Moving Rate Band Review and Credit Card Surcharges

In July, commission staff opened Docket TV-190664 to consider changes to the minimum and maximum rate bands in Tariff 15-C. The commission held a workshop in October, received feedback from stakeholders, and is presently working with regulated carriers to complete a rate analysis. Staff is focusing on both the minimum and maximum charges published in Tariff 15-C, analyzing the impact of cost increases since the last rate adjustment for HHG in 2017. Staff expects to have its rate recommendation complete for Docket 190664 in the first quarter of 2020.

Because Staff’s review of the current tariff rates remains ongoing, staff requested that the commission modify Order 01 in Docket TV-180245 to extend the effective period for credit card processing fees. On Dec. 19, the commission extended the effective period for assessing credit card processing fees until February 29, 2020, or until such time as the commission approves revised minimum and maximum rates in Docket TV-190664, whichever occurs first.

Mover’s Q&A

If my company took a ferry to get to the destination, can I charge the customer for the cost of the ferry?

Yes. You must retain the ferry receipt with the customer’s move documents, and the fee must be included on the Bill of Lading. Tariff 15-C, Item 95, 1., n., requires the amount and type of every charge assessed to be listed as a separate line item. Each charge must be fully described in sufficient detail to determine if proper rates were charged according to the tariff. Where no tariff charges exist, the charges must be described in sufficient detail to determine the exact nature, number, and type of charges.

Newly Permitted Companies

New HHG permits issued: Aug. 1 - Nov. 30, 2019

• Hirst, Nathanael
• Bigfoot Moving Service LLC
• Easy Move Transport LLC
• Fuchs, Helda K.
• GM Move Transport LLC
• Kastl Express LLC
• Keystone Hauling Services, LLC

Upcoming Trainings

• Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020 at UTC Headquarters in Lacey
• Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at UTC Headquarters in Lacey

*Attendance is limited to 35 participants per training.

Contact Emily Duke by email at emily.duke@utc.wa.gov​ to register.

November Mover’s Court

In November, an administrative law judge ordered three companies to stop providing residential moving services until they obtain the required permits.

Tacoma-based Yakima Brothers, owned by Artyom Yakimovich, received a $5,000 penalty for operating as a moving company without the required permit. The commission suspended $4,500 of the $5,000 penalty on the condition the company refrains from operating until it obtains the required permit.

Bothell-based The Moving Clique, owned by Marcus Smith, received a $5,000 penalty, due immediately, for operating as a moving company without the required permit. The company failed to appear at the hearing. The commission found the company in default and ordered the company to cease and desist from operating without a permit.

Mount Vernon-based Aurora Painting & Pressure Washing, d/b/a All Pro Service, d/b/a Seattle Moving Solutions, owned by Erik Porter, received a $5,000 penalty, due immediately, for operating as a moving company without the required permit. The company failed to appear at the hearing. The commission found the company in default and ordered the company to cease and desist from operating without a permit.

Need Forms or Information

Visit the commission’s website to get information or copies of documents such as laws, tariffs and rules. There are also commission approved bill of lading and estimate and cube sheet inventory forms. Failure to use correct forms can result in violations or penalties. You can also download the updated Motor Carrier Safety Guide. Find everything you need at www.utc.wa.gov/movers.