Transportation of Household Goods; Consumer Protection Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) makes further technical amendments to the interim final rule published on June 11, 2003, governing the interstate transportation of household goods (68 FR 35064). On March 5, 2004, we issued technical amendments to the interim final rule and its appendix, the consumer pamphlet Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move (69 FR 10570). On March 16, 2004, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) received from the American Moving and Storage Association a petition for reconsideration and stay of compliance date of the interim final rule and technical amendments. In response to the petitioner's concerns, we are adopting clarifying technical amendments to the interim final rule and establishing a new compliance date for the rule. However, we believe that certain amendments sought in the petition are not necessary, while others are substantive in nature and will be considered along with other potential substantive amendments in a future rulemaking proceeding. Therefore, the petition is granted in part and denied in part. Today's action is intended to ensure that the household goods regulations and consumer information are consistently accurate, clear, and unambiguous.