The Official Roadmap to Starting a Moving Company in Missouri

A verified guide sourced exclusively from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) Motor Carrier Services.

Prerequisite: The USDOT Number

Do you have a registered USDOT number? (Required for ALL Missouri carriers, even intrastate)

Step 1: MoDOT Application

Authority: MoDOT Motor Carrier Services (MCS).

Apply: Complete the online application via "MoDOT Carrier Express".
Authority Type: Select "Intrastate Authority" for Household Goods.
Financials: You must submit an annual financial statement to prove economic health.

Mark Step 1 as Complete

Step 2: Insurance Filing

Your agent must file these forms electronically.

Liability: Form E required. Min $100k/$300k/$50k limits.
Cargo: Form H required. Min $2,500 per vehicle / $5,000 aggregate.
Note: Cargo limits are lower than many states, but higher coverage is recommended.

Mark Step 2 as Complete

Step 3: Tariff & Decals

You cannot operate without filed rates and license decals.

Tariff: You must file a formal tariff of rates and charges with MoDOT.
Decals: You must purchase an annual license decal for each power unit. Cost: $10.00 per decal.

Mark Step 3 as Complete

Step 4: Operational "Must Haves"

Required by MoDOT consumer protection rules.

Brochure: Must provide the "Moving in Missouri" brochure to every customer.
Estimates: Can be Binding or Non-Binding. Non-binding estimates require weighing the truck.
Bill of Lading: Must be signed by the customer before the move begins.

Mark Step 4 as Complete

The "Don't Get Fined" Zone

License Decals: Operating a vehicle without a current year MoDOT decal ($10) is an immediate violation.
Weight Tickets: If you use a non-binding estimate, you MUST weigh the truck (Tare & Gross) to determine the final bill.
Claims: You must acknowledge loss/damage claims within 30 days and offer a settlement within 90 days.

Official Government Portals

Frequently Asked Questions
      1. What license do I need in Missouri?
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        You need Intrastate Operating Authority issued by MoDOT Motor Carrier Services. This is legally required to transport household goods for hire within the state.
      
      2. Do I need a USDOT number?
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        Yes. Unlike some states that only require it for interstate moves, Missouri requires ALL intrastate carriers to have a USDOT number. You must get this from the FMCSA website before applying to MoDOT.
      
      3. What are the insurance requirements?
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        You typically need Liability insurance of $100k/$300k/$50k (Bodily Injury/Property Damage) and Cargo insurance of $2,500 per vehicle. Your agent must file Form E and Form H with MoDOT.
      
      4. What is a Tariff?
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        A tariff is a document filed with MoDOT that lists your rates and service charges. You must charge the rates listed in your tariff. If you want to change your prices, you must file an updated tariff.
      
      5. What brochure must I give customers?
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        You must provide the MoDOT brochure titled "Moving in Missouri" to every customer. It explains their rights, your liability options, and the claims process.
      
      6. What are the vehicle fees?
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        You must purchase an annual license decal for each power unit (truck). The fee is $10.00 per decal. This must be renewed every year.
      
      7. Can I give a binding estimate?
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        Yes, if your tariff allows it. A binding estimate is a contract where the price is fixed. If you give a non-binding estimate, you must weigh the shipment to determine the final cost.
      
      8. Do I need to weigh the truck?
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        Yes, if the charges are based on weight (common for distance moves or non-binding estimates). You must obtain a certified Tare (empty) and Gross (full) weight ticket.
      
      9. What is a Housemover License?
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        This is distinct from moving household goods. A "Housemover License" is for moving entire structures (buildings). If you move furniture/boxes, you need "Household Goods" authority, not a Housemover License.
      
      10. What documents must I carry in the truck?
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        You should carry a copy of your Operating Authority, your insurance cab card, your medical examiner's certificate (if applicable), and your MoDOT license decal must be affixed to the vehicle.

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