Government indicts 16 household goods carriers

U.S. Dept. of Transportation (USDOT) inspector general Kenneth M. Mead and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) acting administrator Annette M. Sandberg said that today's indictments of 16 household goods carriers and 74 individuals is a message of deterrence to those engaging in household goods moving schemes. "Today’s indictments mark the most significant, concentrated attack by law

Tim Parry

March 5, 2003

"Today’s indictments mark the most significant, concentrated attack by law enforcement against alleged corruption in the household goods moving industry ever made in DOT history," Mead said. "The unsealing of the indictments today should make it clear that law enforcement efforts are focused on eradicating these types of illegal activities."

USDOT’s Office of the Inspector General investigates household goods carriers alleged to have engaged in egregious and intentional patterns of defrauding consumers. Not including today’s indictments, these investigations have resulted in charges being brought against 15 moving companies, 19 employers, operators, and other employees of household goods moving companies involving fraud against more than 2,000 consumers.

Carriers found to be in violation of household goods regulations are subject to fines of not less than $1,000 per violation for each day the violation continues. Since October 2000, FMCSA has taken enforcement action against 20 household goods carriers and imposed fines totaling $948,000.