Texas Licensing Requirements for Mobile Home Transport

Starting a mobile home transport business in Texas needs multiple licenses and certifications. Here’s what you need to know about the legal requirements.

You’ll need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to get started. The business requires a Class A CDL that lets you operate vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more. You must pass specialized knowledge tests and complete a skills assessment to get your CDL.

The TDHCA takes seven working days to process complete applications. You should start the application process early before launching your business. The license needs renewal every two years, and you must complete 8 hours of continuing education.

The law requires proper licensing, bonding, and insurance coverage to transport manufactured homes. You’ll need to provide either a USDOT Number or the TDHCA licensing number during the permit application process.

Required Permits and Documentation

Getting proper permits is a vital step to transport mobile homes. Here’s what you need to know about documentation requirements at state and local levels

Equipment and Safety Standards

Safe mobile home transport in Texas requires equipment that meets strict state requirements. Let’s look at the specifications and safety standards every mobile home transport operation must follow.

Required Transport Vehicle Specifications

Transport vehicles need specific requirements to move mobile homes safely. The vehicle’s specifications include proper lighting systems and appropriate weight capacity for the load. Any vehicle carrying loads that extend more than four feet beyond the bed must have two red lamps visible from at least 500 feet to the rear.

Oversized loads require:

• A rotating amber beacon or pulsating light (minimum 8-inch diameter)
• Mounted warning lights visible from all sides
• Signs displaying “OVERSIZE LOAD” in black letters on yellow background

Safety Equipment Checklist

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles requires escort vehicles to carry specific safety gear:

• Two-way communication systems between escort and transport vehicles
• Height pole (for loads exceeding 17 feet)
• 16-inch red flags on all four corners of escort vehicles
• Flashing amber lights or rotating beacon
• “WIDE LOAD” signs (front and rear) with 8-inch black letters on yellow background

Load Securement Requirements

Proper load securement is a vital part of safe transport. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration states that cargo securement systems must withstand specific forces:

• 0.8g deceleration in forward direction
• 0.5g acceleration in rearward direction
• 0.5g acceleration in lateral direction

The system’s combined working load limit must equal at least one-half the cargo’s weight. These requirements need verification:

• All tiedowns have proper attachment
• No damaged components in use
• All securing devices prevent loosening during transit

Loads extending beyond vehicle sides or more than four feet beyond the rear need 12-inch red flags to mark load extremities. Any permitted load needs a rotating amber beacon mounted at the top rear.

Business Setup and Compliance

Starting a mobile home transport business in Texas needs close attention to regulations and compliance. Here’s what you need to know about the requirements to start and run your operation.

Establishing a Mobile Home Transport Company

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) requires specific licenses to operate. Your license fees will depend on your business type:

• Manufacturer license: $850
• Retailer license: $550
• Broker license: $350
• Installer license: $350

Your business needs detailed insurance coverage and bonding. A commercial trucking insurance policy costs more than $10,000 per year. This policy should have cargo coverage of $100,000 and general liability insurance.

Record Keeping Requirements

TDHCA rules state that you must keep records at your main office or designated location in Texas. Your records should have:

• Installation reports and warranty information
• Sales contracts and property titles
• Consumer disclosure statements
• Inspection certificates
• Transportation permits

The state specifies how long you need to keep these records. You can store them electronically, as long as they stay available during the required period.

Annual Renewal Procedures

You’ll need to follow several steps to stay compliant. License renewal happens every two years from your original license date. The steps involve:

1. Submitting renewal application
2. Providing updated insurance certificates
3. Completing 8 hours of continuing education
4. Paying applicable renewal fees
5. Updating authorized personnel list

The timing of your renewal is vital – submit applications before your license expires. The department takes seven working days to process complete renewal applications.

Your vehicles must display 4-inch lettering to meet equipment inspection standards. The core team list should stay updated to show who can buy permits for your company.

Your surety bond filed with TxDMV needs yearly renewal by August 31st. Remember, if your coverage lapses, your license could be suspended or revoked.

Legal Responsibilities and Liability

Legal responsibilities play a vital role in running a successful mobile home transport business in Texas. Note that this industry comes with most important liability considerations.

Transport Company Obligations

Mobile home transporters must maintain complete insurance coverage. Our liability insurance requirements has:

• A minimum of $300,000 in general liability coverage
• Cargo insurance covering the full value of transported homes
• Workers’ compensation insurance for all employees

Written documentation must be provided before loading any home. This includes both a proposal/estimate and a moving services contract. The contract must detail:

• Company name and TxDMV certificate number
• Pick-up and delivery dates
• Liability limitations
• Total cost breakdown

Damage Prevention and Claims

Accidents can happen despite careful planning. The claims process requires specific steps. If damage occurs:

1. Customers must file written claims within 90 days of delivery
2. We have 20 days to acknowledge claims (excluding holidays)
3. Our company must inspect damaged items within 30 days
4. We must provide a written response within 90 days of receiving the claim

State regulations set our standard liability coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. To name just one example, see a 50-pound television that gets damaged – the simple coverage would provide $30 in compensation.

Compliance with State Regulations

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles enforces strict operational requirements. Our responsibilities include:

1. Maintaining active TxDMV certification
2. Displaying our TxDMV certificate number on all vehicles
3. Providing customers with “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move in Texas” document
4. Keeping detailed records of all moves

Double-wide manufactured homes need separate permits for each section. Moving the whole unit as one piece requires special house moving permits.

Our principal office must keep proper documentation ready for state authorities’ inspection. This includes:

• Transportation permits
• Insurance certificates
• Customer contracts
• Inspection records
• Employee certifications

We give customers options for increased coverage beyond the standard rate. Higher coverage might increase costs but provides better protection for valuable items. Customers can purchase transit insurance through our company or an independent provider.

Conclusion

Texas mobile home transport requires strict adherence to regulatory requirements and safety standards. This piece outlines everything you need to know about operating legally in the state’s thriving manufactured housing industry.

You will need these most important components to succeed:

• A valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License
• TDHCA licensing and proper certifications
• Single-trip permits for each transport
• Specific safety equipment and vehicle specifications
• Detailed insurance coverage and bonding
• Detailed record-keeping systems

The mobile home transport business offers great opportunities in Texas. The state guides the nation in manufactured home movements. Getting licensed as a transporter may look complex. Doing this will give you both legal compliance and safe operations.

Here’s what you should do before starting:

1. Complete all required education courses
2. Get necessary licenses and permits
3. Get proper insurance coverage
4. Invest in required safety equipment
5. Set up solid record-keeping practices

New transporters should check the official Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website (www.txdmv.gov) and Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs portal (www.tdhca.texas.gov). These sites have the latest requirements and forms. You’ll find vital details about licensing, permits, and regulatory updates that impact our industry.

FAQ

Q1. What are the key requirements for moving a mobile home in Texas? To move a mobile home in Texas, you need a Class A Commercial Driver’s License, proper licensing from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), single-trip permits for each transport, specific safety equipment, comprehensive insurance coverage, and a surety bond. You must also comply with vehicle specifications and maintain detailed records.

Q2. How do I obtain a permit to transport a mobile home in Texas? You need to secure a single-trip permit from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) for any manufactured housing that exceeds legal size limits. These permits cost $40, are valid for five days, and cover one specific movement from origin to destination. For double-wide homes, each half requires a separate permit.

Q3. What safety equipment is required for mobile home transport in Texas? Essential safety equipment includes a rotating amber beacon or pulsating light with a minimum 8-inch diameter, mounted warning lights visible from all sides, and signs displaying “OVERSIZE LOAD” in black letters on a yellow background. Escort vehicles must have two-way communication systems, height poles for loads exceeding 17 feet, red flags, and “WIDE LOAD” signs.

Q4. How often do I need to renew my mobile home transport license in Texas? License renewal occurs every two years from the initial license date. The renewal process includes submitting an application, providing updated insurance certificates, completing 8 hours of continuing education, paying applicable fees, and updating the authorized personnel list. It’s crucial to submit renewal applications before the license expires.

Q5. What are the insurance requirements for mobile home transport companies in Texas? Mobile home transport companies in Texas must maintain a minimum of $300,000 in general liability coverage, cargo insurance covering the full value of transported homes, and workers’ compensation insurance for all employees. Additionally, a surety bond of $10,000 is mandatory and must be renewed annually before August 31st.