Tennessee moving company license, rules and marketing

Do you need a license to move households in Tennessee?

Yes. Tennessee requires for-hire motor carriers that haul property on its highways in intrastate commerce to hold Intrastate Authority from the Department of Revenue. Household goods movers must file both liability and cargo insurance proof. Moves that cross into another state need federal interstate authority instead.

Movers in Tennessee are regulated by the Tennessee Department of Revenue, Vehicle Services Division. The permit is called the Intrastate Authority.

1. Get a USDOT number from FMCSA. The Tennessee application asks for it.
2. Create a Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP) account, or use the paper Application for Intrastate Authority (RV-F1315501), and mark it as a new application.
3. File the Designated Agent for Service of Process form naming a Tennessee representative who can receive court papers.
4. Have your insurance company furnish Form E (liability) and Form H (cargo). Form H is specifically required for household goods carriers.
5. Pay the fees listed on the application: $50 for a new application plus $8 per vehicle.
6. Renew through TNTAP or by checking the renewal box on the same application.

What insurance and paperwork does a Tennessee mover need?

• Liability: $300,000 for vehicles of 10,000 pounds or less, and $750,000 for non-hazardous vehicles over 10,000 pounds.
• Household goods cargo: $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence.
• Proof must come from your insurer on Form E and Form H.

When you work with customers in Tennessee, plan for these rules:

• Tennessee's Department of Safety rules (Chapter 1340-06-01) include a rule for intrastate household goods movers on estimates, how shipment weights are determined and how loss or damage claims are handled. Read it before you write your estimate and claim forms.
• Put every quote in writing and use a signed bill of lading on each job, so price and liability are clear if a dispute comes up.

Do Tennessee movers need a USDOT number?

The Department of Revenue's Intrastate Authority application asks for your USDOT number, so get one from FMCSA before you apply. Confirm with the Department whether your specific trucks require it.

If you take jobs that cross the Tennessee state line, federal rules apply on top of the state rules:

• USDOT number: every mover that carries household goods across state lines needs one from the FMCSA.
• Operating authority (MC number): for-hire household goods movers need FMCSA authority before taking interstate jobs.
• Insurance on file: your insurer files proof of liability and cargo coverage with the FMCSA.
• Process agent (BOC-3): someone in each state who can accept legal papers on your behalf.
• Unified Carrier Registration: a yearly registration, priced by fleet size.
• Customer paperwork: a written estimate, a bill of lading, the FMCSA booklet “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” and access to an arbitration program for loss and damage claims.

The licenses and insurance guide explains each one.

What is the moving market like in Tennessee?

• Nashville and its suburbs, like Franklin, Murfreesboro and Hendersonville, see heavy demand from newcomers moving in from other states and from locals moving up or out.
• Clarksville sits next to Fort Campbell, so military moves are a steady part of the market there.
• Memphis, Chattanooga and Bristol all sit on state lines. Moves into Mississippi, Arkansas, Georgia or Virginia are interstate and need federal authority.
• East Tennessee's hills and mountain roads mean steep driveways, tight turns and longer load times. Ask about access when you quote.
• College towns such as Knoxville, Murfreesboro and Cookeville get busy at the start and end of each semester.

Most moves in Tennessee happen around Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Murfreesboro and Tri-Cities (Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol).

How do you market a moving company in Tennessee?

• Write a page for each Nashville-area town you serve: Franklin, Brentwood, Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, Mt. Juliet and more. Newcomers search by town, not by county. Local town pages cover this.
• Many Nashville customers are moving in from out of state. If you hold interstate authority, give long-distance moves their own page. If not, be clear about what you cover.
• Promote mountain and hillside expertise in East Tennessee with photos of tough driveways and cabin moves.
• Military families near Fort Campbell need fast answers and flexible dates. Keep your Google Business Profile updated and ask for reviews after every military move. Review requests can go out automatically.