Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 12 2025
Imagine moving through Montana’s vast landscapes—crossing mountain passes, hitting spring-thaw gravel roads, or transporting a modular home between towns. You might think this is just another move, but Montana’s regulations add layers: DOT-issued oversize permits, seasonal weight restrictions, and federal inter-state credentials. A simple misstep—like driving a heavy truck down a gravel road in March—could land you a hefty fine or delay.
That’s where expertise counts. At Three Movers, we connect you with experienced, fully credentialed carriers who already know how to secure permits, navigate seasonal rules, and work with DOT tools like ePART and Bid‑Route. Here’s everything to know so your next move in Big Sky Country goes off without a hitch—from intrastate transitions to cross-border transports.
Intrastate Household & Business Moves: Carrier Licensing
Montana doesn’t require a specific “moving license” for intrastate household or business moves—but movers still need operating authority through the Montana Public Service Commission (MPSC), maintained via Montana DOT’s Motor Carrier Services (MCS).
Key requirements include:
- A Certificate of Public Convenience & Necessity from MPSC.
- Liability and cargo insurance:
- GVWR ≤10,000 lbs: $300,000 CSL + $10,000 cargo
- GVWR >10,000 lbs: $750,000 CSL + $10,000 cargo
- Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) for heavier trucks.
- Bill of Lading for each move, detailing services, addresses, and pricing.
At Three Movers, every partner carrier meets these standards—so your move within Montana remains fully legal and insured.
Local Permits & Road Rules: Spring Thaw Postings
Montana takes spring seriously. Between February and May, many roads are subject to frost-law restrictions: weight limits drop (8 tons single axle, 16 for tandem), and speed is capped.
- These limits may supersede normal permits—no overweight permits will be issued on posted roads.
- Counties enforce local road restrictions, requiring local route coordination when trucks exceed limits.
Rather than risk fines, we ensure your carrier plans approved routes around these seasonal restrictions—so spring moves stay on time.
Oversize & Overweight Load Permits
Moving large items? You'll need a permit from Montana DOT via the ePART system.
Permit Triggers:
- Width > 8'6", Height > 15'6", Length > 95–150 ft, GVW > 80,000 lbs
- Special categories: raw logs, mobile homes, logging equipment.
Permit Types:
- Single-trip: valid for 3–5 days, route‑specific
- Annual term: for frequent oversize hauls
- Special permits: mobile homes, logs under ARM §18.8.509(9)
Key Conditions:
- Pilots/escorts required based on size:
- Interstate: >120' length or >16'6" width → 1 escort
- Two-lane: >110' length → 1 escort; >14' width → 2 escorts
- Heavy weekend or holiday restrictions:
- 10' wide or >110' long restricted Friday after 3 PM to Monday sunrise;
- 18' width/height banned weekends
Pre-Move Needs:
- Route survey via Bid‑Route or ARS
- Insurance proof, signage, lights, flags
Our carriers handle permits, route planning, and escorts—so big moves go smoothly and legally.
Trip Permits & Fuel Use Permits
Out-of-state trucks lacking IRP/IFTA plates entering Montana must hold:
- GVW Fee Permits at county registrar or online
- Trip permits for temporary registration
- Fuel use permits if not IFTA-registered
Three Movers verifies that any non-resident carrier is fully permitted—eliminating surprises at checkpoints.
Interstate Moves: Federal Requirements
Once a move crosses state lines, FMCSA requirements apply:
- Valid USDOT number, and for household goods, an MC number
- FMCSA insurance filings (BMC‑91/X)
- A safe operating status via SAFER system
We match you only with federally compliant carriers to protect your long-distance move.
International & Export Moves
Montana supports international moves via railheads or seaports (e.g., Seattle, Portland). These require:
- Domestic mover with MPSC and FMCSA authority
- International carrier with FMC OTI registration
- Inventory manifest, customs docs, and export crating
- Coordination with freight forwarders or logistics hubs
Our trusted partners offer end-to-end service—doorside to destination country—so your global move is seamless.
Commercial & Government Moves
For business relocations or government moves:
- COI naming building owners
- Elevator reservation, dock scheduling, after-hours permission
- Oversize or heavy-equipment permitting as needed
- DP3 compliance for military or federal moves
We ensure carriers are fully prepared for commercial and sensitive relocation scenarios.
Verifying Your Mover
To ensure legitimacy, carriers must:
- Hold MPSC authority via Montana DOT
- Carry required insurance levels
- Have CDL-qualified drivers
- File and possess any oversize, trip, or fuel permits
- Hold current USDOT/MC for interstate moves
Or just book with Three Movers—we handle verification for you.
Why Licensing & Permits Matter
📅 Avoid Seasonal Delays: Spring restrictions can derail moves—avoid them entirely.
💸 Avoid Heavy Fines: Unpermitted loads trigger high state and federal penalties.
🛡 Guarantee Insurance: Only licensed carriers offer full cargo and liability coverage.
⚙️ Reduce Stress: Permit processes, route surveys, and pilot car coordination are complicated—let us manage them.
MT Move Checklist
| Step | Task | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | MPSC authority & insurance | Carrier / We verify |
| 2 | CDL driver for heavy loads | Carrier |
| 3 | Seasonal route planning | Carrier / We confirm |
| 4 | ePART oversize & route permit | Carrier / We ensure |
| 5 | Pilot cars, signage | Carrier |
| 6 | GVW/trip/fuel permits (if non-resident) | Carrier |
| 7 | USDOT/MC & FMCSA insurance check | Carrier / We verify |
| 8 | Bidding/export logistics for intl. moves | Intl carrier / We partner |
| 9 | COI & scheduling for business/government | Carrier / We coordinate |
Final Thoughts: MT Moves Made Easy
Montana’s expansive terrain and layered regulations—seasonal worries, oversize logistics, and federal compliance—mean your move needs more than a truck. With Three Movers, you work with carriers who already know the drill: every permit filed, every route cleared, every seasonal challenge considered.
Let us guide your next move through the Treasure State—fully legal, fully insured, and fully stress-free.
Key Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, personal household moves within Montana do not require a state moving permit when you hire a properly licensed mover. Permits are generally associated with commercial transport, not standard residential relocations. Requirements can change if the move involves oversize trucks, business inventory, or specialty items. Local conditions such as downtown parking limits, HOA rules, or narrow residential streets may still affect logistics. Most residential relocations handled by local moving companies in Montana operate under standard authority rather than permit-based transport.
Montana DOT permits are required when a moving truck exceeds legal size or weight limits, including height, width, axle load, or gross vehicle weight. This is common for large long-distance moves, commercial relocations, and high-capacity trucks. Mountain routes, seasonal road restrictions, and weather conditions can also trigger permit requirements. Movers providing a regulated interstate moving service typically secure these permits in advance to prevent delays or fines.
Yes. Local moves within Montana usually do not require special permits beyond standard vehicle compliance, while interstate moves are governed by federal FMCSA rules and may require Montana-specific oversize or overweight permits. Truck size, shipment weight, route selection, and delivery windows all factor into compliance. Interstate shipments handled by licensed carriers face stricter documentation and enforcement than in-state relocations.
Moving companies operating in Montana must hold valid licensing, based on whether they perform intrastate or interstate moves. Interstate movers must maintain federal operating authority, while intrastate commercial carriers must meet Montana transportation requirements. Licensing confirms insurance coverage, safety compliance, and consumer protection standards. This is especially important for customers booking larger moves or working with long distance moving companies.
Yes. Professional movers typically handle all required Montana DOT permits related to vehicle size, weight, and approved routes. This includes planning for mountain passes, seasonal highway limits, and restricted corridors. Customers are usually only responsible if they rent and drive a large truck themselves. Many providers offering movers by the hour also coordinate permit compliance when larger vehicles are involved.
Operating without required permits can result in fines, roadside inspections, forced rerouting, or shipment delays. Montana actively enforces oversize and overweight regulations, particularly on interstate highways and mountain routes. These issues can disrupt delivery timelines and increase total moving costs. Working with a compliant mover helps avoid violations and ensures proper planning for traffic patterns, weather conditions, and legal load limits.
