The Official Roadmap to Starting a Moving Company in Michigan
A verified guide sourced exclusively from the Michigan State Police (CVED) and Public Service Commission.
Scope Check: The "40-Mile" Rule
Will you transport household goods MORE than 40 miles from the origin?
Step 1: CVED Authority Application
Authority: Michigan State Police (CVED).
- Portal: Apply via the "CVED Authority Portal" (CAP).
- Fee: $100.00 application fee + $50 per decal.
- Note: You are applying for "Intrastate For-Hire Authority".
Step 2: Insurance Filing
Your agent must file these directly with CVED.
- Liability: Form E required. Limits depend on GVW (typically $750k for large trucks).
- Cargo: Form H required. Min $50,000.
- Decals: You will not receive your vehicle decals until insurance is on file.
Step 3: The Tariff Requirement
Required if you move goods over 40 miles.
- Membership: Most small movers satisfy this by joining the Michigan Movers Association (MMA) tariff.
- Rates: Moves >40 miles must use Weight/Distance pricing. Moves <40 miles are hourly.
Step 4: Operational "Must Haves"
Required by Michigan consumer protection laws.
- Booklet: Must provide the "General Information Guide" to customers.
- Estimates: Non-binding estimates must be in writing. 110% rule applies.
- Markings: Truck must display Company Name, USDOT #, and CVED Decal.
The "Don't Get Fined" Zone
- Decals: Operating without a valid annual CVED decal is an immediate impound risk.
- 110% Rule: If the final bill exceeds the estimate, the customer only has to pay 110% to get their goods back. You must wait 30 days for the rest.
- Renewal: CVED Authority must be renewed annually between Oct 1 and Dec 1.
Official Government Portals
Scope Check: The "40-Mile" Rule
Will you transport household goods MORE than 40 miles from the origin?
Step 1: CVED Authority Application
Authority: Michigan State Police (CVED).
- Portal: Apply via the "CVED Authority Portal" (CAP).
- Fee: $100.00 application fee + $50 per decal.
- Note: You are applying for "Intrastate For-Hire Authority".
Step 2: Insurance Filing
Your agent must file these directly with CVED.
- Liability: Form E required. Limits depend on GVW (typically $750k for large trucks).
- Cargo: Form H required. Min $50,000.
- Decals: You will not receive your vehicle decals until insurance is on file.
Step 3: The Tariff Requirement
Required if you move goods over 40 miles.
- Membership: Most small movers satisfy this by joining the Michigan Movers Association (MMA) tariff.
- Rates: Moves >40 miles must use Weight/Distance pricing. Moves <40 miles are hourly.
Step 4: Operational "Must Haves"
Required by Michigan consumer protection laws.
- Booklet: Must provide the "General Information Guide" to customers.
- Estimates: Non-binding estimates must be in writing. 110% rule applies.
- Markings: Truck must display Company Name, USDOT #, and CVED Decal.
The "Don't Get Fined" Zone
- Decals: Operating without a valid annual CVED decal is an immediate impound risk.
- 110% Rule: If the final bill exceeds the estimate, the customer only has to pay 110% to get their goods back. You must wait 30 days for the rest.
- Renewal: CVED Authority must be renewed annually between Oct 1 and Dec 1.
Official Government Portals
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who issues the license?
The authority is issued by the Michigan State Police, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED). You must apply through their "CVED Authority Portal" (CAP).
2. Do I need a USDOT number?
Yes. All intrastate carriers in Michigan must obtain a USDOT number from the FMCSA. You cannot complete the CVED application without it.
3. What is the "40-Mile Rule"?
Moves of 40 miles or less are considered "local" and can be billed hourly. Moves over 40 miles are "intrastate" and must be billed by weight and distance according to a filed Tariff.
4. What is the Michigan Movers Association (MMA)?
The MMA publishes a standard tariff that many movers use. Instead of writing your own complex rate schedule for >40 mile moves, you can join the MMA and adopt their tariff to satisfy the state requirement.
5. What brochure must I give customers?
You must provide the "General Information Guide" (or the MMA version) to every customer at the time of the estimate. It explains their rights and your liability.
6. What is the "110% Rule"?
If the final cost exceeds your non-binding estimate, you can only demand 110% of the estimated amount at delivery. You must unload the goods and give the customer 30 days to pay the remaining balance.
7. Can I charge for travel time?
Yes, for local moves (<40 miles). It is common to charge a "portal-to-portal" fee or a flat travel hour to cover the crew getting to and from your lot.
8. What insurance forms are required?
Your insurance agent must file Form E (Liability) and Form H (Cargo) directly with the CVED. Proof of Workers' Comp is also required.
9. Can I hold goods hostage?
No. If the customer pays the estimate amount (plus 10% if applicable), you must release the goods. Michigan law strictly prohibits holding goods for excess charges.
10. When do I renew my license?
CVED Authority must be renewed annually during the renewal period, which runs from October 1 to December 1. Failure to renew by Dec 31 results in revocation.
NOT SURE WHERE TO START? LET’S TALK STRATEGY.
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What to expect on this call:
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