More than half of the household-goods movers on record in Michigan are set up to work only inside the state. MovePricer compiled Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) licensing, revocation and out-of-service data as of October 17, 2026. It shows that 512 of the 969 movers on record in Michigan (52.8%) have no federal interstate authority. Nationally, 12,031 of 37,681 movers on record (31.9%) fall into the same group. Michigan has the 2nd-highest share of 51 jurisdictions ranked.
This does not mean these companies are doing anything wrong. A mover can legally handle moves that start and end in Michigan if it holds the right state authority. The risk is a mismatch: hiring an in-state-only company for a move that crosses a state or national border.
What the numbers show
Michigan has 172 household-goods carriers with active federal interstate operating authority, counted by business address. Counting household-goods brokers with active authority, the total is 181. Compare that with 512 in-state-only movers. Many of the moving companies a Michigan resident finds online or through a referral are not registered with the federal government to cross a state line.
Why a state line changes the rules
The Federal Trade Commission says that any company moving you across state lines or out of the U.S. must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. That includes moves that feel local. Monroe to Toledo, Niles to South Bend, Menominee to Marinette and Detroit to Windsor are all short trips, but each one leaves Michigan.
There is a narrow exception. Federal rules exempt some moves that cross state lines inside certain municipal "commercial zones" from FMCSA's household-goods regulations. FMCSA's example is a move between Brooklyn, New York, and Hackensack, New Jersey. If your move is short and crosses a border, ask FMCSA whether it counts as interstate. Don't rely on the mover's answer alone.
What federal rules give you on an interstate move
FMCSA's household-goods rules apply only when the mover transports your goods in interstate commerce. For those moves, an FMCSA-registered mover must:
- Give you a written estimate, either binding or non-binding. A binding estimate guarantees the total cost based on the quantities and services it lists.
- Collect no more than 110% of a non-binding estimate at delivery.
- Give you FMCSA's booklet Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.
Brokers that arrange interstate moves must also be registered with FMCSA and may use only FMCSA-registered movers. FMCSA says that a mover who has been paid 110% of a non-binding estimate, or 100% of a binding one, and then fails to deliver your goods has violated federal rules. These protections are written for federally registered interstate carriers. If you hire a mover that isn't registered for the trip, getting help from regulators can be much harder.
Michigan's rules for in-state moves
In Michigan, the Michigan State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (MSP/CVED) issues intrastate operating authority under the Motor Carrier Act of 1933. Every household-goods carrier, whether interstate or intrastate, must hold CVED Authority and renew it each year. MSP warns that a USDOT number alone does not prove a company is authorized to move household goods. The agency also says it gets many complaints every year about "hostage freight, cargo theft, and property damage." Its consumer page links to a public search of carriers with active Michigan authority.
If something goes wrong
For an interstate move, you can file a complaint with FMCSA at 1-888-368-7238 (1-888-DOT-SAFT). FMCSA says it cannot settle a dispute between you and your mover. Its complaints help it decide where to enforce the rules. For in-state moves, contact MSP/CVED at 517-284-3250 (option 4, then option 1). The Michigan Attorney General's Consumer Protection Team also takes complaints at 877-765-8388. The office says it can mediate but cannot act as your private attorney. For questions about your own legal options, contact FMCSA or the attorney general's office.
How to check a mover before you sign
- Match the authority to your route. If your move leaves Michigan, confirm the mover has active federal interstate authority for household goods. You can look up any mover's USDOT record free at movepricer.com/check or through FMCSA.
- For in-state moves, check Michigan authority. Search MSP's list of carriers with active CVED Authority. Remember that a USDOT number alone is not proof.
- Get a written estimate and confirm whether it is binding or non-binding before anything is loaded.
- Ask whether you're dealing with a broker or a carrier. If it's a broker, get the name and USDOT number of the company that will actually move you, and check that company too.
- For interstate moves, ask for the FMCSA booklet. A registered interstate mover is required to give it to you.