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Pennsylvania Makes Strides Against Unlicensed Movers, But There are Loopholes

Posted in: I'm a Mover, Regulations

[Synopsis: Pennsylvania proposes tougher penalties for unlicensed movers, but will it be enough?]

In the never-ending struggle against the darker elements of our industry, a pinprick of light has emerged. Last month the Pennsylvania Senate’s Consumer Protection and Professional Licensing Committee approved a bill to strengthen penalties for illegally moving household goods.

“Hooray!” Right?

Of course. Anything to help clean up the streets. But like the Cleveland Indians with a 3-1 lead in the World Series, we can’t celebrate just yet.

All states have licensing requirements for movers of household goods. That hasn’t made the problem go away. Pennsylvania, despite their recent progress, still have some work to do. Getting the bill through is the first step towards fixing the problem, but here are some issues with the new bill:

  • First off, with this new bill, we see that vehicles used in an illegal move can be confiscated and registration suspended. This means nothing to all the rogues out there renting trucks to do their dirty work.
  • Secondly, and more importantly, the bill means nothing if the offenders aren’t caught in the act. Pennsylvania and every other state need officers out there tracking down the unlicensed movers (who we can reasonably assume are responsible for a significant chunk of the hostage-taking.) And right now there are little to no state-wide task forces on the case. 

Maybe they should look to their neighbors in New Jersey who have run sting operations in 20132014, and 2015 (all in November, so hey, Jersey, you might want to mix it up a little). On the other hand, New Jersey law allows cited companies to have their measly $2,500 fine reduced if they apply for licensing within 30 days of their citation. The new Pennsylvania law subjects first-time offenders to a $5,000 fine, and double for repeaters.

So maybe that’s what we need. A combination of bigger fines and more boots on the ground. (Make that tires on the road.)

But really, the key to getting these guys off the road is educating the general consuming public. That’s how to finally get these guys off the streets.

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