Press Release

PUC Reminds Consumers to Check the Backgrounds of Household Movers

Published on 4/23/2008

Filed under: Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Bureau of Transportation and Safety’s Motor Carrier Services and Enforcement Division is reminding consumers who are considering hiring a household mover to make certain that the mover is properly licensed and insured to operate in Pennsylvania.

The Motor Carrier Division regulates household movers that operate within the state.  These movers are required to have a Certificate of Public Convenience issued by the PUC and must have the proper insurance on file.  As required by law, these movers must also charge rates in accordance with their official tariff on file with the PUC.  Before moving day, consumers should obtain a written estimate from the moving company.

PUC certificated household movers are required by regulation to place their certificate number in all forms of advertisements, including Yellow Page ads.  If the ad does not contain a PUC number, consumers may be hiring an uncertificated and uninsured carrier. Certificated movers will also have the company name, city, state and PA PUC number displayed on both sides of the vehicle.

Consumers can file complaints or check if a moving company is licensed by calling any of the following five PUC offices:

Altoona                      814-946-7318

Harrisburg                   717-787-7598

Philadelphia                 215-965-3721

Pittsburgh                   412-565-3553 

Scranton                    570-963-4590

Consumers may also visit the PUC Web site to submit a moving company complaint electronically.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov