When planning your move, it’s important to know that there are certain things movers can’t move for legal, safety, and insurance reasons. Understanding these restrictions ahead of time prevents last-minute surprises and helps you plan alternative transportation methods.
Professional moving companies follow strict federal and state regulations about what they can and cannot transport. These rules exist to protect you, the moving crew, and other people on the road.
Violating these regulations can result in hefty fines, license suspension, and serious safety hazards. That’s why reputable movers stick to the rules, even if it means disappointing customers.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, these restrictions are based on Department of Transportation hazardous materials regulations.
1. Hazardous and Flammable Materials
The most obvious category of items professional movers refuse are hazardous materials. This includes anything that could explode, catch fire, or create toxic fumes during transport.
Common household hazardous materials include paint, paint thinner, propane tanks, gasoline, motor oil, cleaning chemicals, and aerosol cans. Even small amounts are considered too dangerous for moving trucks.
Professional moving services will inspect your belongings and identify hazardous materials that need alternative disposal or transport.
Common Hazardous Materials:
- Paint and solvents
- Propane tanks and gas cylinders
- Gasoline and motor oil
- Pool chemicals and pesticides
- Cleaning supplies and acids
- Nail polish and remover
2. Perishable Food Items
Perishable foods are among the top things movers can’t move because they spoil, create odors, and attract pests. This includes anything that needs refrigeration or has a short shelf life.
Moving trucks aren’t refrigerated, and moves can take days or weeks. Even non-perishable foods can be problematic for long-distance moves due to temperature changes and potential pest issues.
The FDA food safety guidelines classify many common household foods as potentially hazardous when not properly temperature controlled.
3. Live Plants
Plants are living organisms that need air, light, and specific temperatures to survive. Moving trucks don’t provide these conditions, making plant transport problematic for professional movers.
For long-distance moves, many states have agricultural regulations that prohibit transporting plants across state lines to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
Some states require plant inspections and permits, making it impossible for moving companies to transport them legally.
4. Ammunition and Firearms
Firearms and ammunition have strict federal transportation requirements that most moving companies cannot meet. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has specific regulations for transporting these items.
Even legally owned firearms require special handling, documentation, and storage during transport. Most moving companies don’t have the proper licenses or equipment to handle firearms legally.
According to ATF regulations, interstate firearm transport has specific requirements that moving companies typically cannot fulfill.
5. Personal and Sentimental Items
While not legally prohibited, professional movers strongly recommend that you personally transport irreplaceable items like family photos, important documents, jewelry, and heirlooms.
These items have value that can’t be replaced if lost or damaged. Moving companies’ insurance typically doesn’t cover the sentimental value of these items.
Items to Keep With You:
- Important documents (birth certificates, passports, insurance papers)
- Jewelry and valuable collections
- Family photos and videos
- Medical records and prescriptions
- Cash and financial documents
6. Medical and Laboratory Supplies
Medical supplies, prescription drugs, and laboratory materials are restricted for safety and legal reasons. Many require specific storage conditions and handling procedures.
Prescription medications should always be kept with you during a move to ensure continued access and prevent loss or theft.
7. Compressed Gas and Oxygen Tanks
Any type of compressed gas, including oxygen tanks, welding gases, and even helium tanks, are considered hazardous materials. The pressure and potential for explosion make them too dangerous for moving trucks.
Even “empty” tanks can contain residual gas and are still considered hazardous.
8. Batteries and Corrosives
Car batteries, boat batteries, and other wet cell batteries contain corrosive acid that can leak and cause damage. Even lithium batteries in large quantities can be problematic.
Corrosive materials like pool chemicals, car batteries, and cleaning acids can cause serious damage to other belongings and the moving truck itself.
9. Scuba Tanks and Fire Extinguishers
Even though these items are safety equipment, they contain compressed gases or chemicals that make them hazardous for transport. Scuba tanks and fire extinguishers fall under the same restrictions as other compressed gas containers.
10. Opened or Partially Used Liquids
Opened bottles of alcohol, cooking oils, vinegar, and other liquids can leak during transport, causing damage to other items. Even sealed containers can break under the stress of moving.
Most professional movers will refuse opened liquid containers to prevent damage to your other belongings.
Alternatives and Solutions
Just because movers can’t transport these items doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Here are alternatives:
For hazardous materials, contact your local waste management facility for proper disposal. For valuable items, transport them yourself or use specialized shipping services.
For plants, consider giving them to friends or selling them before the move, then buying new ones at your destination.
Understanding what professional movers can’t transport helps you plan better and avoid moving day surprises. If you need help with everything else, professional moving services can handle all your legally transportable belongings safely. Get your free quote today and learn more about what we can move for you!