Word Document PDF Document

California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco

_________________________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS RELEASE

Media Contact: Terrie Prosper, 415.703.1366, news@cpuc.ca.gov

CPUC INVESTIGATIONS RESULT IN ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS AND FINES IMPOSED ON VARIOUS MOVING COMPANIES

SAN FRANCISCO, May 8, 2009 - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), in its ongoing commitment to consumer protection, has recently taken a number of actions to protect consumers from illegally operating moving companies.

During the first quarter of 2009, CPUC staff took the following enforcement actions against moving companies for violations of the Public Utilities Code and CPUC rules and regulations, including Maximum Rate Tariff 4 (MAX 4), which contains maximum rates that carriers must observe as well as rules and regulations governing intrastate moves.

Administrative Citation

Two companies were cited and fined (totaling $3,750) for violations ranging from:

Phone Disconnect

In its ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal moving companies, the CPUC had telephone service shut off to a moving company based in Hercules, CA. Larry Alan Carlo dba Bay Area Moving and Delivery Service advertised his unlicensed moving business in various media including the Internet and the AT&T Yellow Pages directories (Contra Costa West area, 2008 edition). The carrier advertised his moving services under the "Movers & Full Serv Storage" section of the Yellow Pages. Notwithstanding CPUC staff directives to immediately cease and desist unlawful acts and to obtain a permit, Carlo continues to advertise and hold himself out to engage in the business of transporting used household goods, as evidenced by sting calls. On February 18, 2009, the CPUC's Consumer Protection and Safety Division obtained an order of "Finding of Probable Cause" signed by Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge Mary Ann O'Malley. The order finds that telephone service at two numbers was being used to violate criminal laws in the State of California. Section 5322 of the Public Utilities Code provides for any person aggrieved by this action may file a complaint with the CPUC and request a hearing.

Temporary Restraining Order, Preliminary Injunction.

In March 2009, the CPUC obtained a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against Ross Robinson dba Have Van Will Travel, an unlicensed moving company based in Oakland, CA. Robinson had been posting flyers in or around Alameda and San Francisco Counties offering unlawful moving services to the public, without a household goods permit. Robinson also falsely held himself out to the public as a licensed household goods carrier by having an invalid license number "CAL-T-116655" painted on the side of his truck. Notwithstanding enforcement actions taken by the CPUC, including cease and desist letters, verbal admonishments, and disconnection of telephone service, Robinson continues to post flyers offering unlawful moving services.

On March 12, 2009, Robinson stipulated to being restrained and enjoined from household goods carrier operations, advertising, soliciting, or holding himself out to conduct household goods carrier operations. Judge Charlotte Walter Woolard of San Francisco Superior Court ordered the preliminary injunction March 13, 2009. Robinson responded to the complaint and denies the allegations. A Case Management Conference is scheduled for July 24, 2009, in San Francisco Superior Court.

Official Notice

Twelve companies were issued Official Notice for one or more of these violations:

Cease and Desist Notice

Fifteen companies were issued cease and desist notices for one or more of these violations:

Companies cited were:

For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.

###

Top Of Page