Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 12 2025
How many approvals does it take to steer a 26-foot box truck through Charleston—or tow a century-old farmhouse from Summerville to Greenville without snapping a single utility line? In South Carolina, the correct answer depends on three factors: the weight of the load, its size after you strap it down, and the land you plan to cross. Household-goods carriers must carry a Class E Certificate issued by the Public Service Commission (PSC) and managed by the Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS). Oversize haulers deal with a different gatekeeper—the S.C. Department of Transportation (SCDOT) Oversize/Overweight (OS/OW) Permit Office—while anyone pulling an entire building faces a special set of “building-movement” rules. Add in federal USDOT regulations for interstate work and maritime licensing for overseas shipments, and the permit stack grows fast.
As a moving broker, Three Movers handles every sheet of that paperwork. We match you only with carriers that already meet South Carolina’s licensing rules, then secure route-specific OS/OW permits, certified pilot cars, and any local permissions your move demands. The result? A fully legal, insured move that hits each checkpoint on schedule—no roadside fines, no last-minute detours, and, most importantly, no stress on moving day.
1 │ Intrastate Household-Goods Movers
1.1 Licensing Authority
South Carolina regulates intrastate household moves through the PSC. Carriers must hold a Class E Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (PC&N) if they operate statewide, or a Certificate of Fit, Willing & Able (FWA) when they move solely within one city’s limits. ORS administers enforcement, audits, and insurance filings.
1.2 Application Steps
| Step | What the Carrier Does | Broker Assurance |
|---|---|---|
| Complete PSC application | Fill transportation cover sheet, pay $150 fee | Three Movers verifies filing status |
| Publish legal notice | Run ad in local paper for two consecutive weeks | We monitor publication proof |
| Attend PSC hearing | Show public need & safety fitness | We coach carriers on testimony |
| Obtain ORS safety clearance | Submit vehicle lists, safety plans | We confirm cab-card issuance |
| File tariffs | Post-hourly or mileage rates with ORS | Tariffs reviewed before quoting |
| Post insurance & bonds | $300 k liability, $50 k cargo min | Certificates stored in our database |
1.3 Cab Cards & Renewals
Each power unit must display an ORS cab card. Cards and certificates renew annually; carriers late on renewals face suspension. Three Movers tracks expiration dates and removes non-compliant fleets from its carrier pool automatically.
2 │ Oversize & Overweight Transport Permits
South Carolina’s base legal limits mirror most southeastern states:
| Dimension | Legal Limit |
|---|---|
| Width | 8 ft 6 in |
| Height | 13 ft 6 in |
| Overall Length (vehicle + load) | 75 ft |
| Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) | 80,000 lb |
Anything larger or heavier requires an OS/OW permit from SCDOT.
2.1 Permit Options
| Permit | Validity | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Trip | 5 travel days | One excavator or modular home |
| Annual | 12 months, fixed width ≤12 ft & ≤120,000 lb GVW | Contractors moving cranes statewide |
| Superload | Trip-specific, engineer review | Loads >16 ft wide or >180,000 lb |
| Self-Propelled Crane | One year, statewide | Rough-terrain crane transfers |
| Envelope Permit | Multiple loads that share identical dimensions | Portable classrooms |
2.2 Escort & Pilot-Car Rules
- Two-lane highways: one lead escort for widths 12 ft–14 ft; both lead + trail escorts above 14 ft or 110 ft length.
- Multi-lane highways: rear escort above 12 ft; lead escort added above 15 ft.
- Superloads may require South Carolina Highway Patrol escorts or utility bucket trucks.
Escort drivers must hold a valid SCDOT certification and maintain VHF/CB radio contact with the load at all times.
2.3 Travel Restrictions
- Daylight only for most loads; night travel allowed for widths ≤10 ft with proper lighting.
- Major curfews: I-26 & I-95 corridor on holiday weekends, Myrtle Beach during peak tourist season, and statewide during hurricane evacuations.
- Spring frosts: SCDOT may impose speed or weight limits on secondary roads; active permits cannot override frost restrictions.
2.4 Application Details
Permits are filed online via SCDOT’s Permit Connect portal. Carriers upload: load dimensions, axle weights, route, and USDOT number. Superloads add structural-analysis spreadsheets and bridge check reports. Three Movers pre-validates each submission to reduce permit rejections and delays.
3 │ Building & Structure Moves
Pulling a frame house or historical church down a South Carolina highway triggers stricter rules.
3.1 Building-Mover License
Carriers moving structures over public highways must:
- Hold a valid Class E Certificate (or FWA if strictly local).
- File a Building-Mover Permit application with SCDOT if any dimension exceeds 16 ft in width or 15 ft in height.
- Provide proof of $1 million liability and $100 k cargo coverage, plus workers’ compensation.
3.2 Route Surveys & Utility Coordination
- Route Survey: Required for heights over 16 ft or GVW above 180,000 lb. Survey maps note bridge clearances, power-line crossings, and tree-removal points.
- Utility Notices: Movers must give utilities ten business days to raise lines. Costs often prepaid or bonded.
- Performance Bond: Some counties demand a $25,000–$50,000 bond to cover road surface or sign damage.
Three Movers pairs you with structure-moving specialists who handle line-lift agreements and local road closures in one bundle.
4 │ Mobile & Manufactured Homes
Unlike site-built homes, manufactured homes also need a Moving Permit Decal issued by the county tax collector after verifying property-tax clearance. The decal must be affixed to the left front window or transport frame and remains valid for 30 days. Movers then secure an SCDOT OS/OW permit just like other oversize loads.
5 │ Interstate Moves (USDOT / FMCSA)
Crossing state lines for your move activates federal rules:
- USDOT Number and MC Authority for household goods.
- Minimum liability coverage: $750,000 ($1 million if passenger-carrier mixed).
- Cargo bond: $5,000/$10,000.
- Consumer-protection packet “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.”
Three Movers’ compliance engine scans FMCSA databases nightly and blocks carriers that lapse in authority or insurance.
6 │ International & Coastal Moves
Moving overseas or to Puerto Rico adds another layer:
- Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) License via the Federal Maritime Commission if the carrier issues an ocean bill of lading.
- Marine Cargo Insurance for full replacement value.
- Customs Paperwork: ISF filings (for imports), ACE e-manifests (for Canada), and wood-packing certificates.
Our brokerage contracts with FMC-licensed forwarders and tracks customs milestones to prevent port delays or demurrage charges.
7 │ Local & Utility Right-of-Way Permits
State permits do not grant blanket permission for city streets. Example hotspots:
- Charleston: Single-trip oversize permit ($50) plus police escort if load crosses the Ravenel Bridge between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.
- Columbia: Oversize loads must avoid Gervais Street bridge during weekday rush; city barricade crews bill costs directly to carrier.
- Greenville County: Loads over 14 ft high on county roads require 48-hour notice to the Public Works Department.
Our local-permit tracker flags every municipality on your route, bundles fees, and schedules any police or bucket-truck escorts.
8 │ Insurance & Financial Responsibility
| Scenario | Minimum Coverage |
|---|---|
| PSC Class E intrastate | $300k auto liability / $50k cargo |
| Building mover | $1 M liability / $100k cargo |
| Standard OS/OW | Liability scaled to GVW (often $1 M) |
| Superload >180,000 lb | SCDOT may request $2–$5 M umbrella |
| Interstate HHG | $750k–$1 M liability / $5k-$10k cargo bond |
| International ocean | Marine policy to declared value |
Three Movers receives certificates straight from insurers and stores them on file—clients never chase paperwork.
9 │ Compliance & Recordkeeping
- Permit Display: Drivers must carry digital or paper copies; law enforcement can revoke a permit if documentation is missing.
- Daily Vehicle Inspections: Required for any power unit >10,001 lb engaging in interstate commerce or OS/OW intrastate hauls.
- Accident Reports: Property damage over $2,000 or any injury must be reported to ORS within 30 days and noted on the carrier’s safety profile.
- Tariff Updates: HHG carriers must re-file if rate increases exceed 10 percent in one calendar year.
Common Pitfalls & Brokerage Solutions
| Pitfall | How Three Movers Prevents It |
|---|---|
| Permit filed after truck dispatched | Automated workflow locks dispatch until permits are issued |
| Frost-season weight limits ignored | Our routing tool overlays SCDOT spring restriction maps |
| Escort vehicles uncertified | Database flags pilot-car certificates nearing expiry |
| Municipal permit forgotten | Local-permit calendar sends reminders 14 days ahead |
| Insurance lapses mid-trip | Continuous monitoring of insurer cancellation notices |
Quick-Reference Permit Checklist
- □ Class E or FWA Certificate (intrastate HHG)
- □ ORS Cab Cards attached to each power unit
- □ SCDOT OS/OW Permit (single-trip, annual, or superload)
- □ Certified Pilot Cars booked per width/length table
- □ Building-Mover Permit + county bonds (if relocating a structure)
- □ Mobile-Home Decal from county treasurer (if applicable)
- □ Municipal Oversize Permits (Charleston, Columbia, etc.)
- □ USDOT/MC Authority (interstate work)
- □ FMC OTI License & Marine Insurance (international)
- □ Insurance Certificates on file and current
- □ Tariff Posted and consumer packet ready (HHG carriers)
Why Book Through Three Movers?
- Total Compliance Oversight – We pre-screen every carrier for South Carolina licensing, insurance, and safety ratings.
- Permit Concierge – From SCDOT superload reviews to city police escorts, we handle paperwork end-to-end.
- Real-Time Tracking – Our portal notifies you the moment permits clear and pilot cars check in.
- Cost Transparency – Permit and escort fees are quoted up front; you’ll never see surprise surcharges.
- Stress-Free Service – Your focus stays on the new house or job, not on figuring out who raises the power lines.
Ready for a legally seamless South Carolina move? Reach out—our team will deliver a step-by-step permit timeline within one business day.
📚 Key Sources
- South Carolina ORS Transportation Division – Household Goods Carrier guidelines, Class E & FWA processes
- PSC Household Goods Application Packet & Tariff Filing rules (Chapter 103 regulations)
- SCDOT Oversize/Overweight Permit Office – permit types, validity, and fees
- SCDOT Pilot & Escort Vehicle requirements for oversize loads
- South Carolina Code of Laws § 31-17-320 – Mobile-home tax clearance and moving permit decal
- Governor’s Executive Order 2024-01 – emergency size/weight waivers and travel curfews for severe weather
(*All regulations reviewed and current as of June 2025.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Most cities in South Carolina do not require a state-issued moving permit, but certain municipalities or homeowner associations may have rules for large trucks or street access. Local ordinances in Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville often require temporary parking or right-of-way permits when blocking public streets. Always check with city hall or your HOA before moving day. For large residential relocations, it’s wise to coordinate with a local moving service familiar with area rules.
You can request a temporary parking or obstruction permit from your city or county transportation department. In Charleston, permits are typically handled by the Department of Traffic and Transportation; in Columbia, by the Public Works Department. You’ll need your moving date, truck size, and duration of use. Submitting requests at least 5–7 business days in advance is recommended. Many residents rely on a full service mover to manage these logistics.
Interstate moves are federally regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rather than local authorities. While South Carolina itself does not require a permit, the destination state or city may. Always verify parking or access rules at both ends, especially for downtown or restricted zones. Use a registered interstate moving service to ensure compliance with FMCSA safety and insurance standards.
Permits are usually needed when a moving truck blocks traffic, sidewalks, or metered spaces in city centers. This applies to areas like Charleston’s Historic District or downtown Greenville, where narrow streets limit loading access. Permits ensure safe passage and prevent fines. Movers handling large furniture, pianos, or multiple units often secure these permits ahead of time.
Fees vary by municipality, generally between $10 and $50 per truck or per day. Charleston and Columbia base rates on street use and parking meter coverage. Some areas waive fees for short-term residential moves if vehicles remain on private property. Always confirm costs and whether temporary signage is required.
Apply at least one week before your move, or earlier during busy moving seasons (May–August). Some cities allow same-day approval if space is available, but advanced notice helps guarantee parking near your building or residence. Early planning also gives time for utility coordination, elevator reservations, and mover scheduling through your long distance moving service.
Moving without a required permit may result in tickets or towing if your truck blocks traffic or reserved lanes. Penalties depend on local enforcement, but fines can reach $100–$200. Always confirm whether your move involves public right-of-way use, especially in older or high-density neighborhoods.
Yes. Commercial moves may need loading zone permits, elevator reservations, or proof of liability insurance before access is approved. In Charleston, business districts often require coordination with the city’s permitting office to minimize street closures. Partnering with commercial movers ensures compliance with local codes and business-hour restrictions.
