NEWARK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) - A moving company in New Jersey's Passaic County has settled allegations it operated without a license.

The settlement ends claims A Atlantic Plus Moving and Storage Inc.violated the state's Consumer Fraud Act, the Public Movers and Warehousemen Licensing Act and Public Mover Regulations.

"The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day traditionally is the busiest time for moving and relocating. We urge consumers to know their rights under New Jersey law before hiring a moving company," said state Consumer Affairs Director David Szuchman. "We continue to monitor the industry and act against those who attempt to take advantage of consumers."

A Atlantic Plus Moving and Storage Inc. will pay $5,323.50 in civil penalties and cost reimbursements to the state and is required to enter into binding arbitration to resolve consumer complaints.

Four other companies so far this year have been cited by the Division of Consumer Affairs for operating without a license.

Moving On Up, LLC of Kinnelon, Loyalty Moving and Delivery Service, LLC of Lindenwold, Four Brothers Moving and Storage, Inc., of Passaic and Dan the Affordable Moving Man, Inc., of Budd Lake all agreed, without admitting a violation of any laws or regulations, to pay $2,000 in civil penalties each and to comply with the provisions of the Public Movers and Warehousemen Licensing Act.

All New Jersey companies that conduct moves within the state are required to be licensed with the Regulated Business Section of the Division of Consumer Affairs. Currently, there are approximately 309 warehousemen and movers licensed by Consumer Affairs.

In January, A Better Choice Movers, Inc., of Fairfield agreed to pay civil penalties in the amount of $48,000 with $30,000 suspended and $2,000 in cost reimbursements to the state to settle alleged violations without admitting guilt.

Binding arbitration was also agreed to if the company does not reach settlements with consumers who filed complaints prior to the settlement.

The company is also required to inform the division for two years of how it resolves consumer complaints. If the complaints cannot be resolved, the company must enter into binding arbitration.