Unlicensed Cranford Moving Company Fined: Authorities

By ANTHONY BELLANO (Patch Staff)

Cranford, NJ -- A public mover based in Cranford has been cited for operating without a license, authorities said on Thursday.

Mike Davis Pro Service, located at 89 Winans Avenue in Cranford, was one of 21 alleged unlicensed movers who were charged following an undercover investigation, according to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.

They face a civil penalty of $2,500, but have 30 days to obtain a license and reduce the fine by 50 percent.

The Division conducted the undercover sting in November of 2015, at which time investigators posed as customers who needed items moved within the state. Moving companies were found through advertising on internet postings and online message boards.

The moving companies responded to a moving job at a location in Pequannock Township, Morris County. Agencies assisting with the operation included the New Jersey State Police Mobile Safety Freight Unit; Pequannock Township Police Department; Morris County Sheriff’s Office; U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Unit; and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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.

Five people 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.”

“Consumers need to do their homework before hiring a moving company in order to avoid fraud,” Steve Lee, Acting Director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, said. “Consumers should beware of low-ball pricing and always make sure the moving company is licensed by the State.”

State law requires all intrastate movers to be licensed with the Division of Community Affairs, maintain cargo liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and bodily injury and property damage insurance.

They must register each moving vehicle they use in New Jersey, and keep the vehicles properly marked and insured. Movers also must provide consumers with a written estimate of the costs of the move.

Other companies issued a Notice of Violation are as follows:

• 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
• 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