Mark Pryor: “I rise today to address an issue that has arisen between companies within the moving industry. Recently, a group of…”

“I rise today to address an issue that has arisen between companies within the moving industry. Recently, a group of full-service moving companies has attempted to change rules established by law, regulations, and court findings. These full-service moving companies are aiming to undermine the clear intent of Congress by avoiding the formal rulemaking or legislative process. The changes sought would benefit their companies and damage their competitors within the sector. In recent years, full-service moving companies have faced new competition from a growing number of companies that allow consumers a ``do it yourself'' alternative to more expensive, traditional movers. Some general freight motor carriers have been offering ``do it yourself'' consumers an option for moving: a non-household goods motor carrier drops off empty containers or trailers at the consumer's doorstep for the consumer to load, the consumer loads the trailer-- individually, with help from neighbors, or by hiring a third party. After loading, the consumer calls the container company or freight carrier to pick up the container or trailer, the container company then arranges for an authorized general freight or flatbed carrier to pick up and haul the loaded container, dropping it off on the requested delivery date for the consumer to unload; and the carrier returns to pick up the empty container or trailer when unloaded.…”