FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Docket #s: I.04-04-001

I.04-08-022

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

PUC FINES TWO MOVING COMPANIES FOR
OPERATING VIOLATIONS

SAN FRANCISCO, April 7, 2005 - The California Public Utilities Commission (PUC), in its ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal moving companies today fined two household goods moving companies for violations of state rules and regulations.

The Commission determined that Ford Moving and Storage, Inc. violated numerous sections of the Public Utilities Code and Commission rules and regulations and fined the company $30,000 payable to the state's General Fund. The company was also ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution to a consumer whose goods were damaged as a result of the move. The violations included operating during an extended period without either public liability insurance on file or a permit in force from the Commission, and consumer complaints of overcharges and problems in handling claims for loss and damage. The company, which primarily does business in Van Nuys, cannot perform moving services in the state, advertise, or in any way hold themselves out to perform any moving services until they have a valid operating permit from the Commission.

Separately, the Commission determined that its Consumer Protection and Safety Division (CPSD) presented substantial evidence that All State Moving & Storage has violated numerous provisions of the Household Goods Carriers Act and the Commission's regulations and imposed a fine of $40,000 payable to the state's General Fund. All State Moving & Storage was also ordered to pay all loss and damage claims against them. The Commission opened its investigation against All State Moving & Storage, which primarily does business in North Hollywood, in response to numerous consumer complaints as well as CPSD's allegations of unlawful operations and advertising for moving services.

"These are just the latest in a string of successful and significant prosecutions brought by our dedicated enforcement staff, whose goal is to protect consumers and to ensure that law abiding movers do not have to compete against those who seek to cheat to compete," said Richard Clark, director of CPSD. "Such successful prosecutions are a victory for the consumers who are subjected to unlawful behavior by moving companies and also to the large segment of the moving industry who abide by the law."

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

###