The Official Roadmap to Starting a Moving Company in Alabama

A verified guide sourced exclusively from the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC).

The "Fit, Willing, & Able" Test

In Alabama, household goods carriers can often skip the public hearing if they prove they are financially and operationally "fit." Can you provide a clean financial statement?

Step 1: Application (Form 14H)

Authority: Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC).

Apply: Submit "Form 14H - Application for Motor Carrier Certificate".
Fee: $100.00 filing fee (Cashier's Check or Money Order only).
Financials: Must attach Appendix C (Financial Statement) showing assets and liabilities.

Mark Step 1 as Complete

Step 2: Insurance Filing

Your agent must file these specific forms with the APSC.

Form E: Liability. Min $100k/$300k/$50k (or $350k CSL).
Form H: Cargo. Minimum $5,000 coverage per vehicle.
Processing: Authority will not be issued until these electronic filings are received.

Mark Step 2 as Complete

Step 3: Tariff & Registration

You must file rates and register vehicles.

Tariff: You must file a tariff with the APSC listing your rates, rules, and charges.
Vehicle Reg: File Form B-2 to register vehicles. Fee is $6.00 per vehicle per year.

Mark Step 3 as Complete

Step 4: Operational "Must Haves"

Required by APSC regulations.

Markings: Truck must display Name, City, State, and "APSC Certificate No.".
Records: Must maintain a driver's daily log and vehicle maintenance records.

Mark Step 4 as Complete

The "Don't Get Fined" Zone

Physical Address: You must list a physical business address on your application. A P.O. Box is only allowed for mailing.
Tariff Adherence: You must charge exactly the rates listed in your filed tariff. No "off the books" pricing.
USDOT Number: You must have a USDOT number even for intrastate Alabama moves.

Official Government Portals

Frequently Asked Questions
      1. What license do I need in Alabama?
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        You need a "Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity" issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). You must file Form 14H to apply for household goods authority.
      
      2. Do I need a public hearing?
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        Usually, no. Alabama law (Section 37-3-11) states that a certificate shall be issued to a household goods carrier "without the necessity of a hearing" if the APSC finds the applicant fit, willing, and able.
      
      3. What are the insurance requirements?
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        You typically need Liability limits of $100k/$300k/$50k (or $350k combined) and $5,000 in Cargo insurance. Your agent must file Form E and Form H with the APSC.
      
      4. How much is the application fee?
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        The filing fee for the Household Goods Certificate application is $100.00. It must be paid via cashier's check or money order.
      
      5. What is a Tariff?
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        A tariff is a document listing your rates, charges, and service rules. You must file this with the APSC. You are legally required to charge the rates listed in your tariff to prevent price discrimination.
      
      6. Do I need a USDOT number?
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        Yes. Even for intrastate (Alabama-only) moves, you must obtain a USDOT number from the FMCSA and list it on your APSC application.
      
      7. What markings must be on my truck?
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        Your vehicle must display your Company Name, City, State, and your APSC Certificate Number on both sides of the vehicle. You should also display your USDOT number.
      
      8. Do I need to register my vehicles?
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        Yes. In addition to the certificate, you must file Form B-2 to register each vehicle you operate. The fee is $6.00 per vehicle per year.
      
      9. Can I operate without a certificate?
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        No. It is illegal to transport household goods for hire within Alabama without APSC authority. Penalties can include fines and vehicle impoundment.
      
      10. What financial records do I need?
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        You must submit a financial statement (Balance Sheet and Income Statement) with your application to prove you have the financial ability to operate the business.

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