NEWARK
– The Division of Consumer Affairs and
a Passaic County moving company have settled
allegations that the firm violated the state’s
Consumer Fraud Act, the Public Movers and
Warehousemen Licensing Act and Public Mover
Regulations.
A
Atlantic Plus Moving and Storage, Inc. of
Passaic is required to enter into binding
arbitration to resolve consumer complaints
that have been filed against the company.
The firm also will pay $5,323.50 in civil
penalties and cost reimbursements to the state.
The
Consent Order with A Atlantic Plus Moving
and Storage is the seventh settlement that
the Division has reached with moving and storage
companies in 2009.
“The
period between Memorial Day and Labor Day
traditionally is the busiest time for moving
and relocating. We urge consumers to know
their rights under New Jersey law before hiring
a moving company,” said David Szuchman,
Consumer Affairs Director. “We continue
to monitor the industry and act against those
who attempt to take advantage of consumers.”
All
companies conducting moves within New Jersey
are required to be licensed with the Regulated
Business Section of the Division of Consumer
Affairs. There are approximately 309 warehousemen
and movers licensed by Consumer Affairs
Before
hiring a moving company, consumers can check
to see if a particular company is licensed
and how many consumer complaints have been
filed against the company by calling the Division’s
Regulated Business Section at 973-504-6442
or 973-504-6512 or by going
to www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nonmedical/movers.htm
A
Consumer Brief that explains state laws and
regulations governing movers and warehousemen
and tips for consumers is available at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/brief/mover.pdf
The
tips for consumers include:
-
Be sure to get a written estimate.
The moving company, in most cases, is required
to physically inspect the items to be moved
and give you a written estimate that explains
how the overall cost is calculated, at least
24 hours before the move.
-
Consider Your Insurance Options
Without additional insurance, moving companies
are required to compensate you up to 60
cents per pound for any item that is damaged
or destroyed during the move. You may purchase
additional insurance through the mover or
on your own through a broker. You should
also check your homeowner’s insurance
policy to see if moves are covered.
- Immediately
Inspect For Damage
Inspect your possessions immediately upon
arriving at your new residence. If any damage
or loss of items has occurred, you can file
a claim with the mover within 90 days. If
the claim is not resolved to your satisfaction,
contact the Division at 973-504-6442 or
973-504-6512.
The
Division cited the following four companies
for operating without a license. Each company,
without admitting it had violated any laws
or regulations, agreed to comply with the
provisions of the Public Movers and Warehousemen
Licensing Act and pay $2,000 in civil penalties,
under settlements reached this year.
-
Moving On Up, LLC - Kinnelon
-
Loyalty Moving and Delivery Service, LLC
- Lindenwold
-
Four Brothers Moving and Storage, Inc. -
Passaic
-
Dan the Affordable Moving Man, Inc. - Budd
Lake
A
Better Choice Movers, Inc., of Fairfield,
in January agreed to pay $48,000 in civil
penalties ($30,000 suspended) and $2,000 in
cost reimbursements to the state to settle
alleged violations without admitting guilt
or wrongdoing. The company also agreed to
binding arbitration if it does not reach settlements
with consumers who had filed complaints prior
to the settlement. Additionally, the company
is required for two years to inform the Division
of how consumer complaints were resolved and
to enter into binding arbitration if the complaints
cannot be resolved.
Ron’s
Moving, Inc., of Willingboro, in January agreed
to comply with provisions of the Public Movers
and Warehousemen Licensing Act, without admitting
that it had committed any violations. The
company was assessed $10,250 in civil penalties.
The penalties were suspended after a financial
audit confirmed that the company would sustain
extreme financial hardship.
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