How do I check a South Carolina household goods mover?

Ask for the PSC/ORS certificate number and contact the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff to verify it.

Where should the mover display the certificate number?

The South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff says the certificate number should appear on each side of the mover's vehicles.

What should I include in a written estimate request?

List the addresses, inventory, stairs, elevators, packing needs, bulky items, storage stops, and requested date.

How can I check the rates on an estimate?

Request the mover's approved tariff and compare its rates and charges with the estimate.

Surfside Beach Local service guide

Outdoors and property

Check a mover license and written estimate in South Carolina

A certificate check and detailed written estimate help you compare household goods movers for a South Carolina move.

Check the mover's certificate

The South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff oversees licensing for household goods moved within South Carolina. Source: South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff transportation overview (opens in a new tab)

Ask the mover for its PSC/ORS certificate number. ORS says the number should also appear on each side of the mover's vehicles. Source: South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff transportation FAQs (opens in a new tab)

Contact ORS to verify the number before you schedule an intrastate household move.

Prepare for the estimate

Make an inventory by room. Note appliances, fragile items, safes, pianos, and other bulky pieces.

ORS says a mover should inspect the household goods and location before quoting the move. The agency also says an inventory should accompany the move. Source: South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff transportation FAQs (opens in a new tab)

Show the mover all stairs, elevators, narrow entries, parking limits, and long carries.

Request a written estimate

Ask for a written estimate that lists the requested services, rates, and expected charges.

Check whether it covers packing, supplies, travel time, bulky items, storage stops, and access charges. Ask how changes to the inventory affect the total.

Keep the estimate with the inventory and other move records.

Compare the rates and documents

ORS says customers can request the mover's approved tariff to compare the estimate's rates and charges. Source: South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff transportation FAQs (opens in a new tab)

Compare the tariff, written estimate, inventory, and service details. Ask the mover to explain any difference before signing.

Review the bill of lading before loading starts. ORS notes that its valuation section affects cargo coverage choices. Source: South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff transportation FAQs (opens in a new tab)

Request moving services

Share both addresses, the move date, inventory, access details, and packing needs.

Include the verified certificate number and the services you want listed in the written estimate.

Guides for moving services

Utility and trash setup when moving to Surfside Beach, SC

Plan water, sewer, trash, and recycling setup when moving to Surfside Beach, SC.

Town rules

Business license rules

See why work without a town business license risks a $500 fine.

Parking rules

Budget $4 per hour for parking at the Surfside Beach pier lot.

Questions about moving services

How do I check a South Carolina household goods mover?: Ask for the PSC/ORS certificate number and contact the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff to verify it.; Source: South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff transportation FAQs (opens in a new tab)
Where should the mover display the certificate number?: The South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff says the certificate number should appear on each side of the mover's vehicles.; Source: South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff transportation FAQs (opens in a new tab)
What should I include in a written estimate request?: List the addresses, inventory, stairs, elevators, packing needs, bulky items, storage stops, and requested date.
How can I check the rates on an estimate?: Request the mover's approved tariff and compare its rates and charges with the estimate.; Source: South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff transportation FAQs (opens in a new tab)