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| Ads warn consumers about illegal household goods movers | ||
| 01/02/2007 | ||
The Motor Carrier Division has purchased advertising space in Portland Yellow Page directories to help educate consumers about household goods moving regulations. The ad campaign seeks to remind consumers that moving personal property is a regulated industry within Oregon and anyone who offers this service to the public must have a certificate or permit issued by the Oregon DOT. Investigators report that it’s quite common in the Portland area to find unauthorized businesses and individuals offering moving services. The consumer alert currently appears in the online directory for Portland, at the top of the Web page. A consumer alert ad will also appear in the next edition of the paper Yellow Pages. This method for getting the word out is supported by regulated household goods movers and pack and load companies who pay annual fees into a special account. The Consumer Protection Household Moves Account was established in 2003 when legislators passed Senate Bill 471 to extend certain regulatory requirements to businesses that provide a service packing or loading household goods. These businesses are now required to register annually and file proof of insurance that covers a consumer’s property while the goods are being loaded or unloaded. About 40 pack-and-load businesses have registered to provide this service in Oregon (see registered pack and loader list). There are about 90 moving companies that have authority to provide complete moving services. They’re subject to regulation of the rates charged when moving household goods within the state. The Motor Carrier Division monitors this part of the transportation industry to make sure Oregon has good, stable service at fair prices (see complete list of authorized movers). For more information, check out the Motor Carrier Division's Consumer Guide to Moving. Consumers with specific questions about movers can call any of the following ODOT Motor Carrier Transportation Division staff: In Portland: Norm Cooper - 971-673-5895 | Donna Schoonover - 971-673-5894 In Salem: Virgil Shamblin - 503-378-5309 | Arnie Chinn - 503-378-5987 |
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