Statewide planning Check Ohio authority for the route
Ohio Revised Code §4921.32 requires a for-hire motor carrier transporting household goods in intrastate commerce to hold a current valid certificate issued by the commission. Review the current law and confirm the performing legal entity’s certificate status directly with PUCO before booking. Match the name in any official record to the legal entity on the estimate and contract.
- Ohio Revised Code §4921.32 requires a for-hire motor carrier transporting household goods in intrastate commerce to hold a current valid certificate issued by the commission. Review the current law and confirm the performing legal entity’s certificate status directly with PUCO before booking.
- For an interstate move, use FMCSA records to confirm the performing carrier or broker and its current household-goods authority.
- A USDOT number alone does not prove state authority, insurance, service quality, or endorsement.
- Match the legal entity on the official record to the estimate and contract.
Statewide planning Confirm the performing legal entity
Ask who will physically transport the household goods and whether that entity is acting as a carrier or broker. Compare the legal name, authority record, estimate, contract, and payment instructions before booking.
- Request PUCO registration details in writing.
- Confirm registration through PUCO's public channels.
- Check FMCSA records for interstate carriers and brokers.
- Document what you confirmed and when.
Statewide planning Estimates, valuation, and claims conversations
Gather written estimates from at least two or three registered companies using the same inventory so the comparison is fair. Ask each company to explain its estimate type, what circumstances change the final price, and how travel time and access conditions are treated. Ask what valuation coverage applies to loss or damage, how it differs from insurance, and exactly how to file a claim and by when. Get these answers in writing. A company that explains its paperwork clearly before booking is easier to work with if a dispute arises later.
- Is the estimate binding or non-binding, and what triggers changes?
- What valuation coverage is included, and what are the options?
- What is the claims process and filing deadline?
- How are travel time, stairs, and long carries reflected in the estimate?
Statewide planning Planning a move in Ohio
For a move within Ohio, give every company the exact addresses, date, inventory, requested services, property rules, truck access, carrying distance, and route constraints. Check current weather and road conditions close to the date and put delay, travel, access, and rescheduling assumptions in writing.
- Give every company the same move date, addresses, inventory, and requested services.
- Document stairs, elevators, gates, truck access, and carrying distance at both addresses.
- Check current weather and road conditions close to the move date.
- Put travel, delay, access, and rescheduling assumptions in writing.
Official resources Check current records and local guidance
Rules and public records can change. Use these official sources to confirm the requirements and access details that apply to your route and addresses.