The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation wants to make sure you have the information you need to “Protect Your Memories. Your Money. Your Move.” from moving fraud. Most household moves go smoothly, but there are dishonest or “rogue” movers you should be aware of. The best defense is to be informed and know your options before you choose a mover.
This page puts your rights in one place: the Texas rules that apply when your move starts and ends in Texas, and the federal rules that apply when you move to another state, with links to the official brochures. Condor Moving Systems has moved Texans from Fort Worth since 2003 and is licensed with TxDMV (006041428C) and registered with FMCSA (USDOT 1126171, MC-458180). Questions? Call 877-460-6683.
Before you hire a mover: know who you're dealing with
Check that any mover you consider is licensed for the move you’re making, and get everything in writing. Get estimates from at least three companies, and check the mover with the Better Business Bureau.
Key definitions
- Mover (household goods carrier): the company that actually transports your shipment.
- Broker: a company that arranges for the truck transportation of cargo belonging to others, using for-hire carriers to provide the actual transportation. A broker does not assume responsibility for the cargo and usually does not take possession of it. A legitimate company tells you whether it is a broker or a mover.
- Tariff: a list of rates, rules, regulations and available services. Each mover publishes its own tariff, and it must be provided to you on request.
Use only licensed, registered movers
- Moving within Texas: the mover must have an active TxDMV certificate number and follow the household goods rules in Chapter 218 of Title 43, Texas Administrative Code. Look the mover up in TxDMV's Truck Stop database (a licensed mover shows a thumbs up), or call TxDMV at 1-888-368-4689 for its complaint history.
- Moving to another state: the mover must have a USDOT number, be registered with FMCSA for interstate household goods moves, and carry the proper level of insurance. Check at FMCSA Protect Your Move or call FMCSA at 1-800-832-5660 for licensing and insurance information.
- Look at the truck: TxDMV requires licensed movers to show their name, TxDMV certificate number and USDOT number on both sides of the truck.
Red flags from TxDMV
- A price that sounds too good to be true. Unlicensed movers use low prices to get your things on the truck, then raise the price before they will unload.
- Generic contact information: no local business address, a cell phone as the business line, or someone answering only "movers" or "moving company."
- Unmarked or rental trucks with no company name or TxDMV number.
- No paperwork. A licensed mover gives you a proposal and a contract before loading your items.
Condor Moving Systems credentials
TxDMV 006041428C · USDOT 1126171 · MC-458180 · Fort Worth, Texas · in business since 2003
Verify us yourself: TxDMV Truck Stop · FMCSA SAFER company snapshot
Your rights in Texas (moves that start and end in Texas)
Moves within Texas are regulated by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) under 43 TAC Chapter 218. Every licensed mover must give you TxDMV’s brochure Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move in Texas before loading. TxDMV doesn’t set or regulate movers’ prices, so shop around; it does set the rules below.
Texas · TxDMV
Your written proposal: binding or not-to-exceed
- Before loading, the mover must give you a written proposal (a bid or quote) that states the maximum amount you could be required to pay for the listed services.
- A binding proposal states the exact price of the move. A not-to-exceed proposal states the maximum price, and the mover may charge less than that maximum.
- A price given over the phone must be followed by a written proposal before loading. An hourly proposal still has to state the maximum amount you could be charged.
- Tell the mover about stairs, long carries and elevators so the proposal is accurate. The proposal also says when payment is due and which forms of payment are accepted.
Texas · TxDMV
The most you can be charged
- Plan to pay up to the maximum on your written proposal, or on the last signed amendment, at delivery.
- If more items or services are needed, you and the mover must agree in writing before the extra work is done. An amendment is signed by both of you and states the new maximum price.
- If the proposal isn't amended that way, only the charges on the original proposal can be billed. A licensed mover won't add charges after the contract is signed unless you both agree in writing.
- The mover must release your goods at destination when you pay the maximum price listed on the moving services contract.
Texas · TxDMV
Your contract (the moving services contract)
- The mover must give you a copy of the moving services contract before loading. It includes your name, the mover's name and TxDMV number, the origin and destination, and a clear statement of the mover's liability for loss or damage.
- Your accepted written proposal becomes part of the contract, and the two can be one combined document.
- Get every agreement written into the contract. Don't rely on verbal promises, and read every document before you sign it.
Texas · TxDMV
Inventory and delivery
- An inventory is optional. If you agree to have the mover prepare one, it may cost extra; a mover that makes an inventory for its own use can't charge you for it.
- An inventory is signed by you and the mover at pickup and again at delivery. Signing it doesn't waive your right to file a claim.
- At delivery you get a completed copy of the contract signed by both of you. Your signature only confirms delivery and does not release the mover from liability, so write any damage on the document before you sign.
- If you change your pickup or delivery dates or times, you may be charged additional fees.
Texas · TxDMV
Mover liability vs. insurance
- You and the mover agree on the mover's liability before the move. TxDMV's example: at 60 cents per pound per item, a damaged 50-pound TV is paid at $30.
- A mover's liability limit is not insurance. You can buy insurance to protect your items. If you buy it from or through the mover, you must get a copy of the policy (or other proof) before loading.
- At Condor: released value moving coverage (valuation) of 60 cents per pound per article is included on every move. Full value coverage is available only through Baker International. See Moving Coverage.
Texas · TxDMV
Claims: 90 days to file
- File your claim in writing within 90 days of delivery. Include enough information for the mover to investigate and the amount or other solution you're asking for. A claim received after 90 days can be denied.
- The mover must acknowledge your claim within 23 days and pay, deny or make a settlement offer within 90 days.
- Keep the boxes and the damaged items. The mover has the right to inspect them within 30 days of receiving your claim.
- Moved with Condor? File a claim online.
Texas · TxDMV
Free TxDMV mediation and complaints
- If the mover denies your claim, makes an offer you don't accept, or doesn't respond within 90 days, you can ask TxDMV for free mediation of a dispute over fees or damage. TxDMV must receive your written request within 35 days. Use form ENF-HHG-MR1.
- Mediation is held by phone, in writing or in person in Austin. TxDMV grants one mediation per shipment. If it doesn't resolve the dispute, you can take the claim to court at your own expense.
- File a complaint with TxDMV online, by calling 1-888-368-4689 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday), or by emailing TruckStop@TxDMV.gov. Save your moving documents; an investigator may ask for them.
Your rights on out-of-state moves (interstate)
When you move from one state to another, the mover is regulated by FMCSA. These federal rules don’t apply to a move between two points in the same state. Before an interstate move, movers are required to give you the booklet Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move and the Ready to Move? brochure, either as copies or as links. They explain the documents you’ll sign and your rights if your belongings are lost or damaged. Both are linked below.
Interstate · FMCSA
Estimates
- The estimate must be in writing, describe all charges for the services the mover will perform, and be signed by you and the mover. Don't accept oral estimates. If there are more items to move, the mover must prepare a new estimate.
- The estimate must be based on a physical survey of your goods, on-site or virtual, unless you waive it in writing.
- Binding estimate: you can't be required to pay more than the estimate at delivery. Non-binding estimate: the mover can't require more than 110% of the estimate at delivery; any remaining charges are billed after 30 days. Charges for impracticable operations are limited to 15% of the estimate at delivery.
Interstate · FMCSA
Bill of lading and inventory
- The bill of lading is your contract with the mover and the receipt for your belongings. It must be signed and dated by you and the mover at origin and at destination. Keep it until your goods are delivered, the charges are paid and any claims are settled.
- The inventory is the receipt showing each item shipped and its condition. Get a written copy after your goods are loaded, and make sure you agree with how their condition is described.
Interstate · FMCSA
Charges and tariffs
- The charges a mover assesses must be in its published tariff, which must be made available to you on request. If you feel a mover has overcharged you, contact the Surface Transportation Board at (202) 245-0238.
Interstate · FMCSA
Liability and claims: 9 months to file
- Federal rules describe two levels of mover liability for interstate moves: Full Value Protection and Released Value of 60 cents per pound per article. Ask us how coverage works on your move; see Moving Coverage.
- If goods are damaged or missing, file a written claim within 9 months of delivery. Sending it by certified mail is suggested.
- The mover has 30 days to acknowledge your claim and 120 days to give you a decision.
Interstate · FMCSA
Arbitration and complaints
- Interstate movers must offer a neutral dispute settlement (arbitration) program for loss or damage claims and must tell you about it before the move. If you request arbitration for a claim of $10,000 or less, the mover must agree; above $10,000, only if the mover agrees. How arbitration works with Condor.
- If you're not satisfied with the mover's settlement offer, you can use the dispute settlement program or seek other legal remedies.
- FMCSA can't resolve claims, but you can file a complaint at FMCSA's complaint database or call 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238), Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern.
Texas vs. out-of-state moves at a glance
| Within Texas | Texas to another state | |
|---|---|---|
| Who regulates the mover | TxDMV (43 TAC Chapter 218) | FMCSA (federal rules) |
| Required license | Active TxDMV certificate number | USDOT number and FMCSA registration |
| Brochure you must receive | Your Rights & Responsibilities When You Move in Texas | Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move, and Ready to Move? |
| Price document | Written proposal: binding or not-to-exceed | Written estimate: binding or non-binding |
| Most due at delivery | The maximum on the written proposal or signed amendment | 100% of a binding estimate or 110% of a non-binding estimate |
| Contract | Moving services contract | Bill of lading |
| Claim deadline | 90 days from delivery | 9 months from delivery |
| Mover must respond | Acknowledge in 23 days; decide in 90 days | Acknowledge in 30 days; decide in 120 days |
| If you can't agree | Free TxDMV mediation (request within 35 days) | Mover's arbitration program |
| Complaints | TxDMV: 1-888-368-4689 | FMCSA: 1-888-368-7238 |
Moving day and delivery day: protect yourself
- Don't sign blank documents. Read the estimate or proposal, the contract or bill of lading and the inventory before you sign.
- Be there to answer questions, go through the inventory with the crew, and stay until they finish. Take one last look through the house before the truck leaves.
- Keep jewelry, money, medications and important papers with you. Don't pack them on the truck. See what can't go on the truck.
- Keep your contract or bill of lading until your goods are delivered, charges are paid and any claim is settled.
- At delivery, pay according to your written estimate or proposal, supervise the unloading, and note any damaged or missing items before you sign.
- How you can pay Condor: for local moves we accept cash, money orders or cashier's checks. For long-distance moves we also accept Visa or Mastercard at pickup; at delivery we accept only cash, money orders or cashier's checks.
- Planning ahead? Use our moving checklist.
Official brochures and booklets
Free, official copies to read or save before your move. (FMCSA’s booklet and brochure are the documents interstate movers are required to provide.)
- Your Rights & Responsibilities When You Move in Texas (TxDMV, PDF, January 2025)
- Are You Planning to Move Somewhere in Texas? (TxDMV tips and red flags, PDF)
- Don't Make a Move Without Us (TxDMV consumer page: claims, mediation, complaints)
- Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move (FMCSA booklet, PDF)
- Ready to Move? Tips for a successful interstate move (FMCSA brochure, PDF)
- Protect Your Move (FMCSA: check a mover, spot red flags, file a complaint)
Ready to Move FAQ
Is Condor Moving Systems licensed?
Yes. Condor Moving Systems is licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV 006041428C) for moves within Texas and registered with FMCSA (USDOT 1126171, MC-458180) for interstate household goods moves. You can check both in the TxDMV Truck Stop database and FMCSA’s SAFER system.
What is the most I can be charged for a move within Texas?
The maximum amount stated on your written proposal. If extra items or services are needed, you and the mover must agree in writing before the work is done, and the signed amendment states the new maximum. Without that, only the charges on the original proposal can be billed.
What is the difference between a binding and a not-to-exceed proposal?
A binding proposal states the exact price of the move. A not-to-exceed proposal states the maximum price, and the mover may charge less. On interstate moves the federal terms are binding and non-binding estimates; with a non-binding estimate the mover can’t require more than 110% of the estimate at delivery.
How long do I have to file a damage claim?
For a move within Texas, file in writing within 90 days of delivery. For an interstate move, file in writing within 9 months of delivery. Keep damaged items and boxes so the mover can inspect them.
Is moving coverage the same as insurance?
No. A mover’s liability, or valuation, is not insurance. At Condor, released value moving coverage of 60 cents per pound per article is included. Full value coverage is available only through Baker International. You can also buy insurance on your own.
What can I do if my mover and I can't agree on a claim?
For a move within Texas, ask TxDMV for free mediation. Your written request must reach TxDMV within 35 days after the mover denies your claim or makes an offer you don’t accept, or after 90 days with no response. For an interstate move, use the mover’s arbitration program.
Where do I file a complaint against a mover?
For a move within Texas, file with TxDMV online, call 1-888-368-4689 or email TruckStop@TxDMV.gov. For an interstate move, file with FMCSA online or call 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238).
Ready to move with a licensed Texas mover?
Get a written quote from Condor Moving Systems for your local or long-distance move. We’ll walk you through your proposal, your contract and your coverage before moving day. Prefer to talk? Call 877-460-6683.
Sources: TxDMV, Your Rights & Responsibilities When You Move in Texas (Jan. 2025); TxDMV, Don’t Make a Move; TxDMV, Are You Planning to Move Somewhere in Texas?; 43 Texas Administrative Code §§218.56–218.62 (Texas Secretary of State); FMCSA, Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move; FMCSA, Ready to Move?. This page summarizes these sources and is not legal advice. Reviewed October 2026.