The Official Roadmap to Starting a Moving Company in Oregon

A verified guide sourced exclusively from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Commerce and Compliance Division.

Scope Check: Do you need a Certificate?

Will you operate exclusively within a small city (pop. < 10,000) or operate statewide?

Step 1: Application (Package H)

Authority: ODOT Commerce and Compliance Division (CCD).

Apply: Submit "Household Goods Application Package H" (Forms 9075, 9057).
Fee: $300.00 application fee.
USDOT: You must list your USDOT number on the application.

Mark Step 1 as Complete

Step 2: Insurance Filing

Your agent must file specific forms with ODOT.

Liability: Form E required. Min $750,000 (typical for HHG trucks).
Cargo: Form H required. Min $10,000 coverage.

Mark Step 2 as Complete

Step 3: Tariff Requirement

You cannot operate without an approved tariff.

Requirement: You must file a tariff with ODOT or participate in a bureau tariff.
Rates: You must charge the rates approved by ODOT. No "off the books" pricing.

Mark Step 3 as Complete

Step 4: Operational "Must Haves"

Required by Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR).

Bulletin: Must provide the "General Information Bulletin" (Form 9943) to every customer.
Receipt: Must have customer sign a "Mandatory Receipt" acknowledging they got the bulletin.
Inventory: Must prepare a written inventory for intercity moves.

Mark Step 4 as Complete

The "Don't Get Fined" Zone

10% Rule: If your final bill exceeds the written estimate by >10%, the customer only has to pay estimate + 10% on delivery. You must wait 15 days for the rest.
$3,000 Fine: Operating without a certificate now carries a fine of up to $3,000 per violation.
Advertisements: It is illegal to even advertise moving services without a valid certificate.

Official Government Portals

Frequently Asked Questions
      1. What license do I need in Oregon?
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        You need a "Household Goods Certificate" issued by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Commerce and Compliance Division (CCD). This allows you to transport household goods for hire between any two points in Oregon.
      
      2. How much is the application fee?
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        The filing fee for a new Household Goods Certificate is $300.00. This fee is generally non-refundable.
      
      3. What is a Tariff?
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        A tariff is a document listing your rates and charges. You must file this with ODOT. You are legally required to charge the rates listed in your tariff. Many movers join a tariff bureau to use standard rates rather than writing their own.
      
      4. What brochure must I give customers?
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        You must provide the ODOT bulletin titled "General Information Bulletin for Moving Household Goods in Oregon" (Form 9943). You must also have the customer sign a receipt acknowledging they received it.
      
      5. What is the "10% Rule" for estimates?
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        If the final cost of the move exceeds your written estimate by more than 10%, the customer is only required to pay the estimate amount plus 10% on delivery. You must grant them 15 days to pay the remaining balance.
      
      6. What insurance forms are required?
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        Your insurance company must file Form E (Liability) and Form H (Cargo) directly with ODOT. The minimum Cargo insurance requirement is $10,000.
      
      7. Can I give a verbal estimate?
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        No. Verbal estimates are prohibited in Oregon. All estimates must be in writing and based on a visual inspection of the goods.
      
      8. What markings must be on my truck?
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        Your truck must display your Company Name and your ODOT Certificate Number. If you are operating interstate as well, you must display your USDOT number.
      
      9. Can I operate without a certificate?
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        No. It is illegal to advertise or perform moving services without a certificate. Fines for operating without authority have recently increased to $3,000 per violation.
      
      10. What is "Class B" authority?
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        Class B authority is a limited permit for movers who operate strictly within a city with a population of less than 10,000 (and a 3-mile radius). Most movers need the full Household Goods Certificate instead.

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