Licensed and Insured Movers in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Guindon Moving & Storage has served Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin for over 80 years with full licensing for both local and long-distance moves. Our three locations in Escanaba, Marquette, and Negaunee have helped us build a strong reputation in communities throughout Northern Michigan.

We carry full insurance coverage, including liability, cargo, and workers’ compensation protection. 

Our credentials are easy to verify; just ask for insurance documentation, or verify yourself through the FMCSA search tool. All you need is a USDOT number to verify any moving company. The results will show whether they’re properly registered and insured.

• USDOT 70719
• MC 87113
• CVED 18884

Licensed movers operate under state and federal rules and meet specific requirements for safety and financial responsibility. These regulations exist to protect you, the consumer.

If you hire an unlicensed or uninsured mover, you could be held responsible for property damage or worker injuries during your move. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has a helpful guide on spotting “rogue movers” to help you avoid these risks.

Checking your mover’s credentials before you sign is the responsible way to book—  it protects your wallet and holds the moving company to a set of reliable standards.

Different types of moves need different licenses. Knowing what your mover should have helps ensure they’re following the rules and regulations that protect your belongings and interests.

Moving Within Michigan

Companies moving households within Michigan need approval from the Michigan State Police’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division to move household goods, known as a CVED license.

Moving Across State Lines

Moves that cross state borders fall under federal rules and need:

• U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Number: Federal registration for moving across states
• Motor Carrier (MC) Number: Permission from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

The FMCSA requires registration from all companies moving household goods across state lines. Companies that work with national moving networks can use their partner’s USDOT number.

Guindon Moving & Storage has a Michigan CVED license 18884 for moves within the state. For moves outside state lines, we work as an Interstate Agent of Wheaton World Wide Moving, using their USDOT 70719 and MC 87113.

Insurance coverage provides varying levels of reimbursement if items get damaged during your move and protects you from being held responsible for accidents or injuries. Michigan has specific rules about what insurance moving companies must carry and what they must offer to customers.

Movers’ Liability Coverage

Moving companies in Michigan must have multiple levels of insurance coverage:

• General Liability Coverage: Pays for damage to your property or injuries to people who aren’t employees. If a mover scratches your floors or dents your doorway, this insurance covers it.
• Cargo Insurance: Covers your household items while they’re loaded and transported on the moving truck. This protects your belongings during the trip.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Michigan requires this for companies with three or more employees, or any employee working over 35 hours a week for at least 13 weeks. It covers medical bills and lost wages if a worker is injured on the job, protecting you from lawsuits.

Guindon carries all required insurance to protect you, our team, and your property throughout your entire move.

Valuation Coverage for Customers

For moves that cross state lines, federal law requires moving companies to offer you these coverage choices:

• Released Value Protection: This basic option comes at no extra charge and provides minimal coverage— 60 cents per pound for each item. For example, a 50-pound TV would be covered for $30.
• Full Value Protection: You pay extra for this, but it’s much better coverage. The mover must repair, replace, or pay you the current value of anything that gets damaged or lost. 

With over 80 years of industry experience, we recommend to opt into at least minimal coverage no matter the distance of the move. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website has more details about coverage options and your rights.

Choosing a fully licensed and insured moving company offers several important protections:

• Following Regulations: Licensed companies operate within Michigan and federal laws, which means they’re held accountable for their service.
• Financial Protection: Required insurance policies protect your property and keep you from being held liable if something goes wrong.
• Professional Standards: To get licensed, companies must follow safety rules, maintain proper equipment, and train their workers.
• Ways to Resolve Problems: If issues arise with a licensed mover, you have clear channels to file complaints and seek solutions.

Unlicensed movers offer none of these. They might charge less upfront, but the risk of major financial loss is much higher than any money you’d save.

Guindon Moving & Storage is one of the most trusted moving companies in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. We have 12 air-cushioned trucks, 3 locations with over 100,000 square feet of combined secure storage space, and decades of loyal service to communities across the region.

Call us for your free moving estimate —  (906) 786-6560 in Escanaba or (906) 475-4139 in Marquette and Negaunee — or request a quote through our online form.