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Your Rights & Responsibilities
When You Move in Texas
Below is an official Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) form intended to assist consumers with household goods moves.
Texas Department of Transportation - Motor Carrier Division
125 E. 11th Stree, Austin, TX 78701-2483
    1-800-299-1700 (Select option 3 from automated menu)
Visit TxDOT online: www.dot.state.tx.us
BEFORE YOUR MOVE
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. Additionally, you may wish to call TxDOT
to verify whether your mover is properly registered. 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 on your selected moving company.
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 the 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.
Pickup and Delivery Dates
In scheduling your move, consider the dates and times for pickup and
delivery. Advise your mover of any deadlines that you might have with
regard to pickup 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 pickup and
delivery may be delayed, and you may be charged additional fees.
Inventory
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 unloading. As with
any shipping document, you should review it for accuracy when your
shipment is picked up and deliverd. Important:
Since inventories are often used during the claim process, inspect you
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 proposals provdied 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.
Mover's Liability
Your mover has a basic liability of $0.60 per pound per article. This
means if your 50 pound television is damaged, your mover is liable for
a maximum of only $ 30. Although your mover cannot reduce his liability
below $0.60 per pound per article, he may agree in writing to assume a
higher level of liability. Your shipment will be valued at $0.60 per
pound per article unless you and your mover agree
to a higher level of liability on your moving services contract. Your
mover may assess additional fees (sometimes referred to as a valuation
fee) for assuming the higher level of liability. Noting a higher level
of mover liability (valuation) is not the same as purchasing transit
insurance.
Transit Insurance
You
may wish to purchase transit insurance to cover loss or damage to your
goods. Your mover may offer to sell you this type of policy or it may
be purchased directly from an insurance company. Transit insurance is
not regulated by TxDOT or the Texas Department of Insurance, so be sure
to read the transit insurance policy and understand the coverage and
any deductibles. Your mover is required to provide you with a copy of
the policy or other appropriate evidence of insurance purchased through
them.
Payment of Charges
You should be prepared to pay the maximum amount of money shown on the
written proposal provided by your mover. The proposal must explain when
you will be required to pay your mover and what forms of payment are
accepted, such as personal checks or credit cards. Remember that the
last amended contract or written proposals lists the total price that
you may be required to pay at delivery.
AFTER YOUR MOVE
Claims
If you have a dispute about the charges or loss/damage to your goods, you should first file a written claim with your mover.
Include in your claim the specific amount of money or other solution
you are seeking. List enough information for the mover to investigate
your claim. Provide your mover with any shipping documents and other
information requested. You must ensure that your mover or his agent receives your claim within 90 days of delivery
of the shipment. If your mover does not receive the claim on time, your
claim could be denied. If your claim involves damaged goods, you should
preserve the containers and any damaged goods so your mover may inspect
them.
Mover's Response to a Claim
Your mover must contact you within 20 days (excluding Sundays and
holidays) of receipt of your written claim. Your mover has a right to
inspect containers or damaged goods within 30 days of receiving your
claim. Your mover must pay or deny your claim, or make a firm
settlement offer, within 90 days of receiving your claim. If you are
not satisfied with your settlement, you can contact TxDOT for mediation
or you may pursue the claim in a court of law. Some movers may have
mediation or binding arbitration programs. Before using a program of
this type, be sure to determine if it restricts your rights to pursue
your dispute with TxDOT or through legal action.
Mediation by TxDOT
If you wish to file for mediation through TxDOT, you must submit your
request within 30 days after any portion of your claim is denied.
Additionally, if your mover has not paid or denied your claim or made a
firm settlement offer within 90 days of receiving your claim, you have
30 days to request mediation through TxDOT. The mediation will be held
by telephone conferences, by written submssions , or in person at TxDOT
facilities in Austin, Texas. The cost of the mediator is paid by TxDOT.
If you and the mover agree to a solution to your claim during
mediation, your dispute may be resolved. If you and your mover do not
reach an agreement through mediation, you may pursue your claim through
a court of law.
Contacting TxDOT
You may contact TxDOT at any time for information on household goods
moves within Texas. Claims are filed with your mover, and TxDOT does
not settle claims. However, TxDOT can advise you on the claims handling
process and does coordinate the mediation of disputes. If you have
questions about moving within Texas or wish to make a complaint about a
mover, you may contact TxDOT at 1-800-299-1700 (Select Option 3) or through our website at www.dot.state.tx.us.
Movers who transport shipments across state lines follow U.S.
Department of Transportation guidlines. You may contact the U.S.
Department of Transportation at: Licensing & Insurance Division
(HIA-30), Office of Motor Carrier Information Analysis, Federal Highway
Administration, 400 Virginia Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20024 -- Or by
telephone (202) 358-7027.
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