Jennifer K. Post from the NYS DOT about New York Movers

The New York Department of Transportation develops and coordinates comprehensive transportation policy for the State. The Department have a statewide master plan for  balanced development of public and private commuter and transportation facilities. It also administers a public safety program for New York moving companies, directs state regulation of such carriers concerning rates and service, and provides oversight.

New York State currently spends approximately $15 billion yearly in public funds and direct user charges to operate, manage and improve transportation.

Here is what Jennifer K. Post from the NYS DOT reports on New York moving companies.

What criteria do you employ to evaluate would-be moving companies? What are the exact standards that each applicant has to meet before obtaining the proper license, and respectively what are the consequences for the company if it fails to comply with the rules?

Jennifer Post: Once the application is accepted, the applicant attends an entrance conference to review their experience. Program staff meets with the applicant. Our guidelines are that we are looking for 2 years of experience with a licensed moving company.  Again, this is only a guideline and we will consider an applicant who has a principle employee with moving experience. If the application is then approved, the motor carrier must provide proof of Workers Compensation insurance, Disability Benefits insurance, Liability and Cargo insurance, provide sample shipping documents, a tariff, submit a fee for either Vehicle Identification or Unified Carrier Registration, (depending if they are interstate or intrastate only) and attend a compliance class.

The class will cover issues such as filing a tariff of rates and charges, valuation vs. insurance, summary of information booklet, bills of laden, probable cost of services, order for services, binding estimates, hourly vs. weight/distance rates, accessorial charges and how to process claims.

Once all of the above criteria has been met, the authority is granted. The first year is probationary, and after that, if all is well, the authority is permanent.  The permanent authority is good as long as the carrier remains in compliance with all of the above requirements.

How many companies were registered for the year of 2011, and how many have received license for the year of 2012?

Jennifer Post: There are approximately 560 licensed movers located in New York State.  Annually, about 20 new moving companies are given a probationary license.  A similar number of moving companies go out of business each year so the 560 number remains fairly constant.

How many complaints against moving companies were received for the year of 2011, and how many complaints have been registered for the year of 2012?

Jennifer Post: 2011:  63 consumer complaints
2012:  45 consumer complaints to date

What were the most common reasons for the claims?

Jennifer Post: Rates & Charges
Loss & Damage

How many licenses were revoked for the year 2011, and how many licenses have been revoked for the year 2012? What were the reasons for the license revocation?

Jennifer Post: Notice of insurance policy cancellation and being found guilty of egregious household goods moving violations, such as holding someone’s goods hostage to recoup excessive charges.  Also, in some cases, movers consent to revocation of their authority due to going out of business. Again, about 20 movers go out of business each year with either an insurance filing being cancelled or the company consents to the revocation of their license. We routinely receive cancellation notices from the insurance industry.  The insurance industry is not required to provide us with a reason for the cancellation of the policy, however,  our experience has been that virtually all policies are cancelled due to non-payment of premiums.

The New York State Department of Transportation provides consumer info at its website. The Department advise consumers who are about to move to choose movers with care, to make sure the carrier is licensed, for verification call (800) 786-5368, or e-mail at nymoving@dot.state.ny.us. Also, consumers should get at least three estimates, preferably from the movers providing a physical inspection of your home.