The Official Roadmap to Starting a Moving Company in Minnesota

A verified guide sourced exclusively from the MnDOT Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations.

License Check: Structure vs. Contents

Are you moving household goods (furniture/boxes) or are you moving entire buildings?

Step 1: MnDOT Registration

Authority: Minnesota Dept. of Transportation (MnDOT).

USDOT: Must have an active USDOT number first.
Apply: Submit the "Motor Carrier of Property" application. There is no fee for this specific registration.
Status: You are registering as an "Intrastate For-Hire Motor Carrier".

Mark Step 1 as Complete

Step 2: Insurance Filing (Form E)

Your agent must file Form E electronically.

Liability: $300,000 (vehicles ≤ 10,000 lbs) or $750,000 (vehicles > 10,000 lbs GVW).
Cargo: Minnesota requires cargo insurance for household goods movers (min $6,000 or 60 cents/lb per article).
Workers Comp: Proof of coverage is mandatory if you have employees.

Mark Step 2 as Complete

Step 3: IMCC Education

A mandatory compliance step.

Requirement: You must complete the "Initial Motor Carrier Contact" (IMCC) education requirement within 90 days of registration.
Process: This is a self-certification process where you review MnDOT regulations and sign a compliance statement.

Mark Step 3 as Complete

Step 4: Operational "Must Haves"

Required by MnDOT consumer protection rules.

Tariff: You must create a Tariff (rate sheet) and keep it at your office. You must charge exactly these rates.
Markings: Truck must display your Company Name and USDOT number. You will receive a unique MnDOT number as well.
Bill of Lading: Required for every shipment.

Mark Step 4 as Complete

The "Don't Get Fined" Zone

Building Movers: If you move structures (sheds, homes), you need a "Building Mover License" ($150 fee) which is totally separate from household goods authority.
Audit: MnDOT conducts audits on new carriers. Failure to maintain records (like driver logs) can revoke your authority.
Tariff Adherence: Even though you don't file the tariff with the state, you are legally bound to charge the rates you published in your office copy.

Official Government Portals

Frequently Asked Questions
      1. What license do I need in Minnesota?
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        You need to register as an Intrastate For-Hire Motor Carrier of Property with MnDOT. There is no specific "Household Goods" certificate application, but you are regulated as a household goods mover under this registration.
      
      2. How much is the application fee?
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        There is no fee for the Motor Carrier of Property application. However, you must pay for your insurance filings and vehicle registration/tabs.
      
      3. Do I need to file a Tariff?
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        You do not file it with MnDOT, but you must have a tariff. State law requires you to keep a published tariff at your office and provide it to customers upon request. You must charge the rates listed in it.
      
      4. What are the insurance requirements?
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        You need Form E (Liability). Limits are $300,000 for vehicles under 10,000 lbs and $750,000 for vehicles over 10,000 lbs. Household goods movers also need Cargo insurance (minimum 60 cents/lb per article).
      
      5. What is IMCC Education?
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        "Initial Motor Carrier Contact" (IMCC) is a mandatory education requirement. All new carriers must complete this self-certification within 90 days of registration to prove they understand the rules. Failure to do so will cancel your authority.
      
      6. Do I need a USDOT number?
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        Yes. All intrastate motor carriers in Minnesota must obtain a USDOT number from the FMCSA and list it on their MnDOT application.
      
      7. Can I give a binding estimate?
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        No. In Minnesota, estimates for moving personal property are not binding. You must charge based on the actual services performed and the rates listed in your tariff.
      
      8. What brochure must I give customers?
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        You should provide information on "Your Rights and Responsibilities." MnDOT provides guidelines on consumer protection that you must follow, including mandatory Bill of Lading terms.
      
      9. Do I need to carry my registration in the truck?
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        Yes. You should keep a copy of your MnDOT authority (or Cab Card) in each vehicle to prove you are a registered for-hire carrier.
      
      10. Is a "Building Mover" license different?
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        Yes. If you move structures (like a house or shed) that are over 16ft wide/20ft long, you need a Building Mover License ($150 fee). This is totally separate from the household goods registration.