How to Compare & What to Ask

Editorial review sites score movers on roughly the same factors. Here’s what actually matters, and what to insist on:

1. Licensing and authority. An active USDOT number with interstate operating authority (verify it at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov). For Texas-only moves, a TXDMV registration.
2. Carrier vs. broker. A carrier owns the trucks and crews and moves you. A broker sells your job to a carrier you didn’t choose. Brokers aren’t always a problem, but you give up control, so always ask which one you’re dealing with.
3. Estimate quality. A real mover does an in-home or video survey and gives a binding not-to-exceed quote. Phone-only guesses are a red flag.
4. Pricing transparency. Weight-based pricing, clear add-on costs (stairs, long carry, packing, storage), and no large cash deposits.
5. Valuation and protection. Offers full-value protection, not just the free 60¢/lb “released value.”
6. Reputation. Recent, consistent reviews (Google, BBB), low complaint volume, and real customer references.
7. Service fit. Handles your specifics: specialty items (piano, fine art), storage-in-transit, packing level, and your exact route.

1. Licensing and authority. An active USDOT number with interstate operating authority (verify it at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov). For Texas-only moves, a TXDMV registration.
2. Carrier vs. broker. A carrier owns the trucks and crews and moves you. A broker sells your job to a carrier you didn’t choose. Brokers aren’t always a problem, but you give up control, so always ask which one you’re dealing with.
3. Estimate quality. A real mover does an in-home or video survey and gives a binding not-to-exceed quote. Phone-only guesses are a red flag.
4. Pricing transparency. Weight-based pricing, clear add-on costs (stairs, long carry, packing, storage), and no large cash deposits.
5. Valuation and protection. Offers full-value protection, not just the free 60¢/lb “released value.”
6. Reputation. Recent, consistent reviews (Google, BBB), low complaint volume, and real customer references.
7. Service fit. Handles your specifics: specialty items (piano, fine art), storage-in-transit, packing level, and your exact route.

Delivery comes as a window, not a fixed date. Your shipment may share a truck with other households heading in the same direction, which affects timing. Typical transit times vary by distance.

For moves under 500 miles (such as Dallas to Houston or Austin), expect delivery in 2–5 days. Routes of 500–1,500 miles (like Dallas to Denver or Atlanta) typically take 3–10 days. And long hauls of 1,500+ miles (such as Dallas to LA or NYC) generally run 7–14 days.

Ask any mover for their delivery spread — the guaranteed window — in writing before you book.

There’s no single winner; it depends on your move.

National Van Lines

• Best for: Cross-country and coast-to-coast moves.
• Pros: Extensive brand recognition and broad national coverage.
• Watch for: Your shipment may be handled by local agents or consolidated with other moves.
• Pricing: Typically weight-based with premium tiers.

Established Local DFW Movers

• Best for: Texas-based and regional long-distance moves (e.g., Dallas to Austin, Houston, or Denver).
• Pros: Greater local accountability and often more personalized, attentive service.
• Watch for: Ensure they hold proper interstate authority for out-of-state moves.
• Pricing: Often more flexible and competitive on regional routes.

For a Dallas household moving within Texas or regionally, a strong local mover with interstate authority often beats a national brand on both price and service. For a true coast-to-coast move, compare both.

1. Are you a carrier or a broker? Who will physically move my belongings?
2. What’s your USDOT/MC number? (Then verify it yourself.)
3. Will you do an in-home or video survey before quoting?
4. Is the estimate binding, not-to-exceed, binding, or non-binding?
5. Do you require a deposit? How much, and is it refundable?
6. What valuation/insurance options do you offer, and what do they cost?
7. What’s the guaranteed delivery window in writing?
8. Will my shipment be consolidated with other moves?
9. How do you handle specialty items (piano, art, antiques)?
10. Can you provide recent local references?

(See also: How to Compare Moving Quotes  and How to Identify Unlicensed Movers .)