Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs have announced that 23 unlicensed movers were issued Notices of Violation (NOVs) and assessed civil penalties totaling $125,000 following Operation Safe Move. This undercover operation targeted movers conducting business without the required licenses.

The investigation took place over three days in June. Investigators from the Division’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) posed as consumers needing to move belongings from a storage unit in Monroe Township. They identified numerous unlicensed movers advertising online and hired them for a "move."

On June 12, 2024, when the movers arrived at the Monroe location, they were met by OCP investigators seeking verification of licensure. The New Jersey State Police (NJSP) Mobile Safe Freight Unit also conducted motor vehicle safety inspections on their trucks.

Twenty-one movers received $5,000 civil penalties for operating without licenses. Two companies—Tera Movers, LLC, of Newark and Piece of Cake Moving, of Queens, New York—were cited as second-time offenders and assessed enhanced civil penalties of $10,000 each.

"Unlicensed movers can be a consumer’s worst nightmare," said Attorney General Platkin. "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. By proactively identifying and putting a stop to these businesses, we’re reducing the risk they pose to New Jersey residents."

New Jersey laws require all intrastate movers to be licensed by the Division’s Regulated Business Unit. They must observe statutes regarding household goods' storage and transportation and maintain various insurances. Movers must provide proof of vehicle registration and insurance coverage to the Division and include their license number on their vehicles as per state regulations. They must also give consumers written estimates for moving costs.

"New Jersey’s legal and regulatory requirements are in place to protect consumers and their possessions," said Cari Fais, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. "We urge residents to make sure they hire a mover from the pool of businesses licensed to provide services in compliance with those requirements."

The public movers cited during Operation Safe Move include:

- Mateusz L J Services LLC: $5,000

- Daniels All Around Moving Service: $5,000

- Hoop There It Is: $5,000

- MS Moving Inc.: $5,000

- Eric Rowell’s Moving & Hauling: $5,000

- Hope Trucking & Moving: $5,000

- Tera Moving LLC: $10,000

- C&T Mini Moves: $5,000

- AJS Moving Services LLC: $5,000

- First Class Express Movers: $5,000

- Tommy’s Moving: $5,000

- Blue Orchard Moving: $5,000

- A-Vision Services LLC d/b/a Moving With A Vision: $5,000

- Beety Trucking: $5,000

- Good Mood Moving: $5,000

- Signature Van Lines: $5,000

- ANT Movers LLC: $5,000

- Franklin Reliable Movers: $5,000

- Kelvin Daniels Moving Services: $5;00;

- Moving Crew NJ LLC; :$5000;

- Official Moving & Storage; :$5000;

- Family Touch; ;Moving:$5000;

- Piece Of Cake; ;Moving&StorageLLC;$10000;

Additionally;, NJSP's Mobile Safe Freight Unit found 64 motor vehicle safety violations during inspections;, one serious enough;to put;a vehicle out-of-service.

Monroe Police Department assisted in carrying out Operation Safe Move.

Unlicensed movers may hold truckloads hostage until customers agree to pay increased prices or disappear with property altogether. Finding these operators is difficult when consumers cannot identify them or know their locations.

Consumers should verify a mover's license status with the Division before hiring one;, obtain written estimates;, avoid packing valuables with other goods;, check delivered items for damage;,and file claims within 90 days if necessary.

Consumers suspecting fraud or abuse can file complaints with the State Division of Consumer Affairs online or by calling 1–800–242–5846 (toll-free within New Jersey) or 973–504–6200.