Don't Make a Move Without Us

Because prices and services offered vary from mover to mover, we recommend you shop around before hiring a licensed mover. Keep in mind that the lowest price may not make the best deal. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure you get everything in writing. Licensed movers are insured and will provide you with the proper documents for your move.

How to Spot an Unlicensed Mover

1. Low Priced Moves

   If it's too good to be true, it probably is. What may look like a low cost move may not turn out to be a smart move. Unlicensed movers may advertise a very low cost for a move then increase the price once your items are loaded onto their truck. Your items would be in their custody until you pay the higher price.

2. Generic Contact Information

   Unlicensed movers typically have no local business address, use cell phones as their business phones or answer the phone with vague terms as "Movers" or "Moving Company". Ask questions. Ask the mover to give you their TxDMV certificate number; then check their number in our Truck Stop database.

3. Unmarked Trucks

   Unlicensed movers will typically have no markings on their trucks or use rental trucks. TxDMV requires all licensed movers to have their name, TxDMV certificate number, USDOT number on both sides of their truck either permanently attached or with a magnetic sign.

4. No Proposal/Contract Documents

   Unlicensed movers may not provide you with a proposal or contract document, or, may rush you through a contract form and make you sign it before reading it. A licensed mover will provide you with both a proposal and a contract document and will ask you to sign it at different stages of the move. A licensed mover will not assess additional charges after the contract is signed unless you both agree to them in writing. Please make sure you read any documents before you sign them.

5. No "Rights and Responsibility" brochure provided

   All licensed movers are required to provide you the Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move in Texas document prior to loading your items.

Read all documents before you sign your name.

Even though most movers are legitimate and reputable, unwary consumers may fall prey to dishonest moving companies and could lose more than just what they paid to have their items moved.

Proposals

Once you've selected your mover, make sure to get your agreement in writing. A licensed mover will provide you with both a proposal/estimate and a moving services contract BEFORE they begin to load your items. Some will give you a combined form that includes both the proposal and the contract together.

Prior to loading, the mover must provide you with a written proposal describing the services to be performed and indicating the maximum amount that you could be required to pay for their services. The proposal may be either binding or not-to-exceed:

• A binding proposal states the exact price of the move.
• A not-to-exceed proposal states the maximum price of the move but allows the mover to charge less than the maximum.

To receive an accurate estimate, you must notify your mover of all items to be moved and specify required services such as moving your items up or down several flights of stairs, via long carries to/from your dwelling or using an elevator. Some movers will provide services such as these at an additional cost. The proposal should also indicate when payment is due and what forms of payment are accepted.

Contracts

Licensed movers will also provide you with a moving services contract prior to loading your items. The items written on your proposal become a part of your contract along with the contract terms and conditions.

Don't rely on any verbal agreements.

Be sure all agreements between you and your mover are written into the moving services contract. Last, but not least, remember to read all documents thoroughly and carefully before signing them.

Mover’s Liability vs. Transit Insurance Coverage

Before the move, you and your mover are authorized to agree to the amount of your mover’s liability, if any, for loss of your items or damage to your items. You and the mover could agree that the mover would have no liability to you for loss of your items or damage to your items, or you and your mover could agree to more mover liability. For example, some movers and shippers (customers of a mover) agree to limit the mover’s liability to 60 cents per pound per item. If you and your mover agree to limit the mover’s liability to 60 cents per pound per item, and the mover loses your 50-pound television as a result of the move, the mover is only required to reimburse you $30 (50 pounds x 0.60 = $30). The level of the mover’s liability, if any, will become effective if you and the mover agree to that level, but it is possible that the mover will charge a higher fee for a higher level of mover liability. Also, keep in mind that the mover’s limits on liability are not the same as insurance.

You, as the shipper, can obtain insurance to protect your items.

Transit Insurance Coverage

Transit insurance can be purchased to help cover loss or damage to your goods. Some movers offer transit insurance, or you can purchase this type of policy from a separate insurance company. The insurance policy must cover loss or damage in excess of the household goods carrier liability as specified above. A copy of this policy or other appropriate evidence of purchased insurance must be issued to the shipper before the shipment is loaded. Policies must be written in a clear and concise manner, specifying the nature and extent of coverage included as well as any deductibles. The policy must also clearly indicate the name, address, and telephone number of the insurance company, the policy number, and a statement of whether claims are to be filed with the insurance company or with the mover.

As the shipper, you should discuss the mover’s liability with the mover prior to signing the moving services contract.