Press Release

PUC Suspends Operations of Hindman Moving & Storage

Published on 3/4/2005

Filed under: Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) announces the 10-day suspension of operations of Donald A. Fix, Jr., doing business as Hindman Moving and Storage, of Butler, from March 1 continuing through midnight of March 11, 2005. 

The suspension of Hindman’s certificate of public convenience is due to a settlement agreement reached by the PUC and the moving company following a PUC complaint. As part of the settlement, Hindman is prohibited from conducting any kind of operations related to moving household goods or other services, including: no intrastate moves; no written or phone estimates to customers; no scheduling of moves for the future; no referrals to other carriers; and no assets, including vehicles, leased to other carriers.

In October 2003, the PUC’s Bureau of Transportation and Safety instituted a complaint against the company for violating the Public Utility Code by furnishing service outside its territory, for charging rates different than its PUC-approved tariff, and for ignoring regulations relating to the Information for Shippers statement and the Estimated Cost of Services form.  The PUC also ordered the company to refund money to six customers who were overcharged for services furnished by Hindman.    

On Dec. 14, 2004, the PUC and Hindman reached a settlement agreement that resolved the PUC’s complaint against the company.  Hindman Moving and Storage paid an $11,000 fine for the Public Utility Code violations.  The PUC has ordered the company to cease and desist from further violations.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as responsible stewards of competition.

For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our Internet homepage at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. A-00112441C0305

Contact:

• Cyndi Page
  Sr. Communications Specialist
  717-214-5434
  cypage@pa.gov