RELO Roundtable…a gathering place

Rogue movers beware!

On June 17, 2011, Texas Governor Rick Perry signed House Bill 1523 which relates to the offense of transporting household goods intrastate without a proper Texas Department of Motor Vehicles registration.

This consumer protection legislation was authored by House Transportation Chairman Larry Phillips (R-Sherman) and was sponsored in the Senate by the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Vice Chairman Kirk Watson (D-Austin).

The bill acknowledges that the moving industry in Texas has many unregulated operators. Many are internet movers and brokers who advertise one rate for services and then charge another, far more exorbitant rate before unloading a customer's goods.

Currently Texas Transportation Code states that soliciting the transportation of household goods for compensation without properly registering with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of between $200 and $1,000 per violation.

This new law makes engaging in or soliciting the transportation of household goods for compensation without registering with the DMV a class C misdemeanor (maximum fine of $500). If the offender previously had been convicted of the offense one time, the offense would be a class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days in jail and/or a maximum fine of $2,000). If the offender previously had been convicted at least twice, the offense would be a class A misdemeanor (up to one year in jail and/or a maximum fine of $4,000).

The bill would take effect September 1, 2011, and would apply only to acts committed on or after the effective date  Click here to see the legislative history of the bill.

The increased penalties proposed under the new measure were supported and spearheaded by members of the Southwest Movers Association.   This is one regulatory measure that legitimate members of the household goods moving industry will help both consumers and legislatures enforce in Texas.  

Related Articles:

Avoid "Rogue" Moving Companies – Arizona Department of Weights & Measures

Red Flags for Spotting Rogue Movers – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Transportation of Household Goods in Interstate Commerce – Consumer Protection Regulations – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

BE WARY … of Unexpected Estimate Revisions When Moving – RELO Roundtable

Is shopping for a mover in a virtual marketplace safe? – RELO Roundtable

How to spot a rogue mover – RELO Roundtable

How to Find a Reputable Mover: A Professional Guide – RELO Roundtable

How to Choose an International Mover – RELO Roundtable

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