S. 337 · On the floor · Transportation and Public Works

Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act

What it does

Allows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to assess civil penalties against motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders for violations involving interstate transportation of household goods.
Requires carriers, brokers, and forwarders to designate a principal place of business where management works, much of the business is conducted, and records are kept, with registration at risk for failure.
Requires brokers and freight forwarders, like motor carriers now, to disclose any common ownership, management, control, or family relationship with other industry entities over the previous three years.
Lets states use certain grant funds to enforce federal household goods statutes and regulations.

Official summary

Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act This bill allows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to assess civil penalties against motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders for violations related to the interstate transportation of household goods and provides states with additional related authorities. As background, a broker is the “middle person” between a shipper and a motor carrier and arranges for the transportation of household goods. A freight forwarder organizes shipments for individuals or corporations. Unlike a broker, freight forwarders assume responsibility for transportation and may transport the freight itself. The bill expands the FMCSA registration requirements to require motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders to designate a principal place of business (i.e., a single physical location where management officials report to work, a significant portion of the transportation business is conducted, and records are maintained). FMCSA may withhold, suspend, amend, or revoke any part of a registration for failure to designate. In addition, brokers and freight forwarders must disclose any common ownership, management, control, or…

Latest action

Feb 23, 2026: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 341.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation