Every state regulates moving companies differently — Tennessee included. This guide covers what a legal Tennessee mover must hold, what the law says about estimates and deposits, where residents are actually moving, and one phone line that reaches professional moving companies serving the state.
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The rulebook
Tennessee still regulates intrastate movers - this did not move to the Tennessee Public Utility Commission, and it was not fully deregulated. Under Tenn. Code Ann. Section 65-15-107, it is unlawful for any for-hire motor carrier to use Tennessee public highways to transport property in intrastate commerce without a permit, and under Section 65-15-109 the written application (accompanied by a $50.00 fee) goes to the Department of Revenue. The Department of Revenue calls this credential 'Intrastate Authority'; applicants must file an Intrastate Authority Application, designate a Tennessee agent for service of process, and have their insurer file Form E (bodily injury and property damage) and, for household goods carriers, Form H (cargo insurance). Regulation moved from the former Public Service Commission to the Departments of Revenue and Safety under Public Chapter 305 of 1995 and Public Chapter 826 of 2002; the Department of Safety's rules in Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. Chapter 1340-06-01 define a household goods carrier as the holder of a common carrier certificate authorizing household goods transportation. There is no public online lookup of intrastate authority holders - ask the mover for proof of its authority and insurance, or contact the Department of Revenue to verify.
| Question | Tennessee answer |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Tennessee Department of Revenue (intrastate operating authority) and Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (household goods mover rules) |
| Credential a legal mover holds | Intrastate Authority - a for-hire motor carrier permit/certificate issued by the Tennessee Department of Revenue, with insurance filings (Form E liability and Form H cargo, the cargo form being required for household goods haulers) |
| Estimate rules | Tennessee estimates are regulated but are not binding prices. Under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1340-06-01-.13(2), if the actual charges will exceed the mover's estimate by more than 10 percent or $25.00 (whichever is greater), the mover must notify you of the actual amount, at the mover's expense, as soon as it is determined and before delivery; every household goods bill of lading must show how the estimate was made and its amount; and movers must file monthly underestimate reports with the Commissioner of Safety and Homeland Security. Under Rules 1340-06-01-.02 and -.03, movers must keep their tariffs (rate schedules) open for public inspection and may not charge more or less than the rates in their filed tariffs. Under Rule 1340-06-01-.13(4), each mover must give every prospective customer an information pamphlet prescribed or approved by the Commissioner. Weight-based charges must follow the certified-scale weighing procedures in Rule 1340-06-01-.13(1), and you may demand a reweigh before delivery, with the lower net weight used for charges. |
| Deposit rules | Tennessee law sets no specific dollar cap on moving deposits. However, under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1340-06-01-.03, a mover may not collect compensation greater than, less than, or different from the rates in its filed tariff, so total charges - however collected - must match the tariff. |
| Liability / valuation | Tennessee sets carrier insurance floors rather than a cents-per-pound valuation minimum. Under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1340-06-01-.07, intrastate property carriers operating vehicles of 10,000 pounds GVWR or more must carry at least $750,000 in liability insurance, and intrastate motor common carriers must maintain cargo liability security of at least $5,000 for loss or damage to property on any one vehicle and $10,000 aggregate for losses at any one time and place. For claims, Rule 1340-06-01-.13(3) requires the mover to acknowledge a written loss-or-damage claim within 30 calendar days and to pay, decline, or make a firm written settlement offer within 120 days, with written status updates every 30 days after that if the claim is still open. No Tennessee rule sets a released-value cents-per-pound minimum; the mover's liability terms appear in its tariff and bill of lading, so read both before loading. |
| Where to complain | For deceptive practices, overcharges, or hostage-load situations, file with the Tennessee Attorney General's Division of Consumer Affairs at https://www.tn.gov/attorneygeneral/working-for-tennessee/consumer/file-a-complaint.html or (615) 741-4737. For violations of the household goods mover rules (estimates, weighing, loss and damage claim handling), the responsible agency named in Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1340-06-01-.13 is the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37243. Interstate move complaints go to the FMCSA at protectyourmove.gov. |
No significant changes to Tennessee's intrastate household goods mover statutes (Tenn. Code Ann. Title 65, Chapter 15) or the household goods rules in Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1340-06-01 were identified for 2024-2026; the rule chapter's latest compiled revision remains August 2021.
The moment your move leaves Tennessee, federal FMCSA rules take over: the mover needs an active USDOT number, estimates must be in writing, non-binding estimates carry the federal 110% cap on what's due at delivery, and you're entitled to the 'Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move' booklet plus access to arbitration. Our field guide walks each protection in plain English.
Tennessee took in 203,156 people from other states and sent 180,407 out in the most recent Census migration year — net +22,749, ranking #18 of 51 on arrivals per 1,000 residents. 12.3% of residents changed homes within the year (ACS). Here is where the traffic actually goes:
| Destination | Movers/yr |
|---|---|
| Georgia | 17,332 |
| Florida | 15,663 |
| Kentucky | 14,444 |
| Mississippi | 13,818 |
| Alabama | 12,640 |
| Origin | Movers/yr |
|---|---|
| California | 23,961 |
| Florida | 21,195 |
| Texas | 14,618 |
| Georgia | 12,600 |
| New York | 11,363 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS state-to-state migration flows. Full 51-state rankings on the study page.
Season & timing
Tennessee's peak moving months coincide with its spring severe-weather season - March through May brings frequent tornado and severe thunderstorm outbreaks statewide - so build weather slack into spring moving dates and confirm how your mover handles storm delays; summer moves face high heat and humidity, especially in West Tennessee.
The national demand math still applies on top of the weather: May through September is peak, month-ends spike with leases, and mid-month mid-week dates are the reliable capacity valley. Flexible dates are worth more than any coupon.
Services
How it works in Tennessee, what drives the estimate, and the questions that catch problems early.
How it works →How it works in Tennessee, what drives the estimate, and the questions that catch problems early.
How it works →How it works in Tennessee, what drives the estimate, and the questions that catch problems early.
How it works →How it works in Tennessee, what drives the estimate, and the questions that catch problems early.
How it works →Q & A
Interstate pricing is built on shipment weight, mileage, and services (packing, stairs, shuttles, storage), documented on a rated order for service. That's why phone estimates without an inventory are guesses — and why the written estimate rules exist.
Tipping is customary but never required, and no legitimate crew will pressure you. If the crew was careful and fast, cash per mover at the end of the day is the norm; if something went wrong, your money should go to the claims process instead.
Legitimate in-home or video surveys are typically free for sizable moves — the estimate is how professionals compete. What matters more is that the estimate is WRITTEN, based on your actual inventory, and labeled binding or non-binding, which controls what you owe at delivery under federal rules for interstate moves.
Hazardous materials (propane, paint, aerosols, gasoline), perishables on long hauls, plants across many state lines, and usually cash, documents, and jewelry — carry the irreplaceable yourself. Every professional mover has a written non-allowables list; ask for it before packing day.
Interstate movers commit to a delivery window on the order for service, and reasonable-dispatch rules apply; delay claims are real and documented ones get paid. Get the window in writing and keep receipts if a delay forces expenses — that paper is your claim.
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Local or long-distance, one call gets your dates, access questions, and estimate process sorted — no forms, no number-selling.