The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has announced regulatory changes affecting trucking companies and carriers in the state, effective January 1, 2026. The new measures include higher fines for household goods moving companies operating without proper certification and the discontinuation of the Trusted Carrier Partner Program.
Under current regulations, moving companies found operating without a certificate face a $1,000 fine. With the implementation of Senate Bill 839, this penalty will increase to $3,000. The law will also be expanded to penalize not only those transporting without a certificate but also those offering or advertising such services without certification.
“ODOT’s certification process involves background checks and adherence to approved rates and procedures to protect Oregonians from deceitful and unsafe practices, like charging too much, damaging items or stealing belongings,” said ODOT Commerce and Compliance Division Investigation and Compliance Manager Leah Cisneros. “We strongly recommend checking our website before hiring a moving company to make sure the company is ODOT certified.”
Additionally, ODOT will discontinue its Trusted Carrier Partner Program due to budget reductions. This program allowed qualifying motor carriers to display a special plate on their vehicles and provided benefits such as weigh station preclearance privileges, waiver of bond requirements, and limited safety inspections. As of January 1, 2026, these plates will no longer carry any operational meaning or benefits. Plates already issued do not need to be removed or returned.
ODOT’s Commerce and Compliance Division oversees commercial vehicle safety, registration, tax collection—including weight-mile taxes—and ensures compliance with regulations for trucks, buses, railroads, and light rail systems across Oregon.
