They say everything is bigger in Texas.
We don’t do things in halves here in the Lone Star State. Football is big. Barbeque is big. Mosquitoes are big. TEXAS is big.
And we’re proud of it.
Because Texas is so vast, moving within Texas isn’t always the same as moving in other states.
When you’re relocating within the Lone Star State, it might be a couple blocks across town — or over 800 miles from El Paso to Brownsville!
And for moves like these, you need a company that’s equipped and qualified to handle the uniques of a Texas-sized move.
But how do you know if your mover has what it takes?
Moving and Storage — Texas-Style
When it comes to moving in Texas, make sure your potential mover has the authority and credentials to operate.
Authority and Credentials
Is Your Mover Registered With the Texas DMV?
Moving companies in Texas are required to register with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) — and there’s good reason for it.
The TxDMV oversees licensing and regulation for moving companies in the state to make sure they have the right insurance coverage, follow best practices, and have transparent pricing.
Do They Follow Tariffs?
Texas moving companies are also required to have a standardized price list (called a tariff) that’s available to the public. This document should outline the rates, charges, and terms and conditions associated with the services the moving company offers.
Together, being registered with the TxDMV and operating under the tariff helps to protect customers against being overcharged or tricked with deceptive pricing strategies. It also holds moving and storage companies to a standard of excellence and fair competition.
When you’re moving within Texas state lines, you’ve got options when it comes to pricing. You can either be charged based on an hourly rate (which covers the time and labor), or there’s the tariff line-haul rate. The tariff line-haul rate is a fixed rate (determined in advance) for transporting your belongings — and the hourly rate shouldn’t be more than the tariff.
You should never be charged more per hour than the agreed-upon tariff rate, so make sure you’re paying a fair rate with no surprises.
When you’re moving within Texas, make sure that your moving company has the authority to operate in the state — and that they’re following the tariff!
What Are Your Mover’s Credentials?
When you’re choosing a potential moving and storage company in Texas, make sure they’ve got friends in low places credentials and association memberships.
Here at Appleton Moving Companies (through Scobey/Central), we’re proud Pinnacle Members and sit on the board of the Southwest Mover’s Association (SMA).
Being part of the SMA is important, because it shows that a company is following best practices and upholding standards in our industry. It’s a way to show that a moving company is trustworthy, staying on top of industry trends, connected with and learning from other movers in the Southwest, and dedicated to top-notch service.
If you’re wondering whether your potential moving and storage company has the right stuff to move within Texas, here are some ways to check.
Five Ways To Check Your Potential Mover’s Qualifications
1. Check the TxDMV Database
On the website, you can look up a potential moving company by name or USDOT number. The database should tell you whether or not they’re registered with the TxDMV.
The TxDMV website has helpful information about choosing a licensed mover and ways to spot an unlicensed moving company. Check out this blog for more questions to ask your mover to make sure they’re right for you!
2. Ask the Moving Company
It’s totally acceptable (and recommended!) that you directly ask a potential mover about their TxDMV registration and tariff compliance. Request their TxDMV number and verify it on the TxDMV website.
3. Review the Company’s Documentation
Ask your potential mover which tariff they’re using. Legitimate companies are required to list their tariff on the estimate — and should be transparent about their rates, charges, terms, and conditions.
4. Check Reviews and Complaints
Find out what other customers have said about your potential moving and storage partner. Do they have glowing reviews? Testimonials? Have past customers filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the TxDMV?
5. Find out if they’re Texas-ready: Is your moving company actually IN Texas?
- Do they have a presence in your city or area?
- Do they have an office and/or warehouse space in your area?
- Do they own their own vehicles?
- Are they members of the Southwest Mover’s Association?
No one’s more Texas-ready than a Texas based company. Moving partners with a presence in the area are familiar with local regulations, routes, and logistical considerations. Having an office or warehouse in the area is a way to tell that the company has established roots and infrastructure — and is equipped to handle a variety of moving and storage needs.
It’s very important that your Texas moving partner is legit and following the law. But once you’re sure, how do you find the best mover for your needs?
Location, Network, and Connections
Like we (ahem) *might* have mentioned, Texas is BIG. And with so many miles to cover, moving within Texas can be a multiple-day job
So when you’re moving across the Lone Star State, it’s valuable to choose a moving company with a network and multiple locations.
Why?
Because when you’re moving from San Antono to Waco or from El Paso to Austin or Killeen, big Texas moves require big support networks.
A Multi-Step Process
A move across Texas can be almost like moving across state lines. Your moving and storage company needs to pack the shipment, load it onto the truck, drive it across the state, rest, and complete the delivery. Chances are good that there will be multiple stops, and it’s very handy to have support and service available in those locations.
Here at Scobey/Central, we have an extensive network and multiple locations across the great state of Texas.
For instance, if you’re moving from San Antonio to Waco, we have agents in San Antonio that can service your move from any location. Packing, line haul, transportation, delivery, storage (if you need it), delivery out of storage — you name it! We’re able to provide service because we have locations in those areas.
Business Relocations and Employer-Driven Moves
In Texas, many businesses spread their operations across different cities within the state, making business-related moves common. So, if you’re moving from, let’s say, Houston to Dallas, a moving and storage company like Scobey/Central can coordinate with our network in Dallas to make it all happen seamlessly.
And it’s not only about getting your belongings from one place to another; we can also work directly with your employer to negotiate terms and sort out all the details for a seamless move that fits the employer’s requirements.
A Texas Company for Texas-sized Moves
When you’re moving in Texas, it’s important to find a trusted mover IN Texas — that has the authority to move within the Lone Star State.
Here at Scobey/Central, seamless moves within our state are a Texas tradition. Since 1913, we’ve been helping people move across Texas, the country, and the world. East to West, North to South Texas, we’re here to help you ace your Lone Star relocation.
Are you looking for a moving partner that has what it takes for a Texas-style move? When it comes to moving companies, there’s no one who knows Texas better than Scobey! Call us today to start your relocation off on the right foot.
