SALEM – Choosing the right moving company should include more research than just a quick online search. Entrusting belongings to an unauthorized mover may result in damage, mishandling, overcharging and theft.

The Oregon Department of Transportation, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, addressed the issue of unauthorized household goods moving companies at a covert operation in Clackamas County on Aug. 20. The operation was designed to enforce regulations that protect consumers and uphold the integrity of authorized moving companies.

Law enforcement agencies cited four unauthorized moving companies for operating without a required certificate: Your Stuff Movers, The Mover Company, Marion Mountain Movers and Portland Movers 24/7. Additional violations included:

  • Failure to carry proof of liability insurance.
  • Medical card violation.
  • Operating without an active USDOT number.
  • Operating a commercial motor vehicle without the name displayed on the vehicle.
  • Failure to have required information on rental agreement.
  • Driver not physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
  • Failure to carry or maintain a proper fire extinguisher.

Why moving companies need certification in Oregon

In Oregon, moving companies are regulated to keep consumers safe. According to state law, any individual or company offering to transport household items must be certified by ODOT. To get certified, applicants need to prove they are fit, able and willing to provide this service. By enforcing this statute, ODOT aims to eliminate unlicensed and dishonest moving companies that can be dangerous, provide poor service and put customers at risk.

Moving companies offering, advertising or transporting without authorization in Oregon are subject to a $3,000 civil monetary penalty issued by the ODOT Commerce and Compliance Division. ODOT will issue this penalty to all four of the moving companies cited at the operation to help deter future unauthorized moves and encourage compliance. The penalty increased from $1,000 this year due to Senate Bill 839, which also expanded the scope for penalties.

“Operations like these ensure fair competition by supporting licensed and trustworthy moving companies by reducing competition from unlicensed movers,” said ODOT Commerce and Compliance Division Investigation and Compliance Manager Leah Cisneros. “Our regulations help keep people and their belongings safe.”

ODOT worked in partnership with representatives from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Beaverton Police Department and Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. At the operation, ODOT Commerce and Compliance Division staff sat down with the moving company representatives to help them learn how to become an authorized mover in the state. Each of the four movers were provided with an application for authority and a contact person at the department for additional questions. From two past operations, in 2023 and 2025, two carriers have since become authorized.

Don’t put your stuff or yourself in harm’s way: Tips for choosing a moving company

ODOT advises anyone looking to hire a moving company to consider the following:

  • Make sure the mover is certified by ODOT. Intrastate movers should have this certification, which involves background checks and adherence to an approved tariff of rates. You can find certified movers on ODOT’s Household Goods Moving website.
  • Read reviews and gather information. Be cautious of movers with little information or no physical location.
  • Hire movers with vehicles in good working condition. Both the vehicle and driver must be properly registered with the state and meet minimum insurance requirements.
  • File a complaint. Victims of unauthorized movers can report issues to the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Division.
​Media contact: Chris Crabb, chris.c.crabb@odot.oregon.gov, 971-304-9705​