NEWS DIGEST

U.S. Department of Transportation
February 25, 2011

DOT 26-11
Friday, February 25, 2011

FMCSA Strengthens Protections for Consumers Using Household Goods Moving Brokers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a final rule that strengthens protections for consumers who use household goods brokers to move their property across state lines. Under the new rule, all brokers must provide consumers with the following information before contracting a move: MC Docket number, estimates of moving charges and brokerage fees, list of motor carriers used to transport property, FMCSA’s “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” pamphlet and a statement indicating the broker is not a motor carrier. Additionally, as of January 1, 2012, HHG brokers will be required to increase their surety bonds or trust funds to the new minimum of $25,000. Brokers have until Jan. 1, 2012 to comply with the final rule. For more information on the “Brokers of Household Goods Transportation by Motor Vehicle” final rule, and other regulations for household goods brokers and motor carriers, visit FMCSA’s Protect Your Move Website at www.protectyourmove.gov. Contact: Candice Tolliver, 202-366-9999.

FMCSA Enhances Pre-Employment Screening Program’s Driver Data. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has enhanced its Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) by adding data for co-driver safety and post-crash violations to the roadside inspection and crash records previously available. The PSP report also now shows the date drivers’ safety records are updated. Launched in March 2010, PSP is an essential safety tool that allows commercial truck and bus companies to electronically obtain drivers’ safety records as part of the hiring process. To access PSP, go to www.psp.fmcsa.dot.gov. Contact: Candice Tolliver (202) 366-9999.

Contact: USDOT • Tel: (202) 366-4570