Industry Tips
Mover Tips for Texans
If you plan to hire a mover within Texas, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV) has some valuable information for you. Whether
you are moving across town or across the state, we want you to know your rights and responsibilities when choosing a mover.
All household goods movers operating within Texas are required to obtain a certificate of motor carrier registration and have proof of insurance
on file with TXDMV. This includes major van lines, as well as local movers with pick-up trucks and trailers.
There are many moving companies out there, so choose your mover carefully. Shop around to find the best prices and services. While TXDMV
cannot recommend movers, they can verify if your mover is properly registered and give you information about the mover’s complaint history.
Household goods movers are required to provide you with a written proposal. This may be either a binding proposal, which states the exact
price of the move, or a not-to-exceed proposal, which states the maximum price of the move, but allows the mover to charge less than the
maximum, For the mover to give you an accurate estimate, you must be clear about the items you want moved and advise them of any special
conditions, such as stairs, long carries or elevators that are involved in the move. The proposal should also indicate what forms of payment are
accepted, such as personal checks or credit card. When presenting their written proposal, movers are required to provide you with a pamphlet
entitled Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move in Texas.
Once you have selected a moving company the mover must provide you with a moving services contract. This contract could be in the form
of a bill of lading, a work ticket, or other receipt. This contract should contain all of the information about your move including your name,
mover’s name, and amount of mover’s liability for loss or damage of your goods. You should verify pick-up and delivery dates are correct on
the contract. Carefully read and make sure all documents offered by the mover are filled out completely before you sign them. A descriptive
inventory can be done, usually at an extra cost that lists all the items being moved and their condition. The inventory will be done at loading
and unloading to inspect the condition of the goods. Be ready to pay your mover the maximum amount on the written proposal when your
goods are delivered.
All movers registered with TXDMV have a standard liability of 60 cents per pound per article. This means the mover is only required to
reimburse you $30 for a 50-pound television. You can ask your mover about a higher level of liability (valuation), which will usually require an
additional fee. It is important to note that a higher level of liability is not the same as purchasing transit insurance. Your mover may offer to sell
you transit insurance, which helps cover loss or damage to your goods, or you may purchase this type of policy from an insurance company.
If you have any dispute about charges, loss or damage to your goods, you need to file a written claim with the mover. This claim must be filed
within 90 days of the delivery date and must include enough information for the mover to investigate your claim. Also include any specific
money amounts or other solutions you are seeking. The mover has 20 days to contact you about receiving your claim and has the right to
inspect any containers or damaged goods within 30 days of receiving the claim. The mover has 90 days from receiving your claim to pay or
deny your claim or make a settlement offer. If you are not satisfied with a settlement offer, or if the mover denies your claim, you may contact
TXDMV for mediation or you may pursue the claim in a court of law. Although TXDMV does not settle claims, they can advise you on the claims
handling process and coordinate mediation. TXDMV mediation must be requested within 30 days after any portion of your claim is denied, a
settlement is offered, or if you get no response from the mover after 90 days from the original claim. Mediation is conducted by a neutral third
party. It is a formal opportunity for both parties to voice their side of the situation and to listen to each other. Ideally, mediation should result
in an agreement to the dispute. Your mediation will be conducted by telephone conference, by written submissions, or in person at TXDMV
facilities in Austin, Texas. Mediation services are coordinated and paid for by TXDMV.
TXDMV’S Motor Carrier Division handles all inquiries regarding household goods movers. For questions regarding other issues contact your
district office. There are several ways to contact TXDMV’S Motor Carrier Division: Call (800) 299-1700 (option 3 on the automated menu) Write
TXDMV - MCD, 125 E. 11th Street, Austin, TX 78701 E-Mail at MCD-Respond@dot.state.tx.us or their website at www.dot.state.tx.us
Movers who transport shipments across state lines follow U.S. Department of Transportation guidelines. You may contact them at: U.S.
Department of Transportation Licensing & Insurance Division (HIA-30) Office of Motor Carrier Information Analysis Federal Highway
Administration, 400 Virginia Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024 Telephone: (202) 358-7027
The BBB recommends that consumer’s check with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV) to make sure that the moving companies
they are considering have their license. You may view motor carrier registration and information from http://www.txdmv.gov/motor_carrier/records_tracking.htm
At this Motor Carrier Inquiry Page, you must decide and choose to search by MCR Number or Name. (The page has instructions) After choosing
a name or MCR # then click on ‘Search’ near the bottom of the page. When the list comes up, click on the blue name to get to the Carrier
Information page. At the bottom of this page you can choose to view Vehicles or Insurance.
In the State of Texas movers are required to pay for lost or damaged items at a rate of up to $.60 cents per pound only unless the mover
carries additional insurance. Make sure that any insurance policy you sign up for is valid and current with the provider.