The Official Roadmap to Starting a Moving Company in Tennessee

A verified guide sourced exclusively from the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security and Department of Revenue.

Portal Check: TNTAP

Have you created your account on the Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP)? This is mandatory for applying.

Step 1: CPCN Application

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Authority: Tennessee Dept. of Revenue / Dept. of Safety.

  • Apply: Log in to TNTAP and select "Intrastate Authority Account".
  • Fee: $50.00 non-refundable application fee.
  • License: You are applying for a "Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity" (CPCN).

Step 2: Insurance Filing

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Your insurance company must file these forms online.

  • Liability: Form E. Minimum typically $750,000.
  • Cargo: Form H. Mandatory for Household Goods Carriers (min $50,000 recommended).

Step 3: Tariff & Decals

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You must publish your rates and tag your trucks.

  • Tariff: You must publish a tariff listing your rates and fuel surcharge formulas.
  • Decals: You must purchase a vehicle decal for every power unit ($20 per vehicle).

Step 4: Operational "Must Haves"

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Required by Tennessee statutes.

  • USDOT Number: Must have a USDOT number even for intrastate moves.
  • Markings: Truck must display your CPCN Number (2-inch letters) and Company Name.

The "Don't Get Fined" Zone

  • Hostage Loads: It is illegal to hold a customer's goods hostage for payment beyond the estimate/tariff terms. This can lead to immediate revocation.
  • Renewal: You must renew your Intrastate Authority annually via TNTAP.
  • Tariff: Operating without a published tariff is a primary violation.

Official Government Portals

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What license do I need in Tennessee? ▼
You need a "Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity" (CPCN) for Household Goods. This is issued through the Department of Revenue but enforced by the Department of Safety.
2. Where do I apply? ▼
You must apply online via the Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP). Look for the "Intrastate Authority" section.
3. What is a Tariff? ▼
A tariff is a published document listing your rates, charges, and fuel surcharge formulas. Tennessee requires household goods carriers to publish and adhere to a tariff.
4. Do I need a USDOT number? ▼
Yes. All commercial carriers in Tennessee, including those who only operate intrastate, generally need a USDOT number for safety tracking.
5. What are the insurance requirements? ▼
You need Form E (Liability, typically $750k) and Form H (Cargo, typically $50k). These forms must be filed electronically by your insurance agent.
6. Are there vehicle fees? ▼
Yes. You must purchase a vehicle decal for each power unit (truck) you operate. The fee is $20.00 per vehicle per year.
7. Can I hold goods hostage? ▼
No. Tennessee regulations strictly prohibit holding a customer's goods hostage for payment beyond the agreed terms. Violations can lead to revocation of your CPCN.
8. What markings must be on my truck? ▼
Your truck must display your Company Name and your CPCN Number in letters at least 2 inches high. You should also display your USDOT number.
9. How much is the application fee? ▼
The filing fee for the CPCN application is $50.00. This is paid through the TNTAP portal.
10. Do I need to be fingerprinted? ▼
Generally, no. Unlike some states, Tennessee focuses on business and insurance compliance rather than individual fingerprinting for the CPCN itself, though general background checks for employees are industry standard.

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.

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