Support Household Goods Moving Reform
Moving fraud costs American consumers millions of dollars every year. FMCSA received 8,825 household goods complaints in 2022 alone, with hostage load complaints up 636% since 2019. The regulations meant to protect consumers have not kept pace.
The following 10 regulatory reforms address specific gaps in consumer protection. Review the proposals below and add your name to support their submission to FMCSA and the Surface Transportation Board.
The 10 Proposals
Binding Estimate Fee Limits
Define a limit on fees that carriers and brokers may charge for providing a binding estimate, consistent with the statutory requirement that such fees shall not be predatory.
Amend 49 CFR 371.401(b)
Volume Verification for Household Goods
Add regulations for determination and verification of volume when the consumer is charged a volume rate rather than a weight rate. Volume-based moves currently have zero regulatory controls, unlike weight-based moves which have federal verification rules.
Amend 49 CFR Part 375, Subpart E
Clear Accessorial and Bulky Item Charges
Require clear identification of charges for accessorial, bulky items and special services. Vague charges like 'misc. bulky' with a dollar amount do not comply with exact rate requirements.
Amend 49 CFR 371 and 375.501-505
Limit Attorney Fee Provisions
Carrier tariffs and bills of lading often contain provisions for payment of attorney fees by the consumer in the event of any dispute, discouraging good faith claims. Fee provisions should be limited to collection actions on delinquent accounts.
Amend STB/FMCSA rules
Prohibit Forum Selection Clauses
Bills of lading commonly require consumers to bring claims only in the moving company's home state. With most courts now offering virtual hearings, these clauses serve no legitimate purpose and should be prohibited or limited.
Amend STB/FMCSA rules
Prohibit Non-Disclosure Provisions
Some bills of lading contain provisions designed to limit consumer disclosure of transactions or events. These discourage good faith reviews and complaints to consumer agencies.
Amend STB/FMCSA rules
Notice of 180-Day Billing Dispute Deadline
Consumers are told about the 9-month property damage deadline but not the 180-day billing dispute deadline (49 USC 13710(a)(3)(B)). This critical deadline should be required in all household goods bills of lading.
Amend STB/FMCSA rules
Online Publication of Carrier Tariffs
HHG carriers should be required to post tariffs on their websites, as already required for water carriers since 2019. Consumers cannot verify rates without tariff access.
Amend 49 CFR Part 1310
Online Publication of Broker Carrier Lists
Brokers are required to provide a list of carriers they use (49 CFR 371.109) but rarely do. The carrier list should be prominently published on each broker website.
Amend 49 CFR 371.109
Immediate Suspension for Non-Compliance
Carriers and brokers that do not display required tariffs and carrier lists should be subject to immediate suspension of license until compliance is assured.
Amend 49 CFR Parts 365 and 371
Add Your Name
By signing, your name and support statement will be sent to the petition organizer for submission to FMCSA and the Surface Transportation Board. Your email is optional and only used if you choose to receive a copy.