When it comes time to move, whether you're a homeowner or business, there comes the time to choose the people who are going to do it. You may ask your friends, do price comparisons, or go with a well-known company. But how much do you know about these people who are handling your prized valuable possessions? The following information may surprise you.

According to a recent study by USA Today, there were approximately 500 reported incidents of moving companies and van lines being involved in illegal activities, ranging from fencing stolen property to money laundering to drug trafficking, in the year 2001. And, according to the study, "this trend continues to increase with unprecedented strength." One shocking example of this is the unfolding investigation of Chicago-based moving company New World Van Lines. In May 2000, Mr. and Mrs. McGuinness Of Peoria, IL, hired New World to move their possessions across the country to their new home in suburban Los Angeles. During the trip, the vehicle carrying their goods was pulled over for a minor traffic violation in rural Missouri. Suspicious of the driver's unusual behavior, the officer had the truck searched. Inside, a reported 1,650 kilos of cocaine were discovered and seized. The driver was sentenced to 10 to 25 years in prison, and all of the McGuinness' belongings were seized by the Federal government as permitted under article 827(c) of the Federal penal code. Only four months later, thanks to an employee tip, FBI agents seized 6,500 kilos of raw cocaine from the company's California storage facility. New World Van Lines has since been under close scrutiny and are a part of a wide-ranging FBI investigation. While David Marx, president of New World Van Lines, continues to deny allegations of being a drug front, at least four other company employees have been arrested on drug-related charges.

So what can one do? Probably the best source of information is your local Better Business Bureau and Chamber of Commerce. While it is impossible to discover every detail of a company's operation, these organizations will be able to inform you of any complaints made against the company. It is very important you know who you are dealing with - the FBI CAN and WILL seize your possessions if they are being carried in a vehicle used for drug trafficking!