Moving Company Fined Over Complaints

Los Angeles-based Starving Students Inc., a household goods mover active in 10 states, was fined slightly more than $300,000 by California regulators for rule violations and over service complaints ranging from theft to failure to show up for planned moves.

The fine assessed by the California Public Utilities Commission would be reduced if restitution was made to customers identified in the evidence supporting the decision, the PUC said, adding that Starving Students had greatly improved service since the high-complaint years of 1999 and 2000. The firm also was cited for underpaying license fees and for failing to file proof of insurance with the commission.

Starving Students founder Ethan Margalith said the service problems resulted from rapid expansion.

-- Nancy Rivera Brooks