Of the 82 household-goods movers on record in West Virginia, 16 have no federal interstate operating authority. They can only handle moves that start and end inside West Virginia. That works out to 19.5%, according to MovePricer's analysis of FMCSA licensing, revocation and out-of-service data compiled October 24, 2026. Nationally the share is higher: 12,031 of 37,681 movers on record, or 31.9%. That puts West Virginia 33rd of 51 in MovePricer's ranking on this measure. By business address, 18 West Virginia movers hold active federal household-goods authority.
A lower share than the national figure doesn't mean much to someone who books one of those 16 companies for a move out of state. In that case, the company isn't authorized to do the job.
Why a state line changes the rules
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 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 has nothing to do with it. Much of West Virginia sits right next to a state line. A short trip from Huntington to Ashland, Ky., from Wheeling into Ohio, or from the Eastern Panhandle to Hagerstown, Md., is still an interstate move. A mover with in-state-only authority isn't authorized to do it, and the federal protections below are written for interstate moves.
West Virginia no longer licenses in-state movers
In 2017 the Legislature passed SB 174, Exempting transportation of household goods from PSC jurisdiction. It was signed and took effect July 7, 2017. According to a USA Today Network consumer guide, West Virginia doesn't require movers to obtain a specific license to operate within state lines. The same guide says the PSC's Transportation Division still oversees registration and safety compliance for intrastate motor carriers generally, but specific moving company regulations no longer exist at the state level. Some moving directories still say the Public Service Commission regulates movers, so check the date of anything you read.
If a mover treats you unfairly, the West Virginia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division handles complaints about unfair or deceptive business practices. The West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act provides legal protections against unfair or deceptive practices by businesses, including moving companies.
What federal rules give interstate customers
- Required paperwork: Before moving your household goods interstate, movers and brokers are required to give you the booklet entitled Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move, along with FMCSA's Ready to Move brochure.
- A written estimate: Your mover must provide you a written estimate of all charges, including transportation, accessorial, and advance charges. Your mover's "rate quote" is not an estimate. Be sure the estimate is based on actual or virtual inspection of your household goods.
- Limits on surprise charges: A binding estimate guarantees that you do not have to pay more than the estimated amount at the time of delivery. Under a nonbinding estimate, the moving company cannot require you to pay more than 110 percent of the non-binding estimate at the time of delivery.
- Delivery: FMCSA says that if you have paid 110% of the non-binding estimate or 100% of the binding estimate and the mover fails to deliver your goods, they have violated the Federal regulations.
- Liability options: 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.
- 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.
Enforcement in West Virginia
We did not find a recent West Virginia attorney-general action against a household-goods mover. The closest case in the public record involves mobile homes. In 2023, then-Attorney General Patrick Morrisey alleges in the suit that husband and wife Gary and Veronica May, son Joshua May and grandson Tyler May have been doing business without any of the required licenses as May Brothers Mobile Home Movers. The office said it had received at least 15 consumer complaints against the family. The lawsuit asked the Circuit Court of Putnam County to bar the defendants from violating the Act related to the selling, moving, delivering and set-up, and repair of mobile homes. These are allegations made in a lawsuit.
The Consumer Protection Division, now under Attorney General John B. McCuskey, takes complaints at 1-800-368-8808 or 304-558-8986. For interstate moves, FMCSA has established a website and a toll-free hotline (1-888-368-7238) to receive consumer complaints about interstate moves.
How to check a mover before you sign
- Get the USDOT number and look it up with MovePricer's free tool at movepricer.com/check or on FMCSA's site. If your move crosses a state line, the record should show active interstate household-goods authority. If it shows in-state only, that company can't take the job.
- Ask whether you're dealing with a mover or a broker. FMCSA notes that a legitimate mover explains whether they are a broker or a mover.
- Get the estimate in writing after an in-person or virtual walk-through, and know whether it's binding or non-binding.
- If something goes wrong, contact FMCSA for an interstate move and the West Virginia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division for any move. This article isn't legal advice. Those agencies can explain your options.