Moving a mobile or manufactured home requires far more than a simple tow truck. A manufactured home is a factory-built dwelling constructed after June 15, 1976, and governed by the federal HUD Code for safety and durability. Because these structures are designed to be moved only a few times, the relocation involves specialized equipment, extensive preparation, and strict adherence to state and federal transportation laws. This must be entrusted to licensed professionals who understand the engineering and regulatory requirements of moving a wide, heavy structure over public roads.
Types of Professionals Who Move Mobile Homes
The professionals who handle these complex relocations generally fall into three categories. Specialized Mobile Home Transport Companies focus exclusively on the physical relocation of the structure, offering comprehensive services from preparation to final setup. These are the most common providers, equipped with the specialized tractors, trailers, and hydraulic systems necessary for the job.
Manufactured Home Dealers also play a role, especially when a new home is purchased. They typically coordinate the delivery and initial installation as part of the sales agreement, managing logistics by contracting with a transport company. The third category consists of Independent Contractors, who may be smaller operators offering transport-only services. While sometimes less expensive, homeowners must thoroughly vet these contractors to ensure they possess the necessary licensing, insurance, and experience.
The Full Scope of the Mover’s Responsibilities
The relocation of a manufactured home is a multi-step process. The professional mover’s first task is the safe disconnection of all utilities, including water, sewer, electrical lines, and gas sources. The crew must then prepare the structure for transport by removing external attachments like decks, porches, and skirting, and securing all loose items inside the home.
The mover uses specialized equipment to lift the home from its foundation, place it onto its steel chassis and axles, and prepare it for road travel. For multi-section homes, this includes carefully separating the sections along the marriage line. The mover’s full responsibility includes the re-setup at the destination site. This final stage involves positioning the home, leveling it precisely, securing it with tie-downs and anchoring systems, and re-connecting the utilities to meet local codes.
Essential Credentials and Liability Requirements
Movers must possess specific credentials that protect the homeowner and the public. State-level licensing for manufactured home installers and transporters is required in many jurisdictions, often mandating specific training and continuing education. For moves that cross state lines, the company must also have federal Department of Transportation (DOT) operating authority, which governs interstate commerce and safety regulations for oversized loads.
A company must carry comprehensive liability insurance to cover potential damages to the home, the moving equipment, or third-party property during transit. Additionally, a surety bond is frequently required by state manufactured housing boards. This bond acts as a financial guarantee, ensuring funds are available for recourse if the mover fails to complete the job or violates state regulations before the installation is finished.
Navigating Permits and Logistical Planning
A manufactured home move involves a complex set of permits and extensive logistical planning managed by the mover. The most significant requirement is the acquisition of wide-load transportation permits from state and local departments of transportation. These permits are necessary because manufactured homes exceed standard road width and height limits, and they dictate the specific travel route, allowed hours of transport, and required speed restrictions.
Logistical planning includes performing a route survey to identify and navigate potential obstacles like low bridges, narrow roads, and utility lines. For larger, multi-section homes, permits often necessitate a police or private escort vehicle to ensure public safety and manage traffic flow. The mover must also coordinate with local authorities at the destination to secure zoning and placement permits, confirming the new site is compliant for installation.
Vetting and Selecting the Right Moving Company
Choosing the appropriate moving company requires a methodical approach that extends beyond simply comparing prices. Homeowners should verify a company’s experience, specifically asking how many single-wide versus multi-section homes they have successfully relocated, as double-wide moves are significantly more complex. Checking references from past clients and reviewing online testimonials provides insight into the company’s reliability and professionalism.
It is important to choose a company that specializes in manufactured home transport rather than a general hauling service, as specialists possess the specialized equipment and regulatory knowledge necessary for the task. Selecting the lowest bid can be a risky decision, as a company offering a dramatically reduced cost may be cutting corners on insurance, proper permits, or experienced labor.
Understanding Costs and Contractual Agreements
The final cost of relocating a manufactured home is highly variable, influenced by factors such as the home’s size, the distance of the move, and the complexity of the setup at the new location. Moving a single-wide home can cost significantly less than moving a double-wide, which requires separating and transporting two sections. The estimate will also factor in permit fees, the cost of any necessary repairs to the home’s frame, and the labor involved in preparing and re-installing the structure.
When a moving company provides a quote, it will be either a binding or a non-binding estimate, and understanding the difference is essential for financial planning. A binding estimate guarantees the final price for the specified services and cannot be increased, though new charges can be added for unforeseen services. A non-binding estimate is an approximation, and the final cost may vary based on the actual services and labor involved. The written contract must clearly outline the scope of work, including the setup and re-connection services, provide verification of the company’s insurance, and specify the start and completion dates to protect the homeowner.