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Choosing Your Mover
You will have many choices of household goods movers. Since the prices and
services offered vary from mover to mover, you may want to shop around before
hiring a mover. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and make sure you get
everything in writing, including the company's full name, physical address, and
telephone number.
Under Texas law, anyone offering to perform a moving service for hire must be
registered with TxDOT. To verify whether your mover is properly registered,
check the status of the mover's motor carrier registration or contact TxDOT at (800) 299-1700 (select Option 3 from the automated menu). TxDOT can also give
information about the mover's complaint history and annual report. You may also
want to contact other sources such as the Better Business Bureau for
information.
Proposal for Moving Services
Prior to loading, your mover must provide a written proposal. The proposal must
provide the maximum amount you will be required to pay at the delivery. The
proposal must be one of two types: 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.
Informing your mover of all items to be moved and services you expect the mover
to provide will assist the mover in making the proposal. If possible, you should
find out exactly what services you will need the mover to perform at your
destination. Services at the destination may include "stair carries," "long
carries," and "elevator" use. Due to the additional labor required to provide
these services, additional fees may be charged by your mover. Informing the
mover before the move of all items to be moved and services to be provided will
help avoid misunderstandings and help prevent the need to amend the proposal.
Your mover is responsible for providing you with a pamphlet entitled
Your Rights
and Responsibilities When You Move in Texas [pdf, 2 pages, 11kb] prior to moving. The information
provided in the pamphlet is similar to the information provided on this Web
page.
Pick Up and Delivery Dates
In scheduling your move, consider the dates and times for pick up and delivery.
Advise your mover of any deadlines that you might have with regard to pick up
and delivery. To ensure that there is no confusion, note these deadlines either
on your written proposal or moving services contract. If you are not available
at the agreed times, the pick up and delivery may be delayed, and you may be
charged additional fees.
Inventories
Your mover may offer to prepare a descriptive inventory of the shipment. The
inventory will list your goods and note their condition. The mover may charge a
fee for this service only if you agree to the preparation of the inventory. The
mover will ask you to sign the inventory after loading and possibly after
unloading. As with any shipping document, you should review it for accuracy when
your shipment is picked up and delivered. Important: Since inventories are often
used during the claim process, inspect your shipment carefully. Make sure all
boxes and items are accounted for at delivery. If there is obvious loss or
damage, note this on the inventory at delivery.
Moving Services Contract
Your mover will prepare a moving services contract. The moving services contract
may be in the form of a bill of lading, work ticket, or other receipt. This
contract lists important information about your move, including your name, the
mover's name, and the mover's limitation of liability for loss or damage to your
goods. The agreements on your written proposal provided by your mover become
part of your contract. Be sure all agreements between you and your mover,
including services to be provided at the destination, are written on the moving
services contract. Do not rely on any verbal agreements. Make sure all documents
offered by the mover for your signature are filled out as much as possible
before you sign. Read the documents before you sign your name.
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