Federal authorities make another dent in the armor of unscrupulous moving companies. It's another step in squashing a scam News 3 Investigator Darcy Spears first exposed more than a year ago. One of the companies in trouble with the law, US Movers, was the subject of her initial expose. They're among three New York based movers who have just been fined for multiple violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Commercial Regulations.
The federal investigation was a result of consumer complaints. We first told the story of the consumer who led the charge. When we first met Tyrone Kelley, he'd been living in a nearly empty home for months. "The truck pulled up in front of the house, and I was ecstatic to see it come and I was devastated to see it drive away."
Tyrone hired his moving company through a web site where movers can bid online for your business. He got the price in writing to move to Las Vegas from Boston, $1482. But when the movers arrived at his new home, "They demanded triple the amount of the contract in cash and they were claiming that it was because the shipment weighed substantially more than what they had estimated."
Federal law says movers cannot charge more than ten percent over any written estimate. Tyrone's movers wanted nearly $5,000 for a $1,400 move. "And I'm thinking, 'No way. This can't be happening.'" Federal authorities say he's the victim of a shakedown scheme where moving companies bait customers with low ball estimates, then on moving day, demand excessive cash payments.
"It's definitely extortion, racketeering, whatever you want to call it." The US Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sent US Movers a cease and desist letter to shut them down for operating without the proper licenses. They also found the company had used false weigh slips for Tyrone's move. US Movers has to pay a $32,500 civil penalty for things like failing to participate in a dispute settlement program, failing to follow loss and damage claim procedures and failing to properly weigh shipments.
The two other companies found in violation of federal regulations are Access Van Lines, Inc., and Regal Van Lines, Ltd. Consumers may file moving complaints on a nationwide hotline at 1-888-368-7238. You can also file online using the links below.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Fines Three Movers for Violating Commercial Regulations
Safety Violation and Consumer Complaint Web Site
Moving Advocate Team
Moving Scam Web Site
Bill HR-1070
Bill HR-2928
