Movers in Waco

TxDMV says every household goods mover operating within Texas, from major van lines to local crews with a truck and trailer, must hold an active TxDMV certificate number. Moving goods for pay without one is a Class C misdemeanor that rises with repeat convictions. Look the company up on TxDMV's Truck Stop motor carrier search: "Active" means it's licensed. TxDMV's Enforcement Division can also tell you its complaint history at 1-888-368-4689.

The paperwork tells you the rest. Print ads must show the registered name, a Texas street address and the number written as "TxDMV No.", and trucks must show the company name and number on both sides. TxDMV says unmarked or rental trucks are a warning sign, as are very low quotes that rise once goods are loaded and vague names like "Movers" with only a cell phone. Texas-registered movers also need a federal number such as a USDOT number.

Moves that leave Texas

If you're moving out of state, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the move instead of TxDMV. Its consumer site is protectyourmove.gov.

Before loading, a licensed Texas mover must give you TxDMV's "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move in Texas" and a written proposal showing the services and the maximum you could be asked to pay. The proposal is either binding, with an exact price, or not-to-exceed, with a ceiling the mover can come in under. Either way, be ready to pay that maximum at delivery.

An accurate number depends on you. TxDMV says to list every item and mention stairs, long carries and elevators. A mover can charge for a descriptive inventory only if you agreed to it, and can't add charges after the contract is signed unless both sides agree in writing.

Liability, insurance and claims

You and the mover agree on its liability level. At 60 cents per pound per item, a lost 50-pound TV is reimbursed $30, so ask about transit insurance, which must be issued before loading. Damage or overcharge claims must go to the mover in writing within 90 days of delivery, and TxDMV says to keep damaged goods and containers for inspection. The mover then has 23 days to acknowledge, 30 days to inspect and 90 days to pay, deny or make an offer. If that answer falls short, TxDMV offers free mediation if you ask within 35 days.

TxDMV doesn't regulate moving fees, so prices vary and it suggests shopping around. HomeGuide's national figures put a local move of under 50 miles for a 2- to 3-bedroom home at $900 to $2,800, with movers charging $50 to $100 or more per mover per hour and a 3- to 5-hour minimum. Long-distance moves run $1,300 to $9,500. Those are national, November 2025 ranges. The Texas movers guide has the full breakdown.

• Clear-out. Waco curbside customers get one free bulky-waste pickup a month for piles up to 6x6x6 feet; bigger piles cost extra. Freon appliances, tires, glass, paint and chemicals aren't collected as bulky waste, so plan for those separately.
• Trash service. The residential solid waste base fee starts at $22.34 a month, including one 95-gallon trash cart and up to two recycling carts. Carts go out by 7 a.m.
• Water. The City of Waco supplies water and wastewater service in its area, so set up the account with the city before moving day.

Book a Waco cleaning service for the place you're leaving, compare movers in Killeen, and see the Waco hub for more city basics.