Office of the Governor - Press Office

(DENVER) – Governor Bill Owens today signed legislation that will provide greater protection for consumers who are having their household goods moved within the state.

"While most moving companies are responsible and reliable, the fact is there has been a significant increase in consumer complaints because of the unsavory, negligent practices of a few companies. Until now, the law has provided little in the way of consumer protection when dealing with household movers. This new legislation will be an important tool in curbing consumer abuse," Owens said.

HB 1289, sponsored by Rep. Bob Briggs (R-Westminster) and Sen. Ken Arnold (R-Westminster), provides basic safeguards for consumers. The legislation:

• requires that a consumer receive written documentation before the move, listing services to be provided and the costs for those services;
• prevents a mover from withholding delivery of goods if the consumer pays the fee as specified in the shipping document;
• requires a mover to tell consumers where their goods are being stored and the costs for that storage; and
• demands that a mover relinquish to the customer prescription medication, medical supplies, children’s furniture, children’s clothing and toys, regardless of the circumstance.

Last year, the Attorney General’s office and the Public Utilities Commission recorded over 500 complaints concerning movers. The Better Business Bureau indicates that household mover complaints have gone from 8^th to 6^th on its list of the most frequently reported problems. Common complaints include pricing discrepancies, withholding of a customer’s goods under questionable circumstances, insufficient insurance and unregistered operations.

The new law requires movers to carry adequate levels of insurance and register annually with the PUC.

"This is a major victory for consumers and responsible household movers," said Greg Fulton, president of the Colorado Motor Carriers Association. "Colorado is taking an important step to rein in rogue movers and their unscrupulous business practices."

Gary White, owner of White Moving and Storage, added, "The scams perpetrated by some movers have damaged the image of our industry. I believe this legislation will help restore consumer confidence in household movers."

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last modified June 06, 2003