Moving Tips Valuable Tool for Consumers Making Move in Texas
AUSTIN, Texas, June 22 -- Consumers contemplating a move of their precious personal possessions in Texas should make sure the moving company they hire is registered with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), according to Consumer Moving Tips released Friday by the Southwest Movers Association (SMA).
This suggestion is just one of a number of valuable tips provided by the association representing household goods carriers operating in Texas. "Moving is stressful enough without experiencing problems caused by a mover that doesn't live up to the high professional standards of our industry," says John Willis of Willis Permian Movers in Odessa and Chairman of SMA. "By paying attention to these helpful tips, we believe consumers can greatly enhance their opportunity for a smooth and enjoyable move."
The summer season marks the busiest time of the year for Texans to move to a new residence and also means consumers should be on the lookout for unscrupulous movers who might seek to take advantage of consumers during a time of high demand.
"Each year, we inevitably have cases where a consumer is taken advantage of by an individual or company that is not a professional mover, is cutting corners, and defrauding consumers," Willis says. "Our goal is to be pro- active and make sure that doesn't happen."
SMA has introduced the Pinnacle Mover program in Texas whereby professional moving companies voluntarily agree to meet standards above and beyond those established by TxDOT. These movers, literally the best of the best, must meet and continually exceed requirements in order to maintain their status as a Pinnacle Mover.
Complete information on Pinnacle Movers is available at http://www.pinnaclemover.com/ . A full list of helpful moving tips, as well as a complete roster of Pinnacle Movers, is attached.
Consumer Moving Tips
Presented by the
Southwest Movers Association
Each year, thousands of Texans move from one home to another. Often professional moving companies are hired to complete these moves. The vast majority of professional moving companies are reputable, honest, and dependable.
A mover who transports a shipment of household goods strictly within Texas is required to register with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and follow consumer protection guidelines. However, the prices charged by movers, including valuation fees and insurance premiums, are not set by TxDOT.
The following tips are provided to help consumers make savvy decisions before, during and after a move within the state of Texas.
* Insure the professional mover you choose is registered with the Texas
Department of Transportation. Consumers may call TxDOT at
1-800-299-1700 (option 3 from the automated menu) to verify whether a
mover is properly registered.
* If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Legitimate
business people have legitimate business expenses. Don't be afraid to
ask questions if a quote seems unusually low compared to other quotes
you obtain.
* Get a written estimate. Prior to loading, your mover is required to
provide a written proposal. The proposal must provide the maximum
amount you will be required to pay at delivery. The proposal must be
one of two types:
* Binding - A binding proposal states the exact price of the move.
* Not-To-Exceed - A not-to-exceed proposal states the maximum price
of the move, but allows the mover to charge less than the maximum.
* Be clear on pickup and delivery dates, especially if you have firm
deadlines such as a time when you must vacate your home or apartment.
To insure that there is no confusion, note any deadlines on your
written proposal or moving services contract.
* Review your moving services contract. The moving services contract
may be in the form of a bill of lading, work ticket, or other receipt.
Read the document carefully. Be sure all agreements between you and
your mover are written on the moving services contract. Do not sign
the contract until you understand and agree with it.
* Your mover has a basic liability of 60 cents per pound per article.
This means if your 50-pound television is damaged, your mover is
liable only for a maximum of $30. Your shipment will be valued at
that amount unless you and your mover agree to higher valuation.
There may be fees for the mover agreeing to raise the valuation. This
is not the same as purchasing transit insurance.
* You may purchase transit insurance to cover loss or damage to your
goods. This coverage is not required by TxDOT. Your mover may offer
to sell you this type of policy or you may purchase it directly from
an insurance company.
* If you are packing your own goods, make sure to use quality containers
and do not overload the containers. Carton tops should be flat and
taped securely. Remember to keep valuable items such as medications,
jewelry, important papers, etc, with you. Do not put them on the
moving truck.
* 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. You must insure that your mover or his agent receives your
claim within 90 days of delivery of the shipment. Otherwise, it could
be denied.
For more information about moves within the state of Texas, visit these valuable links
http://www.pinnaclemover.com/ http://www.southwestmovers.org/ http://www.dot.state.tx.us/mcd/consumerinfo/hhgindex.htm
For information about moves into or out of the state of Texas, visit these valuable links
http://www.moving.org/ http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/outreach/moving/moving.htm Southwest Movers Association Texas Pinnacle Movers As of June 13, 2005 A Moving & Storage - Houston, TX - Joe Harris - 713/353-1101 A-1 Freeman Moving Group, Inc. - Houston, TX - Larry Vinzant - 281/550-1110 Ace Relocation Systems, Inc. - Kyle, TX - Art Livermore - 512/268-5115 Adams Transfer & Storage Co.- Conroe, TX - Bob Adams - 936/756-0025 All My Sons Moving & Storage of Austin, Inc. - Austin TX - Todd Harrison - 512/443-3700 All My Sons Moving & Storage of San Antonio, Inc. - San Antonio, TX - Greg Queen - 210/225-8700 All Points Moving & Storage Co., Inc. - Houston, TX - Stormy Mills - 713/690-7000 American Relocation & Storage Systems - Austin, TX - Steve Lancashire - 512/837-8296 Armstrong Relocation - Houston, TX - Pat Stelly - 281/897-1118 Armstrong Relocation - Dallas, TX - Mike Gonzales - 972/242-0511 Atlantic Relocation Systems - Houston, TX - Bonnie Wuebker - 713/856-2300 Central Transportation Systems - Waco, TX - Jim Alexander - 254/662-2884 Crocker Transfer & Storage - Corpus Christi, TX - Andy Crocker - 361/884-3511 Daryl Flood, Inc. - Houston, TX - Doug Smith - 713/849-9440 EDC Moving Systems - Houston, TX - George Gilbert - 713/680-9600 East End Transfer & Storage, Inc. - Houston, TX - April Surratt - 713/644-1811 Garrett Transportation Services, Inc. - Fort Worth - John Garrett - 817/625-0060 Harris Moving & Storage Co., Inc. - Houston, TX - Joe Harris - 713/353-1101 I.M.S. Relocation - Dallas, TX - Chris Moucka - 972/484-2112 New World Van Lines of Texas, Inc. - Houston, TX - Ed Marx - 713/462-7700 Texas Moving Company, Inc. - Richardson, TX - Bill Andis - 972/234-6371 Willis Permian Movers, Inc. - Odessa, Texas - John Willis - 432/337-1761