Moving in Tennessee: Regulations, Rights & Costs
Everything you need before hiring a mover in Tennessee — the regulator, how to verify a license, where to complain, your protections, and typical local move costs.
Who regulates movers in Tennessee?
Tennessee Department of Revenue – Motor Carrier Services (TN DOR)
https://www.tn.gov/revenue/motor-carrier.html
- License required (intrastate): Yes
- License lookup: verify a mover
- Deposit cap: No specific state deposit cap identified; verify with TN DOR. TN regulates licensing/safety but has limited HHG-specific consumer-protection statutes.
How to file a complaint in Tennessee
Online: https://www.tn.gov/consumer
Phone: 1-615-741-4737
Mail: Tennessee Department of Revenue, Motor Carrier Services, 500 Deaderick St, Nashville, TN 37242
For interstate moves, also use FMCSA (1-888-368-7238) and the DOT OIG (1-800-424-9071). Full guide.
Your consumer protections in Tennessee
- For-hire movers must obtain Intrastate Operating Authority from TN DOR (Form E liability + Form H cargo insurance)
- Movers must designate a process agent and pay annual fees
- Consumer disputes to TN Division of Consumer Affairs (verify: TN's consumer-protection regime for HHG is limited compared with PSC-states)
Key statutes & rules
- Tennessee Code Annotated Title 65 (motor carriers)
- Intrastate Authority required for for-hire carriers (incl. household goods)
Tennessee requires Intrastate Authority (motor carrier permit) from the DOR for household goods carriers; however, economic/consumer-protection regulation is minimal (no tariff, no 110% rule). Interstate movers fall under FMCSA.
Typical local move cost in Tennessee
Local move estimate for South region (2 movers + truck, excludes packing/materials). Figures are model estimates, not quotes.
| Home size | Estimated range |
|---|---|
| Studio | $278 – $893 |
| 1 bed | $361 – $1,279 |
| 2 bed | $527 – $1,859 |
| 3 bed | $692 – $2,438 |
| 4 bed | $858 – $3,018 |
Estimates use the ReloFig model (BLS wages × regional × South factor). Always get three written quotes. Methodology.
Cities in Tennessee
Sources: www.tn.gov www.mx.iamtrusted.org legalclarity.org . ReloFig does not sell your information.