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Moving truck lettering: USDOT, MC, CA number and the household goods rules
California household movers
Since 2018 California household movers are licensed by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services, not the PUC. The permit number is a CAL-T number. Display it on the truck along with the USDOT number; inspectors at the weigh station and consumers checking your legitimacy both look for it.
Interstate
Crossing state lines with household goods requires FMCSA operating authority. Your name, USDOT and, if you like, the MC number on the doors. Rented trucks under 30 days can carry the rental company's markings if the rental agreement stays in the cab.
Box lettering
The rule is about the power unit doors, but movers letter the box because it's a 26 foot billboard. Same file, bigger letters; ask us for a quote on box sides.
Related questions
Does a moving truck need an MC number on the door?
Not required federally. Many movers show it because customers look for it.
I rent trucks for moves. Whose number goes on?
For rentals of 30 days or less, the rental company's markings can suffice if the agreement is in the truck and states the required info. Longer than that, mark it with your own name and USDOT.
Checked against 49 CFR 390.21, 13 CCR 1256 and B&P 7029.6, September 2026. Plain-English summary, not legal advice.