Texas Regulators Crack Down on App-Driven Hauling Service

According to the Austin American-Statesman, it's not just ride-sharing companies like Uber drawing attention from regulators, at least in Texas, but also a similar service that's hauling goods rather than people. In a letter demanding that Austin-based Burro cease its phone-coordinated delivery service, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles director of enforcement William P. Harbeson says that "[a]nyone moving household goods in a pick-up truck or other type or size of vehicle for hire is required to register" with the Department, "and show proof of insurance in the amounts required by law." According to the letter, this includes not just professional or even regular haulers, but also people moving a piece of furniture bought at a garage sale for pay; considering the number of people offering that kind of service on Austin's Craigslist, or in the parking lot of home supply stores like Home Depot, it seems like a regulation that will put a dent in the wallet of quite a few people. Burro, for its part, says its providers "are backed by $1M in insurance" — more than can be said for one of the obvious substitutes, which is relying on friends or acquaintances with a roof-rack and some bungie cords.

Comments

Re:Yeah, but...

[TheReaperD]

Wow. Could that statement have been any more racist? People like you act like the person looking to exchange an honest days work to feed themselves and their families are Al Qaeda terrorists looking to kill you and your family. Get some perspective! Yes, the immigration system is broken but, they're not bad people (most of the time).

The people, not all Mexican, standing outside Home Depot, etc are just looking to make a living. If you hire them, you know what you are getting: uninsured, likely unskilled labor at cut rates. If it isn't done right... well, you knew what you were getting into. If it needs to be done right, get a licensed contractor in good standing.