About one in three household-goods movers on record in Maine cannot legally move you out of the state. MovePricer compiled Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) licensing data on October 24, 2026. Of the 100 movers on record with a Maine business address, 34 have no federal interstate operating authority. They are limited to moves that start and end inside Maine.
That works out to 34 percent. Nationally the rate is 31.9 percent (12,031 of 37,681 movers on record). Maine ranks 18th of 51 on this measure. Only 22 Maine-based household-goods carriers hold active federal interstate authority.
An in-state-only mover isn't doing anything wrong by being in-state only. The problem comes when the job crosses a state line.
Why the state line matters
FMCSA enforces Federal consumer protection regulations related to the interstate shipment of household goods (i.e., household moves that cross State lines). Moves entirely within the boundaries of one State are regulated by State law. Interstate moving companies must seek authority from the FMCSA to conduct household goods moves and must comply with Federal requirements.
Distance doesn't decide which rules apply. Crossing a state line does. Maine's only land border is with New Hampshire, so a short move from Kittery or York to Portsmouth or Dover counts as interstate, the same as a move to Florida. FMCSA's consumer handbook says you should avoid brokers and movers that are not registered with FMCSA for these moves.
Some small local operators may have no USDOT number at all. According to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, carriers operating totally in INTRASTATE COMMERCE (within the state), with vehicles having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating, 10,000 pounds to 26,000 pounds generally don't need one. But vehicles in excess of 26,000 pounds, even in intrastate commerce, must obtain or display a USDOT number from the FMCSA. A missing USDOT number may be lawful for an in-state job. For an interstate job, it means stop.
What federal rules require on an interstate move
- Two federal guides. Before moving your household goods interstate, movers and brokers are required to give you the booklet entitled Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. Movers and brokers are also required to give you FMCSA's Ready to Move brochure.
- Written estimates. FMCSA requires your mover to provide written estimates on every shipment.
- A choice of liability coverage. Federal regulations require interstate household goods movers to provide consumers with the options of Full Value Protection or Release Value for liability for loss or damage on their shipments.
- A way to settle disputes. Before moving consumer's household goods, interstate movers are required to provide information regarding their dispute settlement program. Movers must offer a neutral dispute settlement program.
There is a limit, though. The FMCSA cannot settle your dispute with your mover. The agency does take complaints: FMCSA has established a website and a toll-free hotline (1-888-368-7238) to receive consumer complaints about interstate moves.
A Maine enforcement case
The most prominent recent action by the Maine Attorney General against a mover involved Liberty Bell Moving and Storage of Windham. On July 8, 2022, Frey filed a lawsuit against Finkenaur and Liberty Bell, accusing them of violating the federal Consumer Review Fairness Act and the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act. In January 2023 the office announced a settlement. It said its investigation found the company in violation of those laws and of regulations for businesses that engage in interstate moving operations.
In the agreement, which was approved by U.S. District Court, the business and Mr. Finkenaur agreed that they will pay $125,000. They also agreed to stop using a misleading email address that appeared to belong to the company's attorney. According to the office, Mr. Finkenaur used the email address to threaten customers who left negative reviews of the company's services. The company's contracts will also no longer require the consumer to absolve the company of all claims before service- a practice which violates Maine law. While the company expressly denied any wrongdoing or fault, it agreed to the settlement. This case was not about operating authority. It does show that the state will enforce consumer law against movers, including the federal interstate rules.
Where Mainers can get help
For moves inside Maine, start with the Attorney General. The Maine Attorney General takes complaints and refers most of them to their Consumer Mediation Service (CMS). The CMS will try to get the business to address your complaint and in some cases will assign a volunteer mediator to help you resolve your dispute. For interstate moves, also file with FMCSA. If the mover disappeared with your belongings or is holding them hostage, you should file a complaint but you can also contact the Maine Attorney General's office or local law enforcement. This article is not legal advice. For questions about your own move, contact FMCSA or the Maine Attorney General.
How to check a mover before you sign
- Figure out if your move is interstate. If the truck crosses into New Hampshire or anywhere else, even for a few miles, federal rules apply.
- Get the USDOT number and look it up. Enter it in the free lookup at movepricer.com/check or FMCSA's Protect Your Move search. For any interstate move, make sure the record shows active household-goods authority.
- Watch for red flags. FMCSA lists this one first: the moving company demands cash or a large deposit.
- Expect the federal guides. An interstate mover that doesn't hand over the FMCSA booklet and brochure isn't following the rules.
- For in-state moves, ask the Maine Attorney General's office which state rules apply.