Moving Within Massachusetts: Why Your Mover Needs a DPU License

By James Brazil

James Brazil lives in Mérida, Mexico. He founded Swift Agent Sites and studied Classics at the University of Mississippi.

Published 6 November 2026 · Updated 6 November 2026

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.