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.
Example estimates in Tennessee: low, average, high
Studio (low) through 4-bedroom (high), computed with the same model as the ReloFig calculators — not hand-written. Your own move will differ.
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
Sample city estimates in Tennessee
A few of the cities we cover, with model 2-bedroom ranges. Open a city for its full guide.
| City | 2-bedroom estimate |
|---|---|
| Nashville → | $527 – $1,859 |
| Memphis → | $452 – $1,598 |
| Knoxville → | $527 – $1,859 |
Formula & data sources
Sources: BLS OES mover wages; published mover rate surveys. Compiled August 2025.
When to use this estimate
- Use this for a local or in-town move within Tennessee that a mover bills by the hour.
- Crossing state lines? Use the Long-Distance Move calculator — interstate work is priced by linehaul miles, not hours.
- Need a written budget? Print our Local Budget Worksheet and Scam Card for walkthroughs.
Frequently asked questions
Who regulates intrastate movers in Tennessee?
Tennessee Department of Revenue – Motor Carrier Services (TN DOR) oversees household-goods movers operating entirely within Tennessee. Verify a mover at https://www.tn.gov/revenue/motor-carrier.html. Interstate movers fall under FMCSA (safer.fmcsa.gov).
How do I file a moving complaint in Tennessee?
File online via the state portal (https://www.tn.gov/consumer), or by phone at 1-615-741-4737. For interstate moves also contact FMCSA (1-888-368-7238) and the DOT OIG (1-800-424-9071).
What are my consumer protections in Tennessee?
For-hire movers must obtain Intrastate Operating Authority from TN DOR (Form E liability + Form H cargo insurance) Always get three written estimates and keep your Bill of Lading.
How much does a local move cost in Tennessee?
Model estimates for a 2-bedroom home run roughly $527–$1,859, scaled by home size and local cost of living. These are model figures, not quotes — confirm with licensed movers' written estimates.
Do I need a permit for a local move in Tennessee?
A moving permit is usually not required for the move itself, but parking/loading permits for the truck may be required by the city or building. Check with your city and building management before move day.
Sources: www.tn.gov www.mx.iamtrusted.org legalclarity.org . ReloFig does not sell your information.