Moving Into or Out of Massachusetts: Federal Rules for Interstate Movers
James Brazil lives in Mérida, Mexico. He founded Swift Agent Sites and studied Classics at the University of Mississippi.
Published · Updated
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.
General notes for moves in and to Massachusetts. Not a quote or a recommendation of any specific company. Confirm details with the mover you hire.
Agents who publish a lightly edited version on their own domain should set a canonical tag pointing to this URL.