Minot, located in Ward County, is the fourth-largest city in North Dakota and serves as a major economic hub for the northwestern part of the state. The city’s economy is heavily influenced by Minot Air Force Base (MAFB), which is one of the largest employers in the region. This military presence creates a steady demand for moving services, especially during permanent change of station (PCS) cycles that peak in the summer months. Additionally, Minot’s energy sector — including oil and gas activity in the Bakken formation — attracts workers who frequently relocate. The local housing market, though smaller than larger metro areas, sees consistent turnover due to base assignments, energy sector rotations, and seasonal workers.
Competition in Minot is moderate. There are a handful of independent movers and a few national franchises (e.g., Two Men and a Truck, U-Haul with moving help). However, the market has room for a well-branded, locally focused company that understands the unique needs of military families, snowbirds, and energy workers. The median household income in Minot is slightly above the national average, and the cost of living is reasonable, allowing customers to pay for quality service. Starting a moving company here requires a strong local presence, trust among military-affiliated customers, and year-round service capability despite harsh winters.
You must register your moving company with the North Dakota Secretary of State. Choose a business structure (e.g., LLC, sole proprietorship, or corporation). An LLC is commonly recommended to protect personal assets. File Articles of Organization online through the ND Secretary of State’s FirstStop portal. You will also need to obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes and to hire employees.
If you operate a moving truck that transports household goods across state lines, you need interstate operating authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For moves entirely within North Dakota, you are not required to have intrastate authority from the FMCSA, but you must comply with state regulations. North Dakota does not have a separate state-level intrastate household goods moving authority, but you must register with the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) if your vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 26,000 lbs or if you carry hazardous materials. Most moving companies use medium-duty trucks under 26,000 lbs, so this requirement may not apply. However, you should still apply for a USDOT number (free online) to establish a safety record.
North Dakota law requires all motor carriers to carry minimum liability insurance. For moving companies, the FMCSA requires $750,000 in liability coverage for household goods transportation (interstate). For intrastate operations, North Dakota requires at least $300,000 in liability coverage. Additionally, you must have cargo insurance to cover customers’ belongings. Most moving companies also carry workers’ compensation insurance if they have employees (North Dakota requires it if you have one or more employees).
Minot city business license: Contact the City of Minot Finance Department to apply for a general business license. There may be a nominal fee. You may also need a zoning permit if you plan to store trucks or equipment at a commercial property. Additionally, check if you need a sales tax permit from the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner. You must collect and remit sales tax on moving services (North Dakota charges 5% state sales tax, plus any local taxes – Ward County adds 0.5%, and Minot city adds 1.5%, for a total of 7%).
If you intend to serve military families, you must be affiliated with the Department of Defense’s Personal Property Program (formerly the “HHG” program). To become an approved mover for PCS moves, you must apply for the DOD’s Defense Personal Property System (DPS) and meet strict requirements, including bonding and insurance. Many smaller movers start by serving non-military customers and later pursue DOD certification.
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