What You Don’t Know Could Cost You:
The Hidden Dangers of Hiring an Unlicensed Mover

Toms River, NJ; January 22, 2025— Imagine hiring a moving company to carefully transport your belongings, only to discover your items abandoned in a swamp or worse—never arriving at all. These shocking stories aren’t just urban legends. Every year, over 3,000 complaints are filed federally against rogue movers, many of which cannot be resolved because the company doesn’t legally exist.

In New Jersey, where only one investigator oversees the entire moving industry, the odds of holding an unlicensed mover accountable are slim. These illegal operations don’t just put your belongings at risk—they expose you to enormous financial and legal liabilities.

The Hidden Costs of Hiring an Unlicensed Mover: When you hire an unlicensed mover, the consequences can extend far beyond damaged or stolen belongings:

·       You could be sued: If a worker is injured in your home or on your property and the mover doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance, you may be held financially responsible.

·       Property damage can become your problem: Without general liability insurance, the consumer may bear the cost of repairs, which could delay closings, forfeit security deposits, or require costly replacements (e.g., replacing an entire bamboo floor due to one scratch).

·       Liability on the road: If an uninsured mover causes an accident while transporting your goods, the consumer could face lawsuits or other legal repercussions.

Is saving a couple of hundred dollars worth that kind of risk?

We’re Here to Help: Hire Movers You Can Trust. The New Jersey Warehouse & Movers Association (NJWMA) created the “Movers for Consumers” campaign to protect and educate consumers, connecting them with vetted, licensed, and insured moving professionals. These movers adhere to strict standards of ethics and professionalism, ensuring a stress-free customer experience.

How to Verify a Mover: To avoid becoming a victim of moving scams, NJWMA encourages consumers to verify a mover’s license and insurance status before hiring:

·       Call NJWMA at 732-341-3934 to confirm a mover’s credentials.

·       Visit www.njmovers.com for a list of NJWMA member movers who are vetted and insured.

·       Check directly with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs at https://rgbportal.dca.njoag.gov/public-view/.

“By choosing a licensed and insured mover, you’re not just protecting your belongings—you’re protecting your peace of mind,” said Tracy Brito Denora, Executive Director.

Hire with Confidence: Moving is stressful enough without worrying about unlicensed movers who cut corners at your expense. With NJWMA’s “Movers for Consumers” campaign, we’re here to ensure New Jersey residents have access to trustworthy, insured, and reliable moving professionals. Don’t take chances with your move—verify before you hire.

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The New Jersey Warehouse & Movers Association (NJWMA) was established in 1969 to provide support, training, and advocacy for movers in the Garden State. Committed to consumer protection, NJWMA ensures that its members adhere to strict licensing requirements and a Code of Ethics. For more information, visit www.njmovers.com.