Background

The Commission initiated this proceeding in response to numerous consumer complaints as well as Commission staff's allegations of unlawful operations and advertising for moving services by respondents.

On October 5, 2004, the Assigned Commissioner and Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) convened a prehearing conference. Respondent Lerner, representing himself personally and VIP Relocation, appeared, but no other respondent filed an appearance or participated in any way.

At the prehearing conference, Lerner stated that he had terminated all affiliations with All State or Washington Mini-Storage, and that he understood and was willing to comply with the Commission's licensing requirements. Lerner also stated that he was willing to pay fines associated with his and VIP Relocation's past violations. Lerner also noted that VIP Relocation's application for a household goods carrier permit was pending before the Commission and he hoped that CPSD could support granting the application.

At the conclusion of the prehearing conference, CPSD and Lerner agreed to meet and confer regarding a possible settlement agreement resolving Lerner's and VIP Relocation's participation in this proceeding.

On December 2, 2004, CPSD, Lerner, and VIP Relocation submitted a joint motion seeking Commission approval of a settlement agreement resolving Lerner's and VIP Relocation's participation in this proceeding.