How to Start a Moving Company (Moving Business): Licences, Trucks, Insurance, Pricing and Customers

To start a moving company: choose your services (local residential, long-distance, labour-only, commercial/office, specialty items), register the business and get required licences (state moving permits; for interstate moves in the US, a USDOT number and MC authority), buy insurance (liability, cargo, auto, workers' comp), get trucks and equipment, hire and train movers, set pricing and an online quote and booking process, and market with Google Business Profile, reviews and real estate partnerships.

Steps

1. Services: start local or labour-only to reduce startup costs
2. Business setup: entity, bank account, contracts and bill of lading templates
3. Licences: state/local moving licences; interstate authority where required
4. Insurance: general liability, cargo, commercial auto, workers' comp
5. Equipment: truck(s) (lease or buy), dollies, pads, straps, ramps, tools
6. Team: reliable movers, training on lifting safety and furniture protection
7. Pricing: hourly for local, weight/distance for long-distance (see How much does a moving company cost?)
8. Quotes and booking: online inventory forms, video surveys, deposits, reminders (see How to make a booking website)
9. Marketing: Google Business Profile, local SEO, reviews, real estate agents, property managers, storage facilities
10. Grow: add trucks, packing services, storage and commercial moves

Frequently asked questions

How do I start a moving company?

Choose services, register the business, get licences and insurance, acquire trucks and equipment, hire movers, set pricing, offer online quotes and market locally.

Do I need a licence to start a moving company?

Usually; requirements vary by state or country, and interstate movers in the US need a USDOT number and operating authority.

How much does it cost to start a moving business?

Labour-only services can start cheaply; owning trucks, insurance and staff increases costs significantly.

How do moving companies get customers?

Google searches and reviews, real estate agents, property managers, storage facilities and referrals.

Is a moving company profitable?

It can be with good pricing, efficient crews, strong reviews and steady demand, especially in peak season.

What is labour-only moving?

Movers load or unload a customer's rental truck or container without providing transport.