Houston Relocation Center

Congratulations on your move!

Whether you're moving to Houston from another city in Texas, or you're moving to Texas from another state, the moving company you hire will have different rules and regulations to follow.

This article will tell you about the things you should be looking for whether you're making an interstate or intrastate move.

You're Moving to Houston From Another State

If you're moving to Texas from another state, the move is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Make sure the mover you select has been assigned a USDOT number, is registered with FMCSA to transport household goods between states, and has the proper level of insurance. You can do that by visiting www.protectyourmove.gov, or calling FMCSA at (202) 366-9805 for licensing and (202) 385-2423 for insurance. (This article can take you step by step through how to check out a moving company on the FMCSA website.)

Also check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure the company doesn't have a long history of unresolved complaints.

You're Moving to Houston From Another City in Texas

If you're moving within Texas, your move is governed by the state. Make your mover is registered with TxDOT by calling 800-299-1700 or visiting its Website.

General Tips on Hiring the Best Mover

1. Get multiple bids from Houston moving companies, and then have the companies come to your home to do an in-home assessment of the goods you need moved – this is the ONLY way for you to get a truly accurate quote for your move. (Here's a list of questions to ask the moving company.)

2. Prior to loading your items, get a written proposal (either binding or not-to-exceed) with the maximum amount you will have to pay.

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

4. This written estimate should include all the decisions you have made regarding what you want moved, the size of the vehicle to be used, required staffing and the mover's liability for loss or damage. Have your mover sign your copy of the estimate.

5. To help prospective Houston movers create an accurate proposal, identify all the items that need to be moved. Also note any additional services that may be required at your destination, such as stair carries, long carries or elevator use.

6. You will get a moving services contract in the form of a bill of lading, work ticket or other receipt. This will list important information about your move, including your name and the name of the mover; address and phone number; the types of services; when, how and what they will charge for the move; and the mover's limitation of liability for loss or damage to your goods.

7. Get everything in writing; don't rely on verbal OKs.

8. If you have to make a claim, file a written claim with your mover within 90 days of delivery of the shipment.

9. Describe what kind of resolution you're aiming for, and if there's physical damage, list it explicitly.

10. Your mover has a right to inspect damaged goods within 30 days of getting your claim, and must take some sort of action on it within 90 days of receiving it.

    • If you are not satisfied with your settlement, for an intrastate move, contact TxDOT for mediation, or you can go to court.

11. If you wish to file for mediation through TxDOT, submit your request within 30 days after you get your denial from the moving company. If your mover has not paid or denied your claim or made a firm settlement offer within 90 days of getting the claim, you have 30 days to request mediation.

12. Before moving goods between states, movers must give you information regarding their dispute settlement program. Movers must offer a neutral dispute settlement program as a means of settling disputes that may arise for loss or damage of your household goods.

13. For an interstate move, FMCSA has no authority to resolve claims. You can file a complaint against the moving company by calling FMCSA's 24-hour toll-free hotline at (888) 368-7238, or go to FMCSA's Web site. This complaint may spark a Federal enforcement investigation against the mover.