Our Guidelines on Items We Cannot Transport or Are Prohibited
When preparing for a domestic move within the United States, it’s crucial to understand which items professional movers like us can and cannot handle to ensure safety, legality, and efficiency. At United Moving Pro, founded in 2007 by George Wilson, we prioritize compliance with federal and state regulations while protecting our clients, team, and the environment. This guideline details non-transportable and prohibited items, helping you avoid complications, extra costs, or risks. We advise reviewing this early in your planning—if you’re unsure about an item, our experts are here to clarify.
The Purpose Behind These Guidelines
Our restrictions are grounded in legal mandates from bodies like the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), as well as safety and ethical considerations. Certain items could endanger lives, damage property, or violate laws during transit. Since 2007, United Moving Pro has maintained these standards under George Wilson‘s leadership to deliver responsible, high-quality relocations across the US.
Classifications of Restricted Items
We’ve organized prohibited items into categories for clarity. These cannot be included in our shipments under any circumstances.
1. Hazardous Substances
These pose risks of fire, explosion, leakage, or toxicity and are absolutely banned:
- Flammables (e.g., gasoline, propane, lighter fluid, matches)
- Explosives (e.g., ammunition, fireworks, dynamite)
- Corrosives (e.g., acids, batteries with liquid, household cleaners like ammonia)
- Compressed gases (e.g., aerosol sprays, oxygen tanks, scuba gear)
- Poisons (e.g., pesticides, herbicides, rat poison)
Guidance: Properly dispose of these at local hazardous waste centers. Drain fuel from equipment like lawnmowers prior to the move.
2. Perishable Goods
Items that spoil, decay, or attract pests are unsuitable for transport:
- Food items (e.g., fresh produce, frozen meats, dairy products)
- Plants and soil (due to potential contaminants and agricultural quarantines)
- Opened liquids (e.g., alcohol, cooking oils, beverages)
Alternative: Consume, donate to food banks, or discard perishables. For plants, consider self-transport or specialized botanical shippers, checking state-specific rules.
3. High-Value or Irreplaceable Items
To minimize loss risks, we recommend personal transport for these:
- Monetary items (e.g., cash, coins, bonds)
- Jewelry and gems (e.g., rings, necklaces, precious stones)
- Critical documents (e.g., passports, birth certificates, legal papers)
- Sentimental collectibles (e.g., family heirlooms, photo albums, artwork)
- Medications (prescription drugs, vitamins)
Suggestion: Carry them in a secure personal bag. While United Moving Pro offers valuation coverage, it’s limited and not a replacement for personal oversight.
4. Illegal or Regulated Materials
Any unlawful or heavily restricted items are forbidden:
- Controlled substances (e.g., illegal drugs, narcotics)
- Stolen goods or contraband
- Firearms and weapons (unless properly documented and compliant with ATF regulations)
- Endangered species products (e.g., ivory, certain furs or hides)
Note: Interstate transport may involve varying state laws—always verify independently to avoid legal issues.
5. Additional Non-Transportable Categories
- Live animals or pets (for their welfare; use dedicated pet relocation services)
- Appliances with refrigerants (e.g., old fridges; must be professionally evacuated and certified)
- Extremely bulky or hazardous setups (e.g., hot tubs, large safes without prior approval)
Options for Handling Restricted Items
If you have items in these categories:
- Safe Disposal or Recycling: Use municipal programs for hazards or electronics.
- Personal or Alternative Transport: Move them yourself via car if safe and legal.
- Specialized Carriers: Engage experts for pets, plants, or firearms.
- Temporary Storage: United Moving Pro can store allowable items securely if your move requires it.
We conduct thorough inventories and may inspect loads for compliance. Undisclosed prohibited items could lead to service refusal, additional fees, or liability disclaimers.
Upholding Safe and Compliant Moves
At United Moving Pro, established in 2007 by George Wilson, these guidelines are integral to our mission of providing secure, worry-free US relocations. By adhering to them, we protect everyone involved and maintain our trusted reputation. Planning a move? Reach out to us for tailored advice and a quote—your peace of mind is our priority!