Press Release

PUC Vice Chairman Joins Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates for Annual Conference

Published on 10/24/2012

Filed under: Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Vice Chairman John F. Coleman today joined Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates (PMSA) for the association’s annual conference to talk about combatting unlicensed movers operating in the state.

Vice Chairman Coleman discussed the proactive measures the PUC is taking to stop unlicensed household goods movers from taking advantage of consumers in Pennsylvania.  Household goods movers operating within the state must be licensed by the PUC in addition to holding adequate levels of insurance coverage.

“The Public Utility Commission has contacted Craigslist, a well-known advertising website, to add information to its website to remind consumers what to do before hiring a mover,” said PUC Vice Chairman Coleman.  “Also, many consumers aren’t aware of what they can do should they encounter a problem with a household goods mover.  They can come to us to file a complaint.”

About 75 members of the moving industry were in attendance at today’s event.

“The Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates welcomes the opportunity to have this interactive exchange with the Public Utility Commission’s Vice Chairman,” said Jack McGrath, Executive Director of PMSA.

The Commission recommends that before hiring a moving company, consumers should:

• Ensure the company is licensed by the PUC. All movers operating within Pennsylvania must display their PUC number in advertisements (such as phone books).
• Ensure you receive an Information for Shippers form prior to signing any agreements. This form provides the following information:

• Mover must provide a written estimate;
• Estimate is based on applicable tariff charges (hourly rate if distance is 40 miles or less) or on a weight and mileage basis (if distance is over 40 miles);
• If the actual bill exceeds the estimate by more than 10 percent you must pay the estimated charges plus 10 percent of the estimate or $25 (whichever is greater). Mover is required to deliver shipment upon payment.  You have up to 15 days after delivery to pay the balance;
• Loss or damages automatic protection is insured up to 60 cents per pound per article. (If additional protection is desired, consumer must purchase it through the moving company or private insurer.); and
• Information for consumers to lodge complaints about moving companies; including the PUC complaint number, which is 1-800-692-7380 and PUC website.

The Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates is the state trade association for the professional moving and storage industry. All our members are licensed to perform intrastate moves in Pennsylvania & most are licensed to perform interstate moves. PMSA’s mission is to represent the interest of the moving and storage industry throughout Pennsylvania and to help the customers it serves.  PMSA represents more than 200 members, including interstate moving and storage companies, local movers, international movers plus industry suppliers.

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, video and audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov.

# # #

Contact:

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