviews your fitness before issuing the certificate.

NOT SURE WHERE TO START? LET’S TALK STRATEGY.

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What to expect on this call:

  • No High-Pressure Sales Tactics: We hate them too. If we aren't a good fit, we'll tell you.

  • 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.

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