Missouri law requires all household goods carriers to obtain operating authority from MoDOT Motor Carrier Services in order to operate in or between Missouri municipalities and/or in commercial zones. The law also requires household goods carriers to file an application with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to reflect increases and decreases in its operational costs.
Operating Authority for Intrastate Household Goods Carriers
Household goods carriers who operate wholly within a municipality, between Missouri municipalities or wholly within a Missouri commercial zone must register for operating authority with the state by:
- filing an application with MoDOT Motor Carrier Services Division to obtain operating authority before January 1, 2008; and,
- filing and publish rates with MoDOT MCS
This change is expected to help consumers find the best carrier for their needs at the best price. It is also expected to level the business playing field so all household goods movers involved in intrastate commerce are treated equally and subject to the same law and administrative rules.
Click on this link for the forms needed to file for authority
Operating Authority Forms for Household Goods Carriers
Safety Training and Forms Assistance
To receive credit toward a satisfactory safety fitness rating, a carrier's representative must attend training and forms assistance sessions. Click here to see the statewide schedule.
Rate Changes
Until August 2007, household goods movers had to establish individual rates regarding all operating costs they could charge their customers. Rate increases were only allowed if their entire operating costs rose. For example, if motor fuel costs rose, but were offset by a reduction in the cost of tires, the carrier could not request a rate increase.
The law has changed so that household goods carriers can base a rate increase application on a single operating cost. When the industry is hit with fast and significant increases in a single unit of cost, it can be passed on through a rate increase more quickly.
MoDOT’s Motor Carrier Services Division enlisted the support of an industry advisory team to help develop rules and filing procedure changes required by the new law.
This provision is effective on August 28, 2007.
If you have questions, please call MoDOT Motor Carrier Services toll-free at 1-866-831-6277 and follow the prompts for Operating Authority.
Commercial Zone Household Goods Carriers
Applicants to date 
