State urges
vigilance when hiring a mover
Illegal
moving companies conduct risky business
Olympia, Wash. - State regulators remind consumers that May is Moving Month
and urge consumers to carefully research moving companies before hiring one.
Moving companies offering services within the state of
Washington are regulated by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which
has some words of caution: Check with the state, before it’s too late.
A number of moving companies falsely advertise that they are
“licensed and insured.” However, only those in-state moving companies permitted
by the UTC are allowed to legally provide residential moving services.
Customers who hire illegal companies typically have little or no recourse if
their belongings are damaged, lost, or stolen.
Moving companies are required to include their UTC permit
numbers in advertising. Look for a valid permit number with a prefix of THG or
HG, such as HG-89222, when scouting for a company. Check that a company’s
permit is valid or whether any complaints have been filed against a company at www.utc.wa.gov/lookupmovingcompany.
Numerous state laws and rules protect consumers of in-state
moving companies, which are required to conduct background checks and drug test
potential employees. Because a mover interacts so closely with customers in
their home and is entrusted with their belongings, these measures are designed
to protect the customers’ possessions as well as their safety.
The commission conducts regular investigations to ensure
in-state moving companies are permitted, insured, and in compliance with state
consumer and safety laws. The commission can also assist customers who have a
complaint against a moving company.
In 2017, UTC staff investigated more than 50 non-permitted
moving companies. So far in 2018, three moving companies have been ordered to
cease illegal operations:
·
PNW Moving and Delivery LLC, owned by Dmitriy
Satir of Tacoma, was issued a $5,000 penalty with $3,500 suspended on the
condition the company does not operate without a required permit.
·
Samuels Brothers LLC, owned by Emmanuel Samuels
of Everett, was issued a $5,000 penalty with $4,500 suspended on the condition the
company does not operate without a required permit.
·
Done Right Moving and Labor, owned by Warren
Harris of Everett, was issued a $5,000 penalty with $4,500 suspended on the
condition the company does not operate without a required permit.
The commission offers information and tips for a safe move
at www.utc.wa.gov/movingtips.
The UTC is the state’s watchdog agency in charge of
enforcing consumer protection and safety regulations for more than 200
permitted residential moving companies operating within Washington. Movers must
charge proper rates, carry insurance and safely maintain their vehicles. The
commission does not regulate interstate moving companies.
###
Editor’s note:
People may check on the credentials of a residential moving company at www.utc.wa.gov/movingtips or by
calling 1-888-333-WUTC (9882).
|
