Book Description

Each year, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) within the Department of Transportation (DOT) receives about 3,000 consumer complaints regarding interstate moving companies: some involve egregious offenses, such as holding goods hostage. Over the years, Congress and GAO have raised concerns about the adequacy of FMCSA's oversight of the industry. As requested, GAO reviewed the (1) extent to which states have used authority in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to take federal enforcement action against interstate movers and challenges in using that authority; (2) extent and timeliness of FMCSA's progress in its consumer protection efforts; and (3) advantages and disadvantages of options for enhancing consumer protection in the industry. GAO analyzed applicable laws and regulations; interviewed government, moving industry, and consumer protection officials; surveyed state regulatory agencies and state attorneys general; and analyzed consumer protection models.