May Is National Moving Month – Learn Safe Moving Practices
FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION—May 5, 2026
SMA Contact: Julie Hagen
julie@mytexasmover.com
AUSTIN— In recognition of National Moving Month, the Southwest Movers Association (SMA) is urging Texans to protect themselves and their family possessions by hiring licensed, reputable movers. As peak moving season begins, SMA, alongside the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), want to emphasize that informed consumers are the first line of defense against fraud and theft.
“May marks the start of the busiest moving period of the year, and unfortunately, a time when illegal and unethical operators target unsuspecting consumers,” said SMA Executive Director John D. Esparza. “Choosing a licensed mover is not just a best practice. It is essential to safeguarding your belongings and your financial security.”
On Tuesday, May 5, SMA, its members, and TxDMV hosted a safe moving demonstration at the Blue Ox Moving warehouse in northwest Houston. During the event, professional movers demonstrated how to properly wrap, package, and load household goods onto a moving truck with care, efficiency, and adherence to industry standards. (Please email to access video content.)
The demonstration underscored the clear differences between licensed professionals and unlicensed or rogue movers, who often operate without proper licensing, insurance, or compliance with state and federal regulations. According to TxDMV, legitimate movers in Texas are required to maintain an active certificate of registration and display a valid USDOT number, ensuring accountability in safety, insurance coverage, and pricing transparency. Consumers can verify a mover’s credentials through TxDMV’s online Truck Stop database.
“When you hire an unlicensed mover, you’re trusting your most important belongings to someone you know nothing about,” said TxDMV Motor Carrier Division Director Clint Thompson. “A quick check with TxDMV can give you peace of mind the people handling your move are licensed appropriately.”
The risks of hiring unlicensed movers are well documented. Industry and regulatory partners note that fraudulent operators may demand large upfront deposits, provide vague or verbal estimates, or fail to deliver goods unless additional payments are made. These practices are consistent with patterns identified in national consumer protection efforts such as FMCSA’s Protect Your Move campaign, which promotes awareness of interstate moving rights and responsibilities. Texas regulations require movers to provide a written estimate, a signed contract, and a consumer rights brochure prior to the move. They must also disclose liability coverage and provide a final itemized bill upon completion.
To promote safe and secure moving practices, SMA encourages consumers to:
- Verify licensing through TxDMV for in-state moves and FMCSA for interstate moves
- Obtain written, signed estimates and contracts
- Review all pricing details and ask questions before agreeing to services
- Consider certified movers such as SMA Pinnacle Movers which meet higher standards for ethics and professionalism
Throughout National Moving Month and beyond, SMA remains committed to working with TxDMV and FMCSA to promote transparency, accountability, and safety within the moving industry.
For additional tips and information, visit:
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, www.TxDMV.gov
Southwest Movers Association, www.MyTexasMover.com
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, www.Fmcsa.dot.gov