Of the 243 household-goods movers on record in Louisiana, 72 have no federal interstate operating authority. That comes from a MovePricer analysis of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) licensing data, compiled November 1, 2026. These 72 are 29.6 percent of the state's movers on record. The national rate is a little higher at 31.9 percent (12,031 of 37,681 movers), and Louisiana ranks 21st of 51 on this measure. In the same data, 59 household-goods carriers with Louisiana business addresses hold active federal interstate authority.
Being in-state-only is not a mark against a mover. It means the company may move you from one Louisiana address to another but not into another state. That becomes a problem when the job crosses a state line.
Why the state line matters, even on a short move
FMCSA regulates interstate household-goods moves. Any company moving your belongings from one state to another has to follow federal rules, wherever the company is based. Distance doesn't change that. A move from Shreveport-Bossier into East Texas, from the Northshore to the Mississippi Gulf Coast or from Lake Charles to Beaumont is an interstate move. The mover needs a USDOT number and active federal authority to carry household goods.
A USDOT number by itself isn't enough. FMCSA says a registered moving company is different from an authorized one, and that a company "may be registered but not authorized to move household goods." Brokers are different again. They book your move and pass it to a carrier. They don't own trucks or take possession of your goods.
What federal rules give you on an interstate move
- A rights booklet. Interstate movers must give you FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move before the move.
- The 110 percent rule. On a non-binding estimate, the mover cannot require you to pay more than 110 percent of the estimate at delivery. On a binding estimate, the cap is 100 percent. The mover can add charges for extra services you asked for after signing, plus up to 15 percent for "impracticable operations" defined in its tariff.
- A choice of coverage. Interstate movers must offer Full Value Protection, which covers replacement value, or Released Value. Released Value costs nothing extra but pays no more than 60 cents per pound per item.
If an in-state-only company takes your belongings across a state line, it is operating without the federal authority the law requires for that trip.
Louisiana's rules for in-state moves
Moves that start and end inside Louisiana are regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). Under R.S. 45:164(E), every intrastate household-goods mover must get an LPSC common carrier certificate before doing any moving work. The statute also requires:
- cargo insurance of at least $50,000 per truck and $100,000 per incident
- workers' compensation insurance
- a $5,000 surety bond
- a permanent place of business in Louisiana
Under a 2013 LPSC order, customers have the right to a written estimate. They can waive it only through a waiver that clearly explains that right. The commission also requires in-state movers to show their LPSC certificate number in all advertising. Relocation companies and third-party moving services that use carriers without a certificate can be cited by the commission.
Recent enforcement in Louisiana
LPSC records show the commission does pursue movers that break these rules:
- The commission cited Metro Moving, LLC for moving household goods while its certificate was voluntarily suspended. The owner signed an affidavit admitting the violation and agreed to a $2,000 fine.
- A 2025 LPSC proceeding found that staff proved Nola Moving violated commission rules. The commission moved to enforce a $1,000 fine and a $25 citation fee.
- The commission's January 30, 2026 Official Bulletin listed new citations against several movers. They include allegations of moving household goods before meeting the commission's requirements. These are allegations, not findings.
Enforcement can also depend on which agency has jurisdiction. Years ago, then-Attorney General Buddy Caldwell told the Press Club of Baton Rouge that his office had found moving scams. He also said the way the law is written can make it hard to get the right agencies involved.
How to check a mover before you sign
- Moving out of state? Ask for the mover's USDOT number. Look it up with FMCSA's mover search at protectyourmove.gov, or check its federal record free at movepricer.com/check. Confirm it has active authority to carry household goods, not just a registration.
- Moving within Louisiana? Confirm the company holds an active LPSC certificate. LPSC staff can also tell you whether a carrier has outstanding fines or citations.
- Booked through a website or call center? Find out whether you're dealing with a broker, and which carrier will actually do the move.
- Get the estimate in writing, and on an interstate move, read the coverage option before you sign.
- If something goes wrong, file in-state complaints with the LPSC Transportation Division (225-342-4439). File interstate complaints with FMCSA (1-888-368-7238). The Louisiana Attorney General's office is another option. This article is not legal advice. For your specific situation, contact those agencies.