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A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to clarify the authority of the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration relating to the shipping of household goods, and for other purposes.
2/28/2025, 9:06 AM
Summary of Bill HR 880
Specifically, the bill addresses issues related to the licensing and registration of household goods movers, as well as the enforcement of regulations governing their operations. It also aims to improve transparency and accountability within the industry by requiring movers to provide accurate and detailed information to consumers about their services and pricing.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to strengthen penalties for violations of regulations and to enhance the FMCSA's ability to investigate complaints and take enforcement actions against non-compliant movers. Overall, the bill seeks to protect consumers from fraudulent and unsafe practices in the household goods moving industry while promoting fair competition and accountability among movers.
Congressional Summary of HR 880
Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act
This bill allows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to assess civil penalties against motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders for violations related to the interstate transportation of household goods and provides states with additional related authorities.
As background, a broker is the “middle person” between a shipper and a motor carrier and arranges for the transportation of household goods. A freight forwarder organizes shipments for individuals or corporations. Unlike a broker, freight forwarders assume responsibility for transportation and may transport the freight itself.
The bill expands the FMCSA registration requirements to require motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders to designate a principal place of business (i.e., a single physical location where management officials report to work, a significant portion of the transportation business is conducted, and records are maintained). FMCSA may withhold, suspend, amend, or revoke any part of a registration for failure to designate.
In addition, brokers and freight forwarders must disclose any common ownership, management, control, or familial relationship with any other carrier, freight forwarder, broker, or applicant in the previous three years. Under current law, motor carriers must disclose this information.
Further, states may use certain grant funds to enforce federal household goods statutes and regulations for the interstate transportation of these goods by motor carriers and brokers. This applies to Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) grant funds and MCSAP High Priority discretionary grant funds. A state shall retain collected fines that are a result of enforcement.
