The Official Roadmap to Starting a Moving Company in South Carolina

A verified guide sourced exclusively from the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) and Public Service Commission (PSC).

Distance Check: The "35-Mile" Rule

Will your jobs typically go more than 35 miles from origin to destination?

Step 1: Application (Class E)

Authority: SC Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS).

Apply: Submit the "Class E Certificate" application to the Public Service Commission (PSC).
Vehicle: You must own or lease at least one vehicle prior to the hearing.
Process: The PSC will issue a Docket Number. If no objections are filed, ORS will review your fitness.

Mark Step 1 as Complete

Step 2: Insurance Filing

Your agent must file these directly with ORS.

Liability: Form E required. Min $500,000 (<10k lbs) or $750,000 (>10k lbs).
Cargo: Form H required. Min $2,500 per shipment / $5,000 aggregate.

Mark Step 2 as Complete

Step 3: Maximum Rate Tariff

You must operate within the state's price caps.

Requirement: You must file your specific rates with the PSC, but they cannot exceed the state's "Maximum Rate Tariff".
Rules: Moves ≤35 miles are hourly. Moves >35 miles are by weight/distance.

Mark Step 3 as Complete

Step 4: Operational "Must Haves"

Required by ORS regulations.

Markings: Truck must display your PSC/ORS Certificate Number.
Bill of Lading: Must leave a copy with the customer. Must include the insurance valuation block.

Mark Step 4 as Complete

The "Don't Get Fined" Zone

110% Rule: If the final bill exceeds a non-binding estimate, you can only demand 110% of the estimate at delivery. You must bill the rest later.
Weighing: For moves >35 miles, you MUST weigh the truck (Tare & Gross) to prove the weight charged.
Rates: Charging more than your filed tariff rate is a major violation.

Official Government Portals

Frequently Asked Questions
      1. What is a "Class E" Certificate?
      ▼
    
        In South Carolina, household goods movers are classified as "Class E" carriers. You must obtain a "Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity" for Class E operations from the Public Service Commission (PSC).
      
      2. Who regulates movers in SC?
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        It is a two-step process. The Public Service Commission (PSC) approves your application and docket, while the Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) handles your insurance, rates, and safety compliance.
      
      3. What is the "35-Mile Rule"?
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        SC regulations split billing methods by distance. Moves of 35 miles or less must be billed by the hour. Moves over 35 miles must be billed by weight and distance.
      
      4. What is the Maximum Rate Tariff?
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        The PSC publishes a "Maximum Rate Tariff" that sets the ceiling on what you can charge. You can negotiate rates lower than the max, but never higher. You must file your own rate schedule with the PSC.
      
      5. What are the insurance requirements?
      ▼
    
        Liability insurance must be at least $500,000 (vehicles under 10k lbs) or $750,000 (over 10k lbs). Cargo insurance must be at least $2,500 per shipment ($5,000 aggregate), which is lower than many other states.
      
      6. Do I need to weigh the truck?
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        Yes, if the move is over 35 miles. You must weigh the vehicle empty (Tare Weight) and full (Gross Weight) at a certified scale to determine the net weight for billing.
      
      7. What is the "110% Rule"?
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        If your final bill exceeds a non-binding estimate, the customer is only required to pay 110% of the estimated amount on delivery to get their goods back. You must allow them 30 days to pay the remaining balance.
      
      8. Can I charge for travel time?
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        Yes, for local moves (under 35 miles). The clock typically starts when you leave your office/lot and stops when you return, covering the full round trip.
      
      9. What markings must be on my truck?
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        Your truck must display your Company Name and your PSC Certificate Number (e.g., "PSC #1234") on both sides of the vehicle.
      
      10. Do I need a USDOT number?
      ▼
    
        While the SC Certificate is the primary authority, most carriers also obtain a USDOT number from the FMCSA for safety identification purposes, and it is often requested during the application process.

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