Trucks Carrying Heating Oil Face ‘Surprise Inspection’ In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — State officials did surprise inspections of trucks carrying heating oil near a fueling depot in Newark this week to make sure companies aren’t “cheating consumers by overcharging them,” authorities announced Thursday.

The round of inspections – carried out Wednesday morning at the intersection of East Port Street and Doremus Avenue – was done amid chilly February temperatures that are keeping home heating oil companies busy with deliveries, according to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (NJDCA).

The inspections were performed by a task force with the division’s Office of Weights and Measures, who were assisted by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department. Together, officials flagged the trucks as they drove toward the depot to load up on the heating fuel before making deliveries to consumers.

Once the trucks were pulled over, the task force members checked trucks for signs of meter tampering or compromised equipment – which could potentially result in consumers being charged for more oil than they receive. Trucks and drivers were also checked to make sure they had all required documentation.

Meanwhile, Port Authority police officers provided logistical and security support, and conducted safety inspections of the trucks.

Results of the inspection will be looked over “in coming days” to see if any owners are in violation of the Consumer Fraud Act or other state laws and regulations, authorities said.

According to the NJDCA:

“If violations are found, the trucks would be condemned, meaning red tags would be placed on the meter and no deliveries could be made until the issues were corrected and the meters re-inspected and recertified as fit for use. Notices of violation could be issued as well, carrying civil penalties between $50 and $500, depending on the types of violations cited.”

In years past, the Office of Weights and Measures has found infractions that range from “minor violations” to inaccurate meters that shortchange consumers. In one instance, a truck was found to have a “crimped” air eliminator line that would have caused the meter to count air as fuel product and overcharge for oil, authorities said.

Nearly 300,000 households in New Jersey rely on home heating oil, authorities said. Merchants are required to provide consumers with a delivery ticket for each sale of home heating oil, and that ticket must include the date of delivery, number of gallons dispensed, per-gallon price and total price.

“Consumers in New Jersey deserve to feel confident they are getting every drop of heating oil they pay for,” NJDCA acting director Cari Fais said. “When companies fail to ensure the accuracy of their equipment or deliberately cheat customers, that confidence is undermined.”

“New Jersey residents pay hefty sums to purchase hundreds of gallons of heating oil at a time to keep their residences warm during the winter months,” Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. “Although a vast majority of the companies that sell heating oil are honest, surprise inspections help protect the integrity of the industry and keep bad operators from doing business in the state.”

Consumers who suspect a problem with the delivery of home heating oil can contact the state Office of Weights and Measures by calling 732-815-4840 or filing a complaint online at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov.

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