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May 2018 President’s Column
President's Comments
By: Steve Weitekamp |
Thanks to all the members, movers and associates, who made our 100th annual convention such a success. Our convention is covered in detail in this issue and if you couldn’t join us, you missed a lot. The only solution is to join us next year in San Diego.
One of the highlights of the convention was a regulatory panel discussion with the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Director Dean Grafilo and BEARHFTI Bureau Chief Nicholas Oliver, both of whom have been active in the Household Goods Movers regulatory transition from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to DCA. Both have shown strong leadership qualities and have made themselves and their team available to CMSA to discuss issues and reasonable solutions during the transition.
During Mr. Oliver’s prepared remarks, he shared with CMSA members the agency’s responses to the questions that many movers have about the upcoming changes, how the transition will affect you?
He stated that BEARHFTI, the DCA Bureau that will regulate Household Movers, plans to aggressively seek out unlicensed operators through the use of sting operations, work with law enforcement agencies, and staff enforcement issuing citations with impactful financial fines. Additionally, BEARHFTI plans to inform consumers about the importance of using licensed household moving companies. The agency will conduct social media campaign to inform Californians about the move.
Oliver also stated that not much will be different as far as procedures and paperwork, but that on July 1, 2018, licensing and regulatory oversight will be conducted by BEARHFTI. The agency will continue to use CPUC’s Transportation Information System and will not change any license numbers. All fees will remain the same as they are on June 30, 2018 and the submission of insurance information will continue through the “Transportation Carriers Insurance E-Filing” system.
Concluding remarks included several statements about future regulation. Information supplied to consumers should include BEARHFTI’s contact information, including where consumers can file a complaint. Consumers can file a complaint online at www.bearhfti.ca.gov or the form can be downloaded, filled out and mailed. It was stated that while most of the rules will not change, new regulations will need to be drafted to align the program with the recently adopted statutes. This is a public process and participation and comment are encouraged. Notice of comment periods will be posted on our website. CMSA will be actively engaged in the new program to support regulated industry.
It was encouraging to have both Mr. Grafilo and Mr. Oliver play such a large role in our convention. Oliver was able to answer member questions and participate in several other convention activities. Additionally, Sonya Logman Deputy Secretary of Business and Consumer Relations Bureau, Consumer Services and Housing Agency (BCSH) the Agency that has oversight for DCA was our luncheon speaker. Thank you to all for your willingness to engage our industry and desire to affect a successful transition of the regulation of Household Movers in California. |
