How Much Do Long-Distance Dallas, TX Movers Cost?

When you’re ready to plan a move, you may feel stress over what it might cost you. That’s natural, and it’s normal to worry about hidden fees or other unwanted surprises. To help alleviate this stress, here’s context about moving price regulations along with information about a concern we often hear and our recommended solutions.

Moving Regulations Vary by State

Different regulations can apply based upon the state you’re relocating to. So, you can’t just collect information about Texas regulations if you’re moving out of state. As a quick overview:

• Some states manage every aspect of how moving companies conduct business, including pricing.
• Others may just have regulations about how to be in compliance and allow movers to charge the rates they would like: These states may restrict:
  • how fluctuations in pricing may occur
  • how/when to collect on those charges

If moving within Texas, here’s information about moving rights from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, including rights and responsibilities. If you’re moving to another state, state-specific guidelines are easily accessible online, and you should have no scarcity of resources to look through. To help, here are the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations and Enforcement of Interstate Moves.

Regulated states have a tariff that sets the guidelines and rules for how movers need to quote, perform, and charge for a move. If a line item is being presented as part of the price or isn’t a tariff item, it may be illegal for that mover to charge for it. Some states allow for bound and non-bound estimates or variations of that like a not to exceed price. These are all based upon the statement of work (SOW) that a moving company puts together.

So, pay close attention to how the SOW is prepared and what information was gathered and used to calculate the price. If something was left off (intentionally or unintentionally), a consumer may still be on the hook for the cost increase if they want that service performed or item moved.

Also watch (and don’t fall for) the “minimum price.” Every mover has a minimum price or time increment they charge for even if it is a one-hour minimum. This doesn’t mean any small move is a minimum price. Other things need to be considered, too, like travel time or trip charges, when the clock starts and stops, and so forth. Ninety percent of local moves do not meet a minimum or less and will have more cost.

If a mover shows up ready to perform just the minimum, with the minimum amount of labor and materials, then they will not be able to provide you with a smooth experience or even be able to handle everything you have properly.

Commonly Heard Concern: Unclear Pricing and Vague Estimates

This can feel exceptionally frustrating. So, as you’re gathering quotes, ask for a detailed breakdown of all the costs involved. This should include labor, transportation, packing materials, valuation, and any additional services (more about those below). Make sure to ask if there are any potential hidden fees or charges that might not be included in the initial quote. This can help you to avoid surprises later on. At Suddath, we provide a granularly detailed breakdown in just this format with no hidden fees.

Clarify Optional Services

Paying for services that you don’t need can inflate your moving costs. Most long-distance moving companies in Dallas and elsewhere provide a myriad of services and allow you to choose which ones you need. So, ask your mover to provide a breakdown of pricing for each service. This allows you to determine what you’re willing to pay for and what’s most important. For example, you may not have time to pack and are willing to pay for this service. Or, if you aren’t in a rush, you may opt to select services such as disconnecting and reconnecting your appliances or decluttering before you move.

Prior to moving, whether you think you’re prepared or not, it’s important to have a conversation with at least one reputable mover, working with a relocation consultant to understand the pricing of long-distance moves in Dallas. Gain clarity over how pricing is based (weight or hourly), so that you can evaluate its costs and make comparisons with other moving companies.

An experienced and professional mover—like Suddath with more than a century of relocation experience—can tailor a solution based upon your needs, concerns, and budget. We offer packing, custom crating, and unique storage solutions based upon the needs of a move along with custom disassembly and reassembly of furniture and more.

Discuss Weight and Mileage

The weight of your household goods can significantly impact your quote for long-distance moves. So, ask how the weight of your belongings and the distance of your move affect the quote to understand the major factors influencing the cost. When you receive your quote, it should tell you what the estimated weight of your shipment is. Make sure to ask whether the price will change when they actually load and weigh your items. You shouldn’t have to pay for a poorly estimated weight of your household goods but, if the salesperson’s estimate is off, they may charge you the difference.

Fortunately, you have control over your total weight because reducing the weight of your household goods before getting a quote can lower your costs. Consider:

• Identifying and not moving items that won’t fit in your new home
• Recycling or tossing items with no discernible value
• Gifting unwanted items to friends or family
• Donating to charities, especially those that offer pickups
• Selling unneeded belongings to offset moving costs
• Have a plan for what you need, and order/ship new items directly to your new home

When you choose our long-distance movers in Dallas, we’ll gladly provide the information you need and answer all your questions.

Choose Your Move Date

Demand spikes in the summer across van lines, and moving is capacity-based like buying an airline ticket. So, if you need a summer move, book early. If you want to save money, seek a more cost-effective moving date that fits your schedule. Any flexibility you have can save you both money and frustration. For example, if you can, book your move on a weekday (Monday through Thursday) and/or during the offseason (October through April) to avoid peak demand and pricing. Here’s an added benefit when you move when there’s more availability: the possibility of getting the best crew available increases. At Suddath, your knowledgeable, dedicated move counselor can help with scheduling issues.

Understand Valuation Coverage

Understanding the difference between moving valuation coverage and insurance can be confusing. So, have your mover explain the differences to ensure that you know what kind of protection you’re getting for your belongings and make the decision that best fits your needs.

All moving companies have to provide basic coverage, known as “standard released value” at the amount of $.60/pound. That means that, if your shipment weight is estimated at ten thousand pounds, you will have coverage of $6,000 for all of your goods. That may be fine for you, but it can also feel insufficient if you have many high value pieces that could be damaged.

That same system also applies per item if cargo damage occurs and you file your claim: a piece weighing ten pounds gets covered at $6. If, though, you want that ten pound piece (or any other item) covered at full replacement cost or repair cost, then purchase the additional valuation to cover your goods.

The decision you make can depend upon how comfortable you are with the experience of the moving company and how transparent they are about how they hire, train, and perform their services. Please confirm, too, whether or not items in boxes are covered if you pack the boxes. Oftentimes they are not as packing quality, carton integrity, and contents of the box can’t be confirmed.

Get Everything in Writing

Ensure that’s the case with all agreements and all details to provide a clear reference and help to prevent misunderstandings. Any reputable moving company will be happy to do exactly that. Also, ask whatever questions you have. A moving company of quality will gladly explain their pricing and services to you in the amount of detail you require.

As a key takeaway, don’t let a moving company take advantage of you or fit you into a one-size-fits-all box (pun intended).

Request Your Personalized Quote for a Long-Distance Dallas Move

We hope that this post provides you with behind-the-scenes insights into how moving companies construct pricing and allows you to see how Suddath provides you with transparent pricing and options.

Then, when you’re ready to move long-distance, please reach out to our Dallas movers. We’re here to make your move as efficient, cost-effective, and stress-free as possible.

P.S. Suddath also offers financing options for your move. Just let us know if this is something you’re interested in learning more about.