Commerce and Compliance Division
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 Two movers loading a moving truck
May is National Moving Month: ODOT offers important tips before your next move
May 12, 2026
Media contact: Chris Crabb, chris.c.crabb@odot.oregon.gov, 971-304-9705
SALEM – May is National Moving Month and marks the start of peak moving season, with most U.S. moves occurring between May and August. According to U.S. Census data, around 40 million people moved in 2024. Whether you’re moving across the city or across the country, selecting a certified moving company can make the difference between a stress-free move and one resulting in damage, mishandling, overcharging or theft.
When a move takes place in Oregon, moving company rates and services are regulated by the Oregon Department of Transportation Commerce and Compliance Division. Staff review a variety of information about each applicant to determine if a certificate can be granted to the moving company. This includes the application, business filings, federal DOT number, bond and insurance filing history, criminal background information and safety records.
“Non-certified moving companies can be dishonest, dangerous, provide poor service and put customers at risk,” said ODOT Commerce and Compliance Division Investigation and Compliance Manager Leah Cisneros. “When consumers choose a non-certified mover – intentionally or unintentionally – there may be little or no protection for loss or damage to their property.”
ODOT advises anyone looking to hire a moving company in Oregon to consider the following:
Effective this year, Oregon Senate Bill 839 triples the civil penalty for transporting household goods without a valid ODOT certificate to $3,000 per violation. The bill also expands the use of the civil penalty to apply to advertising or offering transportation of household goods without a valid ODOT certificate. This targets non-certified movers who operate outside the law.
Additional information about ODOT’s regulations and how to become a certified mover are available on our website at oregon.gov.
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