Updated: May 13, 2025
5 min read
When most families plan a long-distance move, they think about boxes, logistics, and costs—not federal trademark law or transportation regulations. But behind the scenes, these laws play a critical role in consumer protection—and so does the U.S. Moving Protection Organization.
As scams in the moving industry continue to evolve, consumers need to understand how legal safeguards—and organizations like USMPO—are helping level the playing field.
Consumer protection in the moving industry exists at a unique intersection of federal trademark law, transportation regulations, and state consumer protection statutes. The U.S. Moving Protection Organization (USMPO) exists at the heart of this intersection—safeguarding the public from fraudulent movers, promoting honest business practices, and educating families during one of the most stressful transitions of their lives.
The Power of a Trusted Name—and the Risk of a Stolen One
In the moving industry, this concept is especially vital. Unscrupulous companies often exploit the public trust by using deceptive branding, misleading names, and impersonating legitimate, reputable carriers. These tactics not only erode consumer confidence but also expose families to devastating financial and emotional losses.
At the U.S. Moving Protection Organization, we combat this deception by maintaining a verified mover directory. Each verified mover listed has passed our strict screening process, giving consumers confidence in the mover they’re hiring. The USMPO actively monitors for these abuses, ensuring only verified, legally compliant companies are verified on the site. Our directory of vetted carriers helps protect both the reputations of legitimate movers and the safety of consumers relying on their services.
Vulnerable Consumers—and a History of Abuse
Unlike regular users of freight or commercial shipping services, most families only move long distance once or twice in a lifetime. As Congress acknowledged in the Household Goods Transportation Act of 1980, household shippers are unsophisticated in shipping practices and particularly vulnerable to a variety of scams designed to overcharge HHG consumers. As explained in federal law regulatory history, dishonest motor carriers have scammed consumers since commercial trucking evolved in the early 20th century. This was described in a 1979 GAO report. Congress responded with the Household Goods Transportation Act of 1980. The House Committee Report explained:
“Shippers usually move only once or twice in their lives and, consequently, lack thorough understanding of the industry and sufficient clout to negotiate with it. Their situation is made more vulnerable by the fact that the moves involve all of their personal possessions, which often are of a fragile nature.”
This vulnerability has historically made the moving industry one of the top sources of consumer complaints. Even today, the FMCSA admits that when something goes wrong, consumers are largely on their own:
“You must resolve your own loss and damage and/or moving charge disputes with your mover.” (Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” (2022) (p.17))
That’s where the U.S. Moving Protection Organization steps in. By preemptively vetting movers, publishing verified data, and providing access to consumer protection resources, the USMPO help shippers avoid problems before they happen—instead of picking up the pieces after a move goes off the rails.
Regulation Alone Isn’t Enough—The Role of Advocacy Platforms
Today, oversight of the moving industry is split between the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Surface Transportation Board, and various state agencies.
Though federal laws such as 49 C.F.R. Part 375 and 371 outline strict rules for carriers and brokers, enforcement is fragmented. States have limited reach, and federal agencies often direct consumers back to local courts or consumer affairs offices.
This regulatory gap is what led to the rise of platforms like the USMPO. We empower consumers with:
- Carrier database with aggregated data from FMCSA & BBB- utilized as a tool for research and transparency
- List your Move – A route-matching tool to connect shippers with verified carriers on route to their destination. Optimizing logistical efficiency, reducing delays, and forming a universally cohesive transporting network.
- Register Your Move Initiative – Document your move details for added oversight and fraud protection.
- Guidance on how to resolve disputes and protect their rights
- Resources to identify and avoid moving fraud
The Legal Fight Against Consumer Education
Predictably, companies that fall short in customer satisfaction often try to silence those who report on their behavior. This has led to a growing number of lawsuits aimed at silencing review platforms under the guise of defamation or trademark infringement.
However, courts have consistently ruled in favor of consumer advocacy. In cases like Best Van Lines, Inc. v. Walker and Home Performance Alliance v. Better Business Bureau, the judiciary affirmed that performance-based reviews and ratings are protected opinions, not actionable legal claims.
The U.S. Moving Protection Organization stands firm in collecting and documenting consumer complaint data, while making consumer feedback available under the Consumer Review Fairness Act. Publishing warnings and performance ratings for public benefit is an essential part of our service to enhance the safety of long distance moving—knowing that informed consumers are the strongest defense against fraud.
Conclusion: A Trusted Partner in a Complex System
The intersection of trademark law, federal transportation rules, and consumer protection regulations reveals one truth: Consumers need more than laws. Families need help navigating the household goods moving process. They need support, verification, and accountability in real time. The U.S. Moving Protection Organization is proud to take on this responsibility of protecting consumers and enhancing the safety of the industry.
As a small but determined grassroots organization, the U.S. Moving Protection Organization is powered by a passionate network of volunteers, vigilantes, and consumer watchdogs who refuse to stand by while families fall victim to fraud, price-gouging, and broken promises. Our mission is to restore trust and transparency in long-distance moving by advocating for stronger protections, verifying reputable carriers, and creating tools that empower shippers to make informed decisions. Every report submitted, every review verified, and every move registered is another step toward a safer, more accountable industry. We are making strides — not with corporate backing, but with the power of community. Your support helps fuel this mission. We welcome your feedback, your voice, and your vigilance as we continue to protect the road ahead.
Visit usmpo.org to learn more, research movers, and protect your move before it starts.