Who regulates moving companies in California
Who regulates moving companies in California?
So you are moving and you are wondering who regulates moving companies in California. In California, moving companies are regulated by The Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS). The BHGS is a state agency that is responsible for regulating various industries, including the moving industry, in order to protect consumers and ensure fair and safe business practices.
In the United States, moving companies are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which is an agency of the Department of Transportation. The FMCSA sets safety regulations for interstate moving companies and also has jurisdiction over the licensing and registration of these companies. In addition to the FMCSA, moving companies may also be regulated by the state in which they operate.
How does the BHGS regulate moving companies?
The the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) is responsible for regulating the moving industry in California. It does this by setting standards for the operation of moving companies, issuing licenses to companies that meet these standards, and enforcing compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
Some of the specific ways in which the BHGS regulates moving companies in California include:
- Requiring moving companies to be licensed: In order to operate legally in California, moving companies must obtain a license from the BHGS. This involves submitting an application, paying a fee, and meeting certain requirements, such as having liability insurance and a surety bond.
- Setting rates and fees: The BHGS has authority to set maximum rates and fees that moving companies can charge for their services. This helps to protect consumers from being overcharged.
- Enforcing consumer protection laws: The BHGS is responsible for enforcing state and federal laws that protect consumers from deceptive or unfair business practices by moving companies. This includes laws that prohibit false or misleading advertising, require companies to provide written estimates, and mandate that companies follow certain procedures when handling customer complaints.
- Conducting inspections and investigations: The BHGS has the authority to inspect moving companies and investigate complaints about their operations. If a company is found to be in violation of state or federal laws or regulations, the BHGS can take enforcement action, such as issuing fines or revoking a company’s license.
How can you check if a California moving company is regulated?
There are a few steps you can take to check if a moving company in California is regulated by The Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS).
- Check the company’s website: Many moving companies will list their BHGS / PUC license number on their website. You can then verify this license by visiting the BHGS website and searching for the company by name or license number.
- Contact the BHGS: You can call or email the BHGS’s Consumer Affairs Branch to ask if a specific moving company is licensed by the agency. You can also use the BHGS’s online complaint form to file a complaint against a moving company if you believe it is operating without a license or is engaging in deceptive or unfair business practices.
- Check with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): Moving companies that operate across state lines are also regulated by the FMCSA, which is an agency of the Department of Transportation. You can use the FMCSA’s online search tool to check if a moving company is registered with the agency.
It’s important to note that even if a moving company is licensed and regulated by the BHGS, this does not guarantee that it will provide good service. It’s always a good idea to research a company thoroughly before hiring it, including by reading online reviews and getting estimates from multiple companies. Check out our post on How to choose the right moving company.