How much do movers cost in Texas? How pricing and estimates work

By the BillAnswers team · Updated October 20, 2026 · How we check facts

There is no official price list: TxDMV says it does not regulate fees charged by movers, so the cost depends on your items, the services you need and each mover's tariff. What the rules control is the estimate: for a move within Texas the mover must give a written binding or not-to-exceed proposal before loading, and for an interstate move FMCSA caps what you must pay at delivery at 100 percent of a binding estimate or 110 percent of a non-binding one. Get written estimates from licensed movers and compare them.

Why there is no single price

TxDMV, which licenses movers for moves within Texas, says it "does not regulate fees charged by movers" and does not recommend specific moving companies. FMCSA, which regulates moves between states, says final charges under a non-binding estimate depend on the actual weight of your shipment, the services provided and the mover's published tariff. So the only reliable price is a written estimate for your own move. We did not find a government source that publishes typical moving prices, so this page does not quote any.

BillAnswers (PRIMEZEN LLC) is not a moving company or a household goods broker and does not arrange, book or transport moves. Movers set their own prices. Check a mover's USDOT number at fmcsa.dot.gov before you hire.

Which rules apply to your move

FMCSA says its rules do not apply when the move is between two points in the same state or inside a commercial zone.

Moves within Texas (TxDMV)

• Proposal first. Before loading, the mover must give you a written proposal describing the services and the maximum amount you could be required to pay. A binding proposal states the exact price; a not-to-exceed proposal states the maximum and lets the mover charge less.
• Tell the mover everything. TxDMV says an accurate estimate needs a list of all items and any special services, such as stairs, long carries or an elevator, which some movers charge extra for.
• Contract. The mover must also give you a moving services contract before loading. TxDMV says a licensed mover will not add charges after the contract is signed unless you both agree in writing.
• Liability. You and the mover agree on its liability for loss or damage. TxDMV's example: at 60 cents per pound per item, a lost 50 pound television pays $30. Mover liability is not insurance.
• Claims. File a written claim with the mover within 90 days of delivery. If you are not satisfied, TxDMV offers free mediation (1-888-368-4689).

Interstate moves (FMCSA)

• Written estimate based on a survey. FMCSA says the mover must give a written estimate of all charges, dated and signed by you and the mover, based on an on-site or virtual survey of your goods unless you waive it in writing. A verbal quote is not an estimate.
• Binding estimate. You cannot be required to pay more than the estimate at delivery. If you add items or services, you and the mover can keep the original, write a new binding estimate or convert it to non-binding. The mover may charge a fee to prepare a binding estimate.
• Non-binding estimate. It must be in writing and reasonably accurate. The mover cannot require more than 110 percent of it at delivery and bills the rest after 30 days.
• No changes after loading. FMCSA says your mover may not change an estimate after loading the shipment.
• Your goods must be released. If you pay 110 percent of a non-binding estimate or 100 percent of a binding one (plus up to 15 percent of any impracticable operations charges), the mover must deliver. FMCSA says refusing is holding your shipment hostage in violation of federal law.
• Liability options. Full Value Protection is included in the estimate unless you waive it, with a minimum of $6.00 per pound times shipment weight. The waiver option, Released Value, pays no more than 60 cents per pound per article.

How to check a mover

1. Within Texas: search the company in TxDMV's Truck Stop lookup. TxDMV says a licensed mover has an "Active" certificate. If you cannot find it, ask for its TxDMV certificate number.
2. Interstate: search the company name, USDOT number or MC number in FMCSA's mover database, which shows registration status, type of business (carrier or broker) and complaints.
3. 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 FMCSA lists

• No on-site inspection, and an estimate by phone or online, sight unseen.
• No written estimate, or a promise to set the cost after loading.
• A demand for cash or a large deposit before the move.
• A request to sign blank documents.
• No copy of the Rights and Responsibilities booklet or the Ready to Move brochure.
• A website with no local address and no registration or insurance information.
• A claim that all goods are covered by the mover's insurance.
• The phone answered "Movers" or "Moving Company" instead of a company name.
• Offices and warehouse in poor condition or nonexistent.
• A rental truck on moving day instead of a company-owned or marked truck.
• A claim that you have more belongings than estimated.

Setting up your new home? Use the moving to Texas checklist and the moving checklist for electricity and internet.

Last updated: October 20, 2026