FMCSA slams household goods carrier

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced it has assessed a civil penalty of $302,000 against a for-hire motor carrier hauling primarily household goods from New York for multiple violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). USA Van Lines Inc. of Brooklyn, NY, which has operated in the past under previous names such as Piazza Van Lines, American Transfer

Tim Parry

Jan. 16, 2003

2 min read

USA Van Lines Inc. of Brooklyn, NY, which has operated in the past under previous names such as Piazza Van Lines, American Transfer and Storage, and The Nice Movers, will be able to contest the alleged violations and the amount of the penalties in an agency proceeding.

The household goods carrier was cited for multiple violations, including failing to publish a tariff (pricing rates); failing to participate in an arbitration program; failing to provide the required consumer information; and failing to relinquish possession of household goods shipments based on non-binding estimates after payment of 110% of the original estimate.

It was also cited for failing to prepare an order for service in the prescribed form and manner; failing to prepare a receipt or bill of lading in the prescribed form and manner; failing to weigh interstate household good shipments in the prescribed required form and manner; using or publishing false, misleading, or deceptive advertising; and operating a charge card plan without a tariff provision.