Based on the latest information available from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the federal rulemaking process on household goods moves is now being reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget.

It is anticipated that the rules will be released by mid-January, 2003, and published as a draft in early February. The comment period on the rules should run through early April.
If this rulemaking adheres to this schedule, it does not appear that the new requirements would become effective until after the 2003 summer season. While another comment period will continue to drag out the ultimate effective date of these long-awaited regulations, it will allow the household goods industry the opportunity to comment on any new consumer protection requirements that may be detrimental to the industry.