The Columbus Dispatch

FEWER PROBLEMS REPORTED IN OHIO; CAUTION STILL URGED
Precautions for homeowners on the move

Sunday, June 15, 2003
BUSINESS   01H

By Ken Stammen
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Unscrupulous movers haven't hit Ohio as hard as some states, but consumers still need to be cautious when choosing a moving company, experts say.

"There are more good ones than bad ones, but the rogue movers are out there,'' said Ed Bramer, executive director of the Ohio Association of Movers.

"The only way I know to combat it is to do your homework and remember that the cheapest choice is not always the best choice.''

The trade group has 165 member companies, most of them agents for national movers.

Bramer said things have improved in Ohio since 1998, when the General Assembly passed a law requiring intrastate movers -- those who move household goods within the state -- to register with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

To be licensed, movers must prove to the PUCO that they have insurance and workers' compensation coverage for their employees. In-state movers also have to file their rates with the commission and give 15 days notice of any changes.

If the PUCO catches violators, it can levy fines.

The commission has pursued 349 cases against movers and levied $463,000 in fines in the past three years, according to Saunders Poindexter, safety supervisor in the PUCO transportation department.

The commission acts on complaints and polices advertising. For instance, PUCO reviews phone-directory ads and will fine movers who don't print their registration number.

The commission can fine a company $1,000 for not registering and $250 for not listing its registration number.

Poindexter doesn't think defrauders in the movers industry are a big problem in Ohio.

"We are heavy into enforcement of the rules,'' he said. "If we know about a violation, we are going to pay you a visit.''

Experts say the best thing consumers can do to protect themselves is to research a mover before hiring one.

Bramer said ads by movers that don't list addresses or registration numbers should be red flags. He advises consumers to get three to five estimates and check references.

References should be from people the company has moved within the past four months, Bramer said. He also recommends people check with the Better Business Bureau, the PUCO and trade associations such as his or the American Moving and Storage Association.

Consumers should beware if a mover tries to give them an estimate by phone, Bramer and others said. Ohio law requires movers to provide in-person, written estimates if the job will cost more than $500.

The Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio received 47 complaints about movers last year and 19 so far this year. Most involved inaccurate estimates, broken or stolen items, missed pickup or delivery dates and insurance coverage, bureau President Kip Morse said.

"When you're talking about your household goods -- everything you own -- you need a reputable company,'' he said.

kstammen@dispatch.com

 

 

 

 

 

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