What HHG Operating Authority Means
When you hire an interstate mover, the single most important credential is household-goods (HHG) operating authority. Here's what it is and why it matters.
Authority types
FMCSA grants operating authority by category: household goods (HHG), general freight (property), and passenger. A carrier can hold one, several, or none. Only HHG authority permits a company to transport your household belongings across state lines for compensation.
'Not authorized for HHG' is a factual red flag
Some companies advertise moving services but hold only property (freight) authority — or no authority at all. That's negative-space information: the absence of HHG authority is exactly the signal a consumer needs. MoverProof surfaces it plainly.
Active vs. revoked
Authority can be active, not authorized, or revoked. Revoked authority means FMCSA pulled the carrier's license — a serious signal. Always confirm the status on the official FMCSA SAFER snapshot linked from every profile.
Interstate vs. intrastate
FMCSA authority governs interstate (state-to-state) moves. Moves entirely within one state are regulated by that state, not FMCSA — so a local-only mover may legitimately lack federal HHG authority. Check your state's mover regulator for intrastate moves.
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