Twenty-one public moving companies have been cited by the state for allegedly operating without licenses.

The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs conducted a sting operation in November, calling the moving companies to a job in Pequannock Township, in Morris County, according to the Office of the Attorney General.

Several state and federal agencies greeted the movers — including the New Jersey State Police Mobile Safety Freight Unit, the Pequannock Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Unit and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — the OAG said.

The Mobile Safety Freight Unit of the New Jersey State Police found 95 violations during mechanical inspections of the moving vans and trucks, with one truck impounded, the OAG said. Five individuals were arrested on outstanding warrants.

"Consumers entrust movers with their possessions, and as this investigation shows, there are moving companies out there that are undeserving of this trust,” acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman said. “We’re giving these companies an opportunity to come into compliance with our laws or else cease operations.”

Steve Lee, acting director of consumer Affairs, said in an announcement from the OAG customers "need to do their homework" when selecting a moving company. Consumers should research the companies they hire and "beware of low-ball pricing and always make sure the moving company is licensed by the State," Lee said.

The OAG noted in its announcement of the alleged violations that under New Jersey law, all intrastate movers must be licensed by the Division of Consumer Affairs. They are required to maintain cargo liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and bodily injury and property damage insurance. They are also required to register each vehicle they use and keep the vehicles properly marked and insured.

Movers also must provide consumers with a written estimate of the costs of the move.

The companies issued violation notices are:

  • ABC Moving, a.k.a “Official Moving & Storage,” Brooklyn, New York
  • A Precision Movers, Belmar
  • Beastman Movers, Northfield
  • Black Moon Movers, North Bergen
  • Desoto Movers, Vineland
  • Edison Movers, a.k.a “M&M Moving & Storage,” Astoria, New York
  • Emmanuel Moving & Cleaning Service, Elizabeth
  • 4 Brothers Moving, Garfield
  • Garden City Movers a.k.a “NJ State Moving Inc.,” Elizabeth
  • Hezzy’s In & Out Moving, Elmwood Park
  • IC Moving, Princeton
  • James Grodon Jr., Milford
  • Master Movers, Cherry Hill
  • Mike Davis Pro Service, Cranford
  • Moverland, a.k.a “Manhattan Movers,” a/k/a “Hoboken Movers,” Newark
  • Northeastern Van Lines, Queens, New York
  • Rommel Service, Woodland Park
  • Rowell’s Moving and Hauling, Pleasantville
  • Soho Moving & Storage, Old Bridge
  • Stevenson’s Moving, East Orange
  • TGS Moving, Newark

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