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Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives introduced legislation that aims at increasing protections for those moving personal property.
Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C. and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., introduced the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration would be able to enhance its programs. Its goal is to ensure the safe transportation of goods for people moving around the country.
Norton stated May 22 that “FMCSA receives tens of thousands of complaints each year from Americans who have been victims of fraud when it comes to the shipment of household items by licensed entities.” This bill would give FMCSA the authority to assess civil fines for violations of commercial regulations and, crucially, to refuse registration to applicants who fail to provide proof that they intend to run legitimate businesses.
“Americans who move across state lines must be able have confidence that FMCSA-licensed firms are transporting their belongings. I’m proud to present this bill with Rep. Ezell in order to strengthen protections,” added she. Norton is the top Democrat in the Highways and Transit Subcommittee.
In response to fraudulent schemes of illegitimate moving companies, @RepEzell introduced a bill that would strengthen consumer protections as well as confidence in FMCSA licensed movers.
Statement: https://t.co/pt2kAGAj9Q — Eleanor #DCStatehood Holmes Norton (@EleanorNorton) May 22, 2024
Ezell is also a member the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He said: “Holding fraudulent actors accountable in the transportation sector will not only benefit individuals, but also benefit trust-worthy companies and their employees.” I am proud to be a co-author of this important initiative to stop fraud, and establish greater law in our economy.
The legislation would give the FMCSA certain authority to impose civil penalties on unregistered shippers. The legislation would also target entities that held consumer goods hostage. The agency would also be able to set up certain requirements that would ensure motor carrier, brokers and freight-forwarders are operating legally.
The bipartisan bill has been referred to the committee of jurisdiction. The bill’s vote has not yet been scheduled. A Senate version is also awaiting consideration.
It’s moving season. Know the difference between a broker and a mover before you move. Mover – has trucks/staff that handles your move directly. Broker – arranges transportation of your goods.
Learn more https://t.co/Gj28ILnuem. pic.twitter.com/bWD8DirPTm — FMCSA (@FMCSA) May 28, 2024
Anne Reinke is the president and CEO of Transportation Intermediaries Association. She said, “Fraudulent activity not only causes significant financial losses, but also undermines public trust in markets and institutions.” “By implementing anti-fraud legislation, governments can create a more predictable and stable economic environment that is essential for sustainable investment and growth. This legislation achieves its goals by implementing key provisions that reinforce the federal government’s fight against fraud.
The American Trucking Associations have also endorsed this bill.
The FMCSA launched Operation Protect Your Move, a nationwide campaign designed to expose frauds in the interstate transport of household goods. It also monitors household good moving companies and promotes consumer laws and regulations.
“Americans deserve fair deals when they move to a new home – and we’re crackingdown on moving companies who hold people’s belongings hostage,” Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg stated May 20.
The secretary said, “This initiative builds on last year’s success in holding scammers accountable. It is another example of measures the Biden Administration is taking to protect consumers.”
Sue Lawless, FMCSA’s Acting Deputy Director, said: “We take our role as consumer protection seriously and want to educate and protect people who are moving their household items from one state to the next.” “We are committed and are putting in even more resources to make an impact, including increasing the staffing of [household goods] inspectors and establishing additional partnerships.