The Official Roadmap to Starting a Moving Company in Pennsylvania

A verified guide sourced exclusively from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PA PUC).A verified guide sourced exclusively from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PA PUC).

Readiness Check: Safety Review

Are you prepared to pass a "Safety Fitness Review" by a PUC enforcement officer within 180 days of opening?

Step 1: PUC Application

Authority: Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC).

Application: Submit Form PUC-189-H ("Application for Household Goods in Use").
Fee: $350.00 filing fee (Certified Check or Money Order).
Verify: You must state specifically which counties you will operate in.

Mark Step 1 as Complete

Step 2: Insurance Filing

Your insurance company must file these directly.

Form E: Liability. Min $300,000 (vehicles ≤10k lbs) or $750,000 (vehicles >10k lbs).
Form H: Cargo. Minimum $5,000 per vehicle.

Mark Step 2 as Complete

Step 3: Tariff & Pricing

You must have filed rates to operate.

Tariff: You must file a tariff with the PUC. Most small movers join the "Tristate Household Goods Tariff Conference" to use their rates.
Hourly vs Weight: Moves 40 miles or less are hourly; over 40 miles are by weight/distance.

Mark Step 3 as Complete

Step 4: Operational "Must Haves"

Required by PUC regulations.

Info for Shippers: Must provide this specific PUC form 48 hours before the move.
Estimates: Must be in writing. Can be Binding or Non-Binding.
Markings: Truck must display your "A-Number" (e.g., A-8912345).

Mark Step 4 as Complete

The "Don't Get Fined" Zone

10% Rule: If the bill exceeds the estimate by >10%, the customer can pay the estimate + 10% and defer the balance for 15 days.
Advertising: You MUST put your PUC "A-Number" in all ads (Craigslist, Facebook, Website).
Safety Review: You will be audited by a PUC officer within 180 days of getting your certificate.

Official Government Portals

Frequently Asked Questions
      1. What is an "A-Number"?
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        Your "A-Number" (e.g., A-8912345) is your official Certificate of Public Convenience number issued by the PA PUC. You must display this number on your truck and in all advertisements.
      
      2. Do I need a USDOT number?
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        Yes. In addition to your PUC A-Number, you must register for a USDOT number with the FMCSA, even for intrastate moves. You must also pay UCR fees annually.
      
      3. What are the insurance limits?
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        For vehicles 10,000 lbs or less, Liability is $300,000. For vehicles over 10,000 lbs, it is $750,000. You also need $5,000 in Cargo insurance per vehicle.
      
      4. What forms does my insurance agent need to file?
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        They must file Form E (Liability) and Form H (Cargo) directly with the PUC. The PUC does not accept standard "Acord" certificates of insurance from the applicant.
      
      5. What is the "Information for Shippers" form?
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        This is a mandatory consumer protection form. You are legally required to provide it to the customer at least 48 hours before the move begins.
      
      6. What is the "10% Rule"?
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        If your final bill exceeds the estimate by more than 10%, the customer is only required to pay the estimated amount plus 10% (or $25) on delivery. You must grant them 15 days to pay the remaining balance.
      
      7. Can I charge by the hour?
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        Yes, but only for moves of 40 miles or less. For moves over 40 miles, PA regulations typically require you to charge based on the weight of the shipment and the distance traveled.
      
      8. What is the Tristate Tariff?
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        The "Tristate Household Goods Tariff Conference" is a private bureau that publishes standard rates for movers. Many PA movers join this conference to use their approved rates instead of writing their own tariff from scratch.
      
      9. Can I hold goods hostage for payment?
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        No. If the customer tenders payment for the estimated amount (plus 10% if applicable), you MUST deliver the goods. Holding them for additional payment is a violation of PUC regulations.
      
      10. How much is the application fee?
      ▼
    
        The filing fee for the Application for Household Goods in Use (Form 189-H) is $350.00. It is non-refundable.

NOT SURE WHERE TO START? LET’S TALK STRATEGY.

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What to expect on this call:

No High-Pressure Sales Tactics: We hate them too. If we aren't a good fit, we'll tell you.
A "Mini-Audit": We’ll pull up your current website or Google profile live on the call.
Real Advice: You’re talking to actual movers who have scaled companies, not a script-reading salesperson.