The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is working on a campaign to help educate consumers on the dangers of using unlicensed moving labor.
Consumers have many choices when it comes to choosing a licensed mover or an unlicensed moving company. There are countless websites that offer listings, reviews, and ads for moving services.
But if your mover isn’t licensed to conduct moves in Texas then you are risking a lot to save a few dollars.
You are trusting your mover with your home full of possessions, which may include family heirlooms and other items of personal and irreplaceable value.
If your mover is unlicensed then you may not have any recourse in the case of loss or damage.
It is illegal for a household goods mover to operate without a license to conduct moves.
You can check that your mover is licensed in Texas by checking the TXDMV database.
If the certificate status is listed as “Active” that means the mover is properly licensed and insured.
If any other status shows next to their name, such as “Revoked” or “Inactive“, then your prospective mover has a problem with their licensing and insurance.
If you can’t find a moving company in the database by name you should ask the mover to provide their TXDMV Registration Certificate number and check that information in the database.
Sometimes the legal name of the company is listed differently, but the number will be the same no matter what. If the number they provide shows any status other than “Active”, or you cannot find the number you were given then the mover is not licensed to perform moves.
A TXDMV certificate number allows a mover to legally perform intrastate moves within Texas only.
If you are moving out of state then you should make sure your mover has a valid USDOT certificate for interstate moving using the FMCSA Safer Database.
Because all licensed movers in TX must also maintain a valid USDOT certificate be sure to note whether their operation is listed as interstate or intrastate only on the Safer website.
Prices and services offered vary from mover to mover, so you should shop around before hiring a licensed mover to find the best deal that suits your needs.
- Keep in mind that the lowest price may not be the best deal.
- Be sure to take into account what is included in the price, such as disassembly/reassembly of furniture, disconnection/reconnection of appliances, wrapping of items, packing or materials, fuel, insurance, etc.
- 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.
- Read all documents before you sign your name to make sure you understand what you are getting for the price you are paying.
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.
TXDMV wants you to “Move SMART by choosing a licensed mover. Move SAFE by hiring a licensed mover. Move TEXAS by only using a licensed mover.”
Elephant Moving and Storage is licensed, bonded and insured for your protection.
Our TXDMV certificate number (for intrastate moves) is 000613531B and our USDOT certificate number (for interstate moves) is 1710619.
We carry cargo insurance, vehicle insurance, general liability insurance, warehouse insurance and we are bonded; a copy of our certificate of insurance is available upon request. All of our employees are regular, trained employees, not subcontractors or day labor.
We want to make sure your move goes as smoothly as possible and that we are providing you with the highest quality service for your move.
Please always feel free to ask questions if you do not understand your paperwork or are unclear on any aspect of your move and what is included for your rate.