The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) only regulates movers whose jobs stay inside the state. Once a move crosses a state line, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has jurisdiction. That is true for a move from Boston to Florida, and also for a short hop from a Massachusetts town into Rhode Island or New Hampshire.

Federal rules at 49 CFR Part 375 spell out what interstate household goods movers owe you: a written estimate, two federal booklets, clear liability terms, and a cap on what they can demand at delivery under a non-binding estimate.

Which regulator covers my move?

• Both ends in Massachusetts. The DPU. Your mover must hold a DPU license. See moving within Massachusetts.
• Crossing a state line. FMCSA. Check the company with FMCSA's Protect Your Move resources and its mover search before you book. The DPU lists FMCSA's number for interstate questions as (888) 368-7238.

Some companies do both. Ask which authority covers your specific route, and check the credential that matches it.

What estimate must an interstate mover give me?

Under 49 CFR 375.401, the mover must do a physical survey of your goods and give you a written estimate based on it. You can waive the physical survey, but only in writing, signed before the shipment is loaded. Before the bill of lading is signed, the mover must give you a written estimate of total charges that says whether it is binding or non-binding.

• Binding estimate. Guarantees the total cost for the items and services listed. The mover may charge for preparing one. If you add items or services on moving day, the mover can reaffirm the estimate, write a new binding estimate that you sign before loading, or agree with you in writing to treat it as non-binding (49 CFR 375.403).
• Non-binding estimate. The mover's reasonably accurate estimate of the cost, provided free and in writing. Final charges are based on actual weight and the mover's tariff, and may be higher than the estimate. The estimate must state that you will not have to pay more than 110 percent of it at delivery (49 CFR 375.405).

What is the 110 percent rule?

On a non-binding estimate, if you pay up to 110 percent of the estimate at delivery, plus charges for any extra services you asked for after the bill of lading was issued, the mover must release your goods (49 CFR 375.407). Holding your shipment after you offer that amount counts as failing to transport with "reasonable dispatch" under the rule.

If only part of the shipment is delivered, the mover can demand only a prorated share based on the weight delivered.

What documents should I get?

49 CFR 375.213 says that with the written estimate, the mover must give you, or link you to, two federal publications:

• "Ready to Move? Tips for a Successful Interstate Move"
• "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move"

Before you sign the bill of lading, the mover must also give you the estimate, a notice that you can see the relevant parts of its tariff, a summary of its arbitration program, and a summary of how it handles complaints, including its main phone number.

How much is the mover liable for?

Under 49 CFR 375.201, the standard is Full Value Protection: the mover is liable for lost or damaged goods up to their replacement value, with a maximum of the shipment's declared value. If you waive full value protection in writing, the mover's liability is limited to the released rate set by the Surface Transportation Board. The mover must disclose its liability limits clearly.

Do not sign a waiver to save money without understanding what you give up. Valuable items may need separate arrangements.

FAQ

Is a move from Massachusetts to Rhode Island interstate? Yes. Crossing the state line makes it interstate under FMCSA, no matter how short the drive.

Does the DPU handle complaints about interstate movers? No. The DPU says it only has jurisdiction over movers working solely within Massachusetts and refers interstate questions to FMCSA.

Does an interstate mover have to see my things before estimating? Federal rules require a physical survey unless you waive it in writing, signed before loading.

Can a mover demand more than the non-binding estimate at delivery? Not more than 110 percent of it, plus charges for extra services you requested after the bill of lading was issued.

What liability do I get if I don't choose? Federal rules make Full Value Protection the standard. Lower released-rate liability applies only if you waive full value in writing.

Next step

Write down your origin and destination states. If a state line is involved, check the mover with FMCSA, get a written estimate based on a survey of your goods, and keep the two federal booklets. Talk with a licensed mover who will put the estimate type, valuation and payment terms in writing before anything is loaded.

Sources: DPU: Moving Within Massachusetts, FMCSA: Protect Your Move, 49 CFR Part 375 sections 375.201, 375.213, 375.401, 375.403, 375.405, 375.407.

If you are moving household goods from one place in Massachusetts to another, your mover must be licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU). The DPU's Transportation Oversight Division sets licensing and insurance requirements, keeps the movers' filed rates, and investigates written complaints. Movers may not charge more or less than the rates they have on file.

The DPU only covers moves entirely within Massachusetts. If your move crosses a state line, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is in charge instead. See moving into or out of Massachusetts.

How do I check that a mover is licensed?

The DPU says every household moving company operating in Massachusetts must be licensed, and you should make sure any company you contact has an up-to-date DPU operating certificate number. The DPU publishes a searchable list of DPU-regulated moving companies, with their tariffs (rates) where available. The list can be searched by company name and downloaded.

A few checks before you book:

• Ask for the company's DPU license number and find it on the DPU list.
• Make sure the name on the list matches the name on the estimate and the truck paperwork.
• Look up the company's filed rates and compare them with the estimate.
• Confirm with the mover 48 hours before moving day, as the DPU suggests.

A free mover check can gather company details in one place before you go to the official list.

How do estimates work for in-state moves?

The DPU calls a written estimate from a company representative who visits your home one of your best protections against overcharges. Verbal estimates by phone or email are non-binding. Show the estimator everything you plan to move.

The DPU is also clear that an estimate is not a bid or a contract. The final amount depends on the hourly rate, how much packing the mover did, and any other services. Hourly moves also include a travel time charge based on the distance between where the goods are loaded and where they are unloaded. Ask about every additional cost when you get the estimate.

What should be on the bill of lading?

The bill of lading is your contract with the mover. State law requires the mover to prepare one for every shipment, and the driver must give you a copy before loading. The DPU says to check that it includes:

• The moving company's name and address
• The company's DPU license number
• A phone number where you can reach the company
• Your address and phone number
• Loading and delivery dates, any storage instructions, and the declared or released valuation of your shipment

Read the front and back before signing. If something is wrong, do not sign until it reflects what you ordered. Keep your copy until delivery, payment and any claims are finished.

How much is the mover liable for damage?

Many movers' base rate, called a declared rate and filed with the DPU, limits their liability to 60 cents per pound per article. A 20-pound item that is destroyed would be worth at most $12 under that rate, whatever it cost. The DPU says most movers offer the option of increasing your declared value above 60 cents per pound. Ask before moving day.

The DPU notes that a mover's cargo insurance will not cover items of extraordinary value, such as antiques or paintings. Ask for a list of items not covered and make separate arrangements for valuables. The bill of lading may also set a deadline for reporting damage, so read it and report problems promptly, in writing. Keep damaged items for the adjuster.

What if something goes wrong?

Start with the mover. If you cannot resolve the problem, contact the DPU, whose Transportation Oversight Division must investigate written complaints. The DPU's mover page links to its bus, moving and towing complaint form.

The DPU does not regulate storage of household goods. For storage problems, it points to the Office of Public Safety and Inspections at (617) 727-3200.

FAQ

Does a move from Worcester to Boston need a DPU-licensed mover? Yes. Both ends are in Massachusetts, so the move falls under the DPU, which requires household goods movers to be licensed.

Can a licensed mover charge whatever it wants? No. The DPU says movers must file their rates and may not charge more or less than the rates on file.

Is a phone estimate binding? No. The DPU says verbal estimates over the phone or email are non-binding. Get a written estimate after an in-home visit.

What is the default liability for damaged goods? Many movers' filed base rate limits liability to 60 cents per pound per article. Ask about a higher declared value if your items are worth more.

Who handles a complaint about storage? Not the DPU. It refers storage questions to the Office of Public Safety and Inspections.

Next step

Before you book, find the mover on the DPU list, get a written in-home estimate, and decide how much liability coverage you need. Talk with a licensed mover who will put the rate, services and valuation in writing on the bill of lading.

Sources: DPU Transportation Oversight Division: Moving Within Massachusetts, DPU: Moving companies regulated by the DPU.