into the mushrooming problem, including movers who hold customer possessions"hostage" until they are paid exorbitant fees. The letter acknowledged the limitations on the DOT's authority but said it could be more aggressive in referring cases for prosecution to the U.S. Justice Department. Blumenthal did not say whether he would introduce legislation to ramp up the agency's authority.
Antonsen contacted authorities in Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, as well as at the FMCSA, which she said forwarded her complaint and others about the company to a New Jersey field office. Attempts to reach Pryco Movers were unsuccessful. "Those are my memories—my physical memories—things I can look at and say, 'this was my mom's or that was my grandson's,'" Antonsen said."Those items are who I am. They represent me. They represent my family and my grandkids."The FMCSA logged 55 complaints against Imperial Freight Lines, including 22 complaints of goods being held hostage, in 2022.
Bad brokers have been particularly problematic for customers and the FMCSA. None of the five brokers among the 18 companies still advertising cross-country moves could be reached for comment for this story.'s February investigation showed how brokers offer low cost moves in exchange for large, up-front deposits before connecting consumers with carriers that often hold their goods hostage.
Hallaman said her customers' cross-country moves were now being done through another company that she did not name. No response was received after additional requests for comment. A&M Friendly Movers had been the subject of one FMCSA complaint. "So, basically we're not doing business right now, because as you know the license has been revoked because we didn't pay a fine," Torres said.
"If anybody wants to call, I just refer them to somebody that still has a license to do their move," Agnant said.