Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Sep, 21 2025
Moving day in Mississippi can mean squeezing a moving truck through the narrow streets of Jackson, navigating low bridges outside Hattiesburg, or planning a safe unload near the Gulf Coast before a storm warning hits. While Mississippi may not be as heavily regulated as some other states, that doesn’t mean you can move without understanding the permits and licenses involved. City street-use rules, state transportation codes, and federal moving requirements still apply—and ignoring them can lead to fines, delays, or worse.
At Three Movers, we make sure every relocation—whether local, long-distance, or international—is compliant from the first mile to the last. This guide covers everything you need to know about Mississippi’s moving permits, local ordinances, truck regulations, and licensing rules so you can move with confidence in 2025.
Quick Overview of Required Permits & Licenses
| Document | When You Need It | Issued By | Typical Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Parking or Right-of-Way Permit | Moving truck or container parked in public lane | Local city (e.g., Jackson, Gulfport) | $10–$50 |
| Portable Storage Permit | PODS or U-Pack placed on a city street | Local municipality | $25–$75 |
| Intrastate Moving License | Mover operating within Mississippi | Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) | Varies |
| USDOT & MC Numbers | Interstate household moves | FMCSA | Free to verify |
| Oversize/Overweight (OS/OW) Vehicle Permit | Trucks exceeding legal size or weight | Mississippi Department of Transportation | $35–$125 |
| Campus Move-In Pass | Dorm unloading at MSU, Ole Miss, etc. | University parking office | Free–$25 |
| Export Documentation | International shipping | U.S. Customs & Port Agent | Varies |
Local Parking Rules in MS Cities
Jackson
- Temporary Parking Permit: Required if your truck will block the curb or right-of-way for more than 30 minutes.
- Permit Office: Department of Public Works—submit at least 48 hours before moving day.
- Warning: Blocking traffic lanes without a permit may result in citations or towed vehicles.
Gulfport & Biloxi
- Permit Needed: If placing storage units or moving trucks on public streets.
- Weather Restrictions: During hurricane season, the city may temporarily ban containers in evacuation zones.
Hattiesburg & Southaven
- Some neighborhoods restrict oversized vehicles or limit parking times; check with the local engineering or code enforcement office.
Three Movers tip: Always confirm city-specific curb use rules at least 3 business days before your move—especially in areas with limited street access or event schedules.
MS State Licensing Requirements for Intrastate Moves
If you’re hiring a moving company for a relocation within Mississippi, they must be registered with the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) as a licensed household goods carrier.
Requirements for In-State Movers
- Intrastate Certificate: Proof of approval by MDOT for residential moving services.
- Tariff Schedule: Movers must file rate sheets for all services and provide a written estimate to customers.
- Minimum Insurance: Movers must maintain cargo and liability insurance.
- Vehicle Registration: Commercial vehicles must be registered and marked with appropriate ID.
At Three Movers, we only partner with MDOT-registered carriers for in-state moves so that your belongings are protected and your mover is operating legally.
Interstate Moves: What You Need to Know
Planning a move to Alabama, Tennessee, or beyond? The moving company must have:
- A valid U.S. DOT number (Department of Transportation)
- A valid MC (Motor Carrier) number for household goods transport
- FMCSA registration, which ensures the company meets federal safety and insurance standards
Three Movers makes it easy—our partnered carriers are already verified with both DOT and MC authority, and you’ll receive that proof before you sign anything.
Oversize & Overweight Vehicle Rules
Large moving trucks and trailers that exceed legal dimensions must carry an oversize or overweight (OS/OW) permit from the Mississippi DOT.
Legal Limits Without a Permit
| Measurement | Limit |
|---|---|
| Width | 8 ft 6 in |
| Height | 13 ft 6 in |
| Length (combined) | 65 ft |
| Gross Weight | 80,000 lbs |
Any truck or trailer exceeding these must get a special permit before traveling in the state. The permit includes approved routes and time-of-day restrictions.
Note: Mississippi may limit travel for oversize loads during holidays, rush hours, or bad weather. At Three Movers, we manage these logistics for you.
Portable Storage Containers & PODS
When a Permit is Needed
- Public Streets: In most Mississippi cities, you need a permit to place a container like PODS or U-Pack on a public road, sidewalk, or alley.
- Private Property: No permit is required if the unit is fully on your property, such as a driveway or yard.
- HOAs: Some homeowner associations limit how long you can keep a container onsite, so always check.
Placement Time Limits
- Typically 3–7 days on city streets unless you apply for an extension.
Campus Move-In Rules at Mississippi Colleges
Moving into a dorm at Ole Miss, Mississippi State, or Southern Miss? You’ll need to follow university-specific move-in procedures.
University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
- Assigned move-in time slots and traffic loops
- Unloading permits provided during orientation week
Mississippi State University (MSU)
- Campus parking passes for unloading available from Parking Services
- Designated drop zones with a 30-minute limit
Southern Miss (USM)
- Temporary move-in permits issued via student housing
- Oversized trucks must park in perimeter lots
We coordinate truck arrival with your campus schedule and arrange smaller shuttle vehicles if necessary.
Rural Roads & Seasonal Considerations
Mississippi’s rural roads, particularly in the Delta and hill country, may have restrictions based on:
- Weight-Posted Bridges: Routes with low capacity may require detours.
- Flood-Prone Roads: Spring and hurricane season can shut down key roadways with little notice.
- Narrow Gravel Roads: In some rural counties, trailers over 26 ft may not be allowed without local clearance.
Three Movers pre-plans all routes with current MDOT advisories, ensuring safe and legal access from city to country.
International Moves from Mississippi
Shipping internationally from Mississippi? Although the state doesn’t have a major ocean port, your container will go by truck or rail to:
- Port of New Orleans
- Port of Mobile
- Port of Houston
Required Export Documents
- Bill of Lading
- AES Filing (Automated Export System) if the value exceeds $2,500
- Detailed inventory list in English and destination language
- Passport, visa, and customs forms
We handle all international paperwork and logistics so your overseas move clears both U.S. and foreign customs with zero hassle.
Insurance Requirements for Legal Movers
Whether your move is local or across state lines, all carriers must carry:
| Insurance Type | Minimum Coverage |
|---|---|
| Auto Liability | $750,000–$1 million |
| Cargo Insurance | At least $5,000 |
| General Liability | $1 million aggregate |
| Workers’ Compensation | If hiring employees |
Three Movers only works with fully insured carriers, and we provide your Certificate of Insurance before your move begins.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping parking permits in cities like Jackson or Biloxi—results in fines or towing.
- Using an unlicensed in-state mover—no MDOT certificate means no legal protection.
- Failing to get an oversize permit—state police can issue citations at weigh stations.
- Ignoring HOA time limits for PODS—can lead to violations or daily fines.
- Missing your campus move-in window—can delay access to dorm unloading zones.
Move-Day Checklist
✅ Confirm mover’s MDOT intrastate certificate or federal USDOT/MC numbers
✅ File parking or right-of-way permits with your city
✅ Secure an oversize permit if needed
✅ Get HOA or landlord approval for truck/container use
✅ Reserve campus move-in pass (if applicable)
✅ Collect Certificate of Insurance from your carrier
✅ Prepare export documents for international moves
Why Three Movers Makes Mississippi Moves Easier
We handle the red tape. Permits, licenses, container placement approvals—done.
We verify every carrier. From Gulfport to Grenada, we only partner with licensed, insured movers.
We build smarter routes. No guessing with narrow roads, detours, or flooded bridges.
We simplify international moves. One contract, one team, total coordination.
Whether you're relocating down the street or across the ocean, we’ll make sure your Mississippi move is fully legal—and stress-free.
Key Sources
- Mississippi Department of Transportation – Motor Carrier Services & Oversize Permits
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – Company Snapshot
- City of Jackson Public Works – Temporary Right-of-Way & Parking Rules
- City of Gulfport Planning Department – Container Placement Guidelines
- University of Mississippi, Mississippi State, University of Southern Mississippi – Move-In Parking Guides
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection – AES Export Requirements
Move confidently through Mississippi—legally, efficiently, and affordably—with Three Movers.
