Know the rules before comparing

Interstate vs intrastate moving estimates

The pickup and delivery route determines which estimate rules may apply. Federal household-goods protections generally govern interstate moves; a move entirely within one state is generally governed by that state's rules.

Reviewed September 1, 2026 · Confirm unusual routes with the mover and the appropriate federal or state regulator.

The short answer

Interstate move

A move is interstate when goods move between a place in one state and a place in another state. Federal jurisdiction also covers transportation between two places in one state when the route goes through another state. FMCSA notes that the truck itself does not always have to cross the line when the shipment's transportation involves another interstate mode or leg. Source: FMCSA General Moving FAQs.

Intrastate move

A move performed entirely within one state, without being part of interstate transportation, is generally intrastate. FMCSA states that moves entirely within a state's boundaries are regulated by state law. The responsible agency, required license, rate method, estimate form, and dispute process vary by state. Source: FMCSA Protect Your Move Background.

Local and long-distance are not legal categories

A 300-mile move can remain intrastate if it stays within one state, while a short move across a state line is interstate. Do not decide which rules apply from mileage or a marketing label alone.

Use this move-type check

Common route patterns and the likely framework
Route or arrangement	Likely classification	Next verification step
Pickup in one state, delivery in another	Interstate	Verify the mover's FMCSA registration, authority, and U.S. DOT number.
Pickup and delivery in the same state; route stays in that state	Generally intrastate	Check the state's mover regulator and required estimate rules.
Pickup and delivery in the same state; transportation route passes through another state	Interstate under 49 U.S.C. § 13501	Ask the mover to identify the planned route and federal authority in writing.
A local mover handles one part of a shipment that continues across state lines by truck, rail, ship, or another mode	May be part of interstate transportation	Ask who holds the through contract or bill of lading and confirm jurisdiction with FMCSA and the state agency.
Temporary storage appears between pickup and the intended out-of-state destination	Do not assume storage turns it into an intrastate move	Document the intended final destination and ask the regulator if the classification is unclear.

The federal jurisdiction statute covers motor-carrier transportation between states and transportation between two points in one state through another state. Source: 49 U.S.C. § 13501, U.S. House Office of the Law Revision Counsel.

What changes on the estimate?

Interstate federal baseline compared with intrastate verification
Question	Interstate federal baseline	Intrastate move
Who regulates the move?	FMCSA regulates interstate household-goods motor carriers, alongside other applicable federal and state enforcement roles.	The applicable state or local agency generally sets and enforces the mover rules.
What registration should I verify?	Verify the interstate mover or broker in FMCSA's database and review its role, U.S. DOT number, authority, and complaint history.	Verify the license, registration, or permit required by the state; a U.S. DOT number alone does not prove compliance with every state rule.
Is a written estimate required?	Part 375 requires a written estimate identifying total charges as binding or non-binding, based on a physical survey unless the shipper signs a qualifying waiver.	Requirements vary. Ask the state regulator which written estimate, tariff, hourly-rate, weight, distance, or other rules apply.
Does the 110 percent rule apply?	It applies to the amount collectible at delivery in specified interstate non-binding-estimate circumstances, with separate treatment for later-requested services and impracticable operations.	Do not assume so. A state may use a different cap, disclosure rule, payment rule, or no comparable rule.
Which consumer booklet should I receive?	FMCSA requires interstate movers and brokers to provide Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move and related federal information.	Look for the state's required consumer notice, if any, and use the state complaint process.

Source: 49 CFR § 375.401; source: FMCSA Consumer Rights and Responsibilities.

Worked examples

Miami to Orlando

If the goods travel entirely within Florida and are not part of a continuing interstate shipment, the move is generally intrastate. Use Florida's mover requirements rather than automatically applying Part 375.

Miami to Atlanta

The origin and destination are in different states, so this is an interstate move. Verify the mover's federal authority and compare the written estimate under the interstate framework.

Two in-state addresses through another state

If the transportation goes from one point in a state to another point in that state through a different state, federal law treats the transportation as interstate. Confirm the planned route before choosing the regulatory framework.

Examples simplify the facts. Storage, multiple carriers, containers, military or employer arrangements, international legs, and the intended final destination can change the analysis. When the facts are mixed, ask both FMCSA and the state regulator rather than relying on the quote's label.

Compare quotes only after the framework matches

Write the pickup address, delivery address, intended final destination, and planned route.
Confirm whether the company is the carrier, a broker, or both, and identify every known carrier.
Verify the appropriate federal or state registration before relying on the estimate.
Label the estimate type and rate basis exactly as the document states; do not force state terminology into a federal category.
Match the inventory, packing, accessorial services, liability option, pickup and delivery windows, payment terms, and cancellation terms.
Ask the mover to explain in writing which law, tariff, or rule governs the quoted charges.

Once you know which rules apply, use the apples-to-apples moving quote guide and the accessorial charges checklist to compare the same belongings and services.

Where to verify the mover and the rules

For an interstate move

Search FMCSA's mover and broker database.
Confirm the company name, role, U.S. DOT number, operating authority, address, and contact information.
Read the federal consumer booklet and estimate sections before signing.

For an intrastate move

Find the state agency that regulates household-goods movers.
Confirm the state license and any required tariff, estimate, insurance, or consumer-notice rules.
Use the state's complaint and enforcement process if a problem arises.

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