Daily Relo Ticker-May 13, 2026: Protecting Your Move

Martin Mayotte
May 13
2 min read

Daily Relo Ticker

Welcome to today’s Daily Relo Ticker (DRT)- your quick, straightforward update on the relocation world as of May 2026. A trusted source, pairing 15+ years of industry experience and over a dozen of personal moves. Listed below are topics, trends and current job postings in the industry. Please consider sharing for maximum reach and while there are no royalties, kickbacks or fees, any move related referral would be greatly appreciated!

Featured News: HHG Broker vs Carriers: Background

FMCSA received two comments (from the American Trucking Associations Moving & Storage Conference and UniGroup/Mayflower/United Van Lines) expressing concerns that:

Their Main Concerns

⚠️ Broker counts are likely underestimated

⚠️ Many brokers may operate unregistered

⚠️ FMCSA’s “phased interaction” model is outdated in the era of digital booking and online lead generation

FMCSA Response

✅ Estimates are intentionally conservative

✅ Current model still aligns with federal regulations

✅ Agency welcomes additional research into modern broker practices

Source: https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-11316.pdf?1716381921

Main Reasons for the Rise

🚚 Industry Expansion

U.S. moving services industry revenue exceeds $23B+
Millions of Americans relocate annually
Roughly 28 million people move each year
Interstate household goods moves remain a major federally regulated segment
https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/number-of-businesses/moving-services/1154/

🏢 Low Barriers to Entry

Highly fragmented market dominated by small operators
Many carriers start local, then expand interstate
FMCSA authority relatively accessible compared to other regulated sectors
https://www.movebuddha.com/blog/moving-industry-statistics/

🏠 Housing & Migration Trends

Key drivers include:

Affordability migration
Sun Belt population growth
Remote & hybrid work flexibility
Lifestyle and family changes
Demand for larger or newer homes
https://www.extraspace.com/moving/guides/trends/industry-trends-statistics/

🌎 Post-Pandemic Effects

COVID-era relocation trends accelerated:

“Zoom boom” migration
Regional population shifts
Increased interstate demand
Expanded moving opportunities
https://www.supermove.com/blog/moving-statistics-the-state-of-moving-storage-2025

🤝 Broker Growth Spillover

Growth in HHG brokers indirectly increased:

Carrier utilization
Move volume coordination
Interstate shipment activity
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/newsroom/fmcsa-issues-rule-enhancing-household-goods-consumer-protection

WHATS BEING DONE TO PROTECT CUSTOMERS

2024 FMCSA Operation Summary: Targeting Egregious Household Goods (HHG) Carriers and Brokers

The FMCSA launched a targeted enforcement operation focusing on the worst offenders among the HHG Top 100 list and high-complaint entities in the National Consumer Complaint Database (NCCDB). The effort prioritized "hostage" situations—where movers hold customers' possessions to extort extra fees—along with other scams, to protect consumers ahead of the busy summer moving season.

Link: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2025-07/OPYM_report_2024.pdf

2025-2026 FMCSA’s overall approach includes:

Data-driven targeting of the “worst offenders” (Top 100 HHG carriers by complaints/safety issues) and high-complaint brokers.
Increased investigations, authority revocations, fines, and education (e.g., ProtectYourMove.gov tools for verifying movers).
Broader enforcement context (not HHG-specific): 2025–2026 saw FMCSA ramps up in areas like English Language Proficiency (ELP), ELD fraud, carrier re-registration (“chameleon” operators), and fraud/theft bills in Congress (e.g., SAFER Transport Act proposals for better registration enforcement and interagency coordination). These indirectly help the moving sector by tackling fraudulent operators.

Link: https://www.fleetowner.com/news/regulations/article/55353817/a-2026-federal-enforcement-outlook-for-trucking

Helpful Resources: Your Rights and Responsibilities

The FMCSA's official booklet "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" (required for all interstate household goods moves) outlines protections for consumers (shippers) and obligations for authorized carriers/brokers. Knowing and following it provides major advantages for both sides.