Items Movers Can’t Move: Guide for New Jersey and Interstate Moves

To keep your move safe and compliant with FMCSA regulations under 49 CFR Part 375, and top carrier policies, certain items are strictly prohibited. Here’s a guide to what can’t go on the truck—and what you should do instead.

🔥 1. Propane Tanks
 Why it’s banned: Even empty tanks are pressurized and pose an explosion risk. Flammable fuel residues make them unsafe for transport.
What to do: A tank must be purged and sealed by a certified propane service provider. Drivers will not take a tank not certified purged and sealed. The time, cost, and risk are usually not worth it. Return the tank to your supplier. If full, use before moving, give to a neighbor, or schedule a propane-specific pickup.

🌿 2. Live Houseplants
 Why it’s banned: Without a Department of Agriculture inspection, plants may harbor pests or diseases, and interstate transport may violate quarantine laws.
What to do: Transport them yourself in your vehicle. Donate to neighbors, friends, or local organizations. If you cannot live without your houseplant and it cannot travel with you, be prepared to schedule a Department of Agriculture inspection within 3 days of your move, and pay the additional cost of inspection and special packing—plants may need to be boxed or crated, and they take up extra space. Understand the mover is not liable if the plant does not survive the trip.

🧴 3. Liquids (Bleach, Cleaning Sprays, Cooking Oils)
 Why it’s banned: Leaks and spills can damage your items or the truck. Many liquids are corrosive, flammable, or create slip hazards.
What to do: Use up items before moving day. Donate unopened cleaning supplies or pantry oils. Pack small bottles you need with you, secured in sealed bags. Dispose of paint, solvents, or fuel items via local hazardous waste programs.

⚡ 4. Large Lithium Batteries (Installed or Not Disconnected)
 Why it’s banned: These batteries can overheat or ignite, especially if shorted during transit. Movers require them removed or safely insulated.
What to do: Remove them from devices, tape the terminals, and carry them personally.

💥 5. Ammunition
 Why it’s banned: Classified as explosive under DOT regulations, ammunition is explicitly excluded from household goods shipments.
What to do: Transport via secure, legal channels like your own vehicle or specialized services (your local firearms store can assist).

⛽ 6. Flammables & Combustibles (Propane, Gas Cans, Paints)
 Why it’s banned: These substances pose extreme fire and explosion hazards and are strictly prohibited on moving vans.
What to do: Use remaining supplies before moving. Take empty containers to hazardous waste facilities. Arrange for licensed hazmat transport if necessary.

🍽 7. Non-perishable Food
 Why it’s banned: Even canned or boxed goods can spoil during transit if exposed to heat, or they may attract bugs, rodents, and other pests that could damage your shipment or the moving truck.
What to do: Give unopened food to neighbors or friends. Plan in advance to use up pantry items before your move. Check with local food pantries—many accept unopened shelf-stable goods and some have freezers for unopened frozen foods.

Why Compliance Matters

It’s Federal Law
FMCSA prohibits mixing hazardous items with household goods. Violations can lead to fines or suspension of the mover’s license.

Safety First
Spills, leaks, or explosions can harm property, people, and the environment.

Insurance Won’t Cover It
 Standard coverage excludes damage linked to restricted items, leaving you unprotected.

Environmental & Community Risk
 Improper disposal or containment could lead to contamination or legal consequences.

Final Word from NJWMA

Do a sweep looking for liquids, cleaners, pantry goods, and hazardous materials to pull aside to use up, distribute, or properly dispose of. Plan in advance to make special transport arrangements to ship any non-compliant materials.

Spills, leaks, combustibles, and pest-attracting food items are not worth the risk. If you have any further questions on what is not permitted on board a moving truck, always ask your moving consultant.

Submitted by: Tara Dixon, VP Sea Cure Moving, Inc., NJWMA Movers for Consumers