Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act
The Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act would make a series of changes to federal and state regulatory authority over the shipping of household goods (HHG), primarily enlarging the FMCSA’s enforcement role and tightening registration requirements for carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders. The bill designates the Secretary (FMCSA) as the authority to levy civil penalties for violations of HHG-related rules after notice and a hearing, and it adjusts related enforcement provisions. It also creates a framework for states to use federal grant funds to pursue HHG enforcement and consumer protection—while preserving state discretion and making penalties collected by states. In addition, the bill requires carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders to designate a principal place of business and to disclose certain related-party relationships, with potential suspension or revocation of registrations if these requirements are not met. Overall, the measure aims to improve consumer protections in HHG moves by clarifying federal enforcement authority and strengthening registration and disclosure requirements.
Key Points
- 1Federal enforcement strengthened: The Secretary (FMCSA) would issue civil penalties for HHG violations after notice and a hearing, with penalties assessed by written notice; FMCSA enforcement language would explicitly include the Secretary in related provisions.
- 2State grant funds for HHG enforcement: States could use Federal grant funds to enforce HHG statutes and regulations for interstate HHG transportation (and certain compatible intrastate activity); this authority is optional for states and not required to receive funds.
- 3State retention of penalties: Fines or penalties imposed on carriers or brokers under HHG-related actions would be paid to and retained by the state that imposed them.
- 4Registration and principal place of business: The bill adds a robust definition of “principal place of business” and “specified entity,” and requires that motor carriers, freight forwarders, and brokers designate a principal place of business as part of their registration and USDOT number processes.
- 5Disclosure and oversight: Registrations would require disclosure of any relationship (ownership, management, control, or familial ties) with other motor carriers, freight forwarders, or brokers if such relationships occurred in the prior three years; the Secretary could withhold, suspend, amend, or revoke registrations for failure to designate a valid principal place of business.