The Official Roadmap to Starting a Moving Company in Louisiana

A verified guide sourced exclusively from the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC).

The "Permanent Establishment" Rule

Do you have a physical office in Louisiana that is open and staffed during regular business hours?

Step 1: Application (Form T-77)

Authority: Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC).

Apply: Submit the "Application for Household Goods Carriers" (Form T-77).
Fee: $200.00 non-refundable filing fee.
Notarize: The application must be notarized before submission.

Mark Step 1 as Complete

Step 2: Insurance & Bond

Your agent must file these specific forms.

Form E: Liability. Min $250k/$500k/$10k (or $510k CSL).
Form H: Cargo. Required for all household goods carriers.
Bond: You may need to post a Surety Bond if required by your specific authority class.

Mark Step 2 as Complete

Step 3: Tariff & Vehicle Stamps

You cannot operate without filed rates.

Tariff: You must file a tariff with the LPSC showing your rates. You cannot change these without approval.
Stamps: You must purchase an identification stamp for each vehicle ($10.00/year).

Mark Step 3 as Complete

Step 4: Operational "Must Haves"

Required by LPSC General Orders.

Estimates: Must provide a written estimate prior to the move... OR have the customer sign a specific waiver.
Office: Must maintain your "Permanent Establishment" (office) as declared in your application.

Mark Step 4 as Complete

The "Don't Get Fined" Zone

Staffed Office: LPSC rules require your office to be open and staffed during business hours. A P.O. Box or unstaffed storage unit is a violation.
Estimate Waiver: If you don't give a written estimate, you MUST have a signed waiver on file. Verbal estimates with no paper trail are illegal.
Name Match: The name on your insurance (Form E) must EXACTLY match the name on your application.

Official Government Portals

Frequently Asked Questions
      1. What license do I need in Louisiana?
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        You need a Common Carrier Certificate issued by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). You cannot legally transport household goods intrastate without it.
      
      2. Do I really need a physical office?
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        Yes. Louisiana R.S. 45:164(E) requires all household goods carriers to maintain a "Permanent Establishment"—a fixed place of business staffed during regular business hours. A P.O. Box or answering service is not sufficient.
      
      3. What are the insurance requirements?
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        You typically need Liability insurance of $250k/$500k/$10k (or $510k Combined Single Limit) and Form H Cargo Insurance. Your agent must file Form E and Form H directly with the LPSC.
      
      4. What is a Tariff?
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        A tariff is a document filed with the LPSC that lists your rates and service charges. You are legally required to charge the rates listed in your tariff. Any rate increase must be approved by the Commission.
      
      5. Can I waive the written estimate?
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        Yes, but only if the customer signs a specific waiver. LPSC rules require a written estimate *unless* the customer signs a document clearly stating they have chosen to forego their right to an estimate.
      
      6. How much is the application fee?
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        The filing fee for the Common Carrier Certificate application (Form T-77) is $200.00. This fee is non-refundable.
      
      7. Do I need a USDOT number?
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        Yes. Most carriers must register for a USDOT number with the FMCSA for safety tracking, even if operating only within Louisiana. This number is often required on your vehicle markings.
      
      8. What markings must be on my truck?
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        Your vehicle must display your Company Name and your LPSC Certificate Number (e.g., LPSC #1234). If you have a USDOT number, that should also be displayed.
      
      9. Can I lease my truck?
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        Yes, but you must file a lease agreement with the LPSC. The lease must be in writing and filed in quadruplicate. One copy must be kept in the vehicle.
      
      10. Are there annual fees?
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        Yes. You must pay an annual "Vehicle Registration/Stamp Fee" of $10.00 per vehicle to maintain your authority.

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