New Jersey authorities have imposed fines on 23 moving companies for operating without a license. The fines, totaling $125,000, were the result of a state-led undercover operation named "Operation Safe Move," carried out in June. The operation was conducted by the Division of Consumer Affairs' Office of Consumer Protection (OCP), with assistance from the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) Mobile Safe Freight Unit and the Monroe Police Department.
During the operation, OCP investigators posed as customers seeking to move belongings from a storage unit in Monroe Township. When the movers arrived at the storage site, they were greeted by a team of OCP investigators requesting proof of their licensure. The NJSP also conducted safety inspections on the moving trucks.
Twenty-one of the movers were issued $5,000 penalties, while two companies—Tera Movers, LLC, of Newark and Piece of Cake Moving, of Queens, New York—were hit with $10,000 fines as repeat offenders.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said, “Unlicensed movers can be a consumer’s worst nightmare. These rogue operators are doing business outside regulatory oversight and often lack the necessary skills, experience, and insurance to protect the belongings entrusted to them."
Under New Jersey law, all intrastate movers must be licensed by the Division’s Regulated Business Unit, maintain proper insurance, and provide written estimates to customers. There are approximately 309 licensed public movers in New Jersey.
Consumers are urged to take precautions when hiring movers, including verifying the mover’s license with the Division, obtaining a written estimate, and carefully reviewing the condition of items upon delivery.