Recent News & Events

News from the Illinois Commerce Commission
Voice: Springfield. 217.782.5793  Chicago. 312.814.2850  FAX 217.524.0674   BBS 217.782.9233 http://www.icc.illinois.gov


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 2, 2012

Contact:Beth Bosch
217-782-5793

               ICC Household Goods Movers Enforcement Action
Results in 23 Arrests for Illegal Activity


Illinois Commerce Commission’s police officers, working with state and local police, in one week in April, arrested 23 people operating illegally as household goods movers, issuing administrative and court citations for violations ranging from operating without a household goods license to driving on a suspended license.

The Household Goods Enforcement Task Force, a multi-jurisdictional organization, conducted a “sting operation” in Chicago and several suburban areas to find movers operating without a license or who had violated previous orders to cease and desist operations.   Those arrested paid more than $4,200 in fines.    Others were jailed or scheduled for administrative proceedings.

Spring is prime moving season in Illinois, and the Illinois Commerce Commission urges anyone planning a move to a new home to prepare well by researching the moving company before packing begins.

The ICC website lists licensed movers and the number of complaints against each company at http://www.icc.illinois.gov or you can contact an ICC staff person at 217-782-6448.  Intra-state moving companies in Illinois must be licensed by the ICC.

When interviewing a moving company, ask plenty of questions and be sure to check that the company is a licensed household goods mover.   Here are five tips for selecting a moving company:

  1. Research to determine if the mover is properly licensed for the type of service you need.  If you are putting your property into storage, be sure the warehouse is licensed by the Illinois Commerce Commission.  If you are moving to another state the mover must be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
  2. Ask friends, relatives or business colleagues about movers they have used and liked.  Be careful about relying only on references provided by the mover.  Never do business with a company with only a phone number and beware of moving companies that advertise on the internet.  Aways check out the company’s equipment, buildings and employees.  Do they fully answer your questions?
  3. Require the mover to visit your home to provide a written estimate for the cost of the move.  Price quotes over the telephone can be a problem on move day if there was a misunderstanding.   For the estimate to be accurate, show the estimator the contents of every room, closet, attic, cellar or garage so he or she can accurately gauge your requirements.  A written estimate is not binding quote but it will give you a reasonable expectation of what you will be required to pay on moving day.
  4. Remember that on moving day you must be prepared to pay 110 percent of the written estimate, and the mover may not withhold your household goods if you pay the amount on the written estimate (plus 10 percent if the estimate is too low).   You have 30 days to pay the balance due.  Check on your options for loss or damage protection.
  5. Remember that prices too good to be true probably are.  A legitimate, licensed moving company will not demand cash up front before loading your possessions. 

If you have specific questions about a moving company you can contact the ICC through the website or email: moving@icc.illinois.gov.