Starting a moving company: your first-month checklist

The usual order of things. Pick your state below for its exact rules, deadlines and official links.

1. 1

   Get your mover registrations

   Moving household goods across state lines needs a USDOT number and household goods authority from FMCSA, insurance and a BOC-3 on file, and an arbitration program for disputes. Moves only inside your state are regulated by the state, and many states require a mover's permit. How to get a USDOT number

2. 2

   Insure your trucks and the goods you carry

   Commercial auto covers the truck; cargo coverage protects customers' belongings. Interstate movers must keep proof on file with FMCSA. See options

3. 3

   Get general liability insurance

   Covers damage to a building or a customer's home during a move. See options

4. 4

   Get your EIN

   Free from the IRS, online in about 10 minutes. Banks, clients and payroll all ask for it. You never need to pay a service for it. How to get it free

5. 5

   Open a business bank account

   Keeps the company's money separate from yours, which is what protects your LLC. See options

6. 6

   Payroll and workers' comp before your first hire

   Most states require workers' comp once you have employees, and payroll software handles the tax filings. See options