Start a Moving Company in Illinois
Launch a professional moving business in Illinois. Estimated startup costs: $20,400 - $102,000
Important Notices
Federal
Interstate moving without proper USDOT and MC numbers is a federal offense with fines up to $16,000 per violation.
Insurance
Operating without required insurance minimums can result in immediate shutdown and personal liability for damages.
Estimates
Federal law requires written estimates for interstate moves. Providing verbal-only estimates is illegal.
Claims
You must have a claims process and provide customers with information about filing claims for lost or damaged items.
State
Illinois requires Household Goods Carrier Permit from Illinois Commerce Commission for intrastate moves. Operating without this permit can result in fines and impoundment.
Important Notices
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| USDOT Registration Federal motor carrier identification number | $300 | $300 |
| MC Number Motor carrier operating authority for interstate | $300 | $300 |
| Household Goods Carrier Permit Illinois intrastate moving authority | $204 | $204 |
| Business License State and local business registration | $153 | $153 |
| Moving Truck 26-foot box truck (used) | $35,700 | $35,700 |
| Equipment Dollies, straps, blankets, tools | $5,100 | $5,100 |
| Insurance (Annual) Cargo, liability, and commercial auto insurance | $8,160 | $8,160 |
| Surety Bond $75,000 bond required for interstate HHG movers | $75,000 | $75,000 |
| Marketing Website, truck lettering, advertising | $2,040 | $2,040 |
| Total | $126,957 | $126,957 |
USDOT & State Requirements
Business Registration
Register your business entity with Illinois Secretary of State.
Illinois Secretary of State
Business License
Obtain general business license from your city or county.
Local Government
USDOT Number
Required for interstate moving. Register with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
FMCSA
MC Number
Motor Carrier operating authority required for interstate household goods transportation.
FMCSA
Cargo Liability Insurance
Minimum $5,000 per vehicle, $10,000 per occurrence for interstate moves.
Insurance Provider
Public Liability Insurance
Minimum $750,000 required for interstate household goods movers.
Insurance Provider
$75,000 Surety Bond
Required bond for interstate household goods movers to protect consumers.
FMCSA
BOC-3 Filing
Designation of process agents in each state where you operate.
FMCSA
Household Goods Carrier Permit
Required for intrastate moving in Illinois.
Illinois Commerce Commission
Workers' Compensation
Required if you have employees.
Illinois Workers' Comp Board
Commercial Driver's License
CDL required for drivers operating vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR.
Illinois DMV
USDOT & State Requirements
Chicago
Moving company services in Chicago, IL
Springfield
Moving company services in Springfield, IL
Naperville
Moving company services in Naperville, IL
Rockford
Moving company services in Rockford, IL
Peoria
Moving company services in Peoria, IL
Moving Company Costs in Other States
View all 50 statesIllinois Moving Company Tips
Start with local moves while waiting for MC authority approval (10+ days)
Display USDOT number on both sides of all commercial vehicles
Always provide written estimates - it's federal law for interstate moves
Keep detailed inventories and condition reports to avoid damage claims
Train crews on proper lifting and packing techniques to reduce injuries and claims
Illinois Moving Company Tips
Form Your Business
Register your business entity (LLC recommended) with Illinois Secretary of State and obtain EIN from IRS.
Apply for USDOT Number
Register with FMCSA through the Unified Registration System (URS) to obtain your USDOT number.
Apply for MC Authority
File OP-1(HHG) form for household goods motor carrier authority. There is a 10-day protest period.
Secure Insurance & Bond
Obtain required cargo insurance, public liability coverage ($750,000 minimum), and $75,000 surety bond.
File BOC-3
Designate process agents using Form BOC-3 for each state where you'll operate.
Obtain Household Goods Carrier Permit
Apply to Illinois Commerce Commission for state operating authority.
Acquire Vehicles & Equipment
Purchase or lease moving trucks. Trucks must display USDOT number on both sides.
Launch Operations
Create tariff (rate schedule), train staff, and begin marketing your services.