Common Violations

Our goal is to inform regulated companies about potential problem areas and provide

regular technical assistance. Since the start of 2019, the top violations cited are:

1. Incorrect or missing signatures on estimates. All estimates must be signed and dated by both the carrier and the customer. Tip: If a written estimate is completed on the day of the move, the carrier cannot charge the customer for travel time to the point of origin, or the time spent completing the estimate (WAC 480-15-630).
2. Not providing necessary information to the customer. If a customer is not satisfied with the carrier’s service, the carrier must provide the customer with all information and forms necessary to file a claim (WAC 480-15-800).
3. Not responding to commission requests in time. When commission staff refer a complaint to a carrier, the carrier must respond to requests for information within five business days (WAC 480-15-890).
4. Incomplete information on the bill of lading. Carriers must include all the information on the bill of lading as described in the commission's tariff (WAC 480-15-710).

For clarifications, please review Tariff 15-C or email householdgoods@utc.wa.gov.

Q & A

How do we help employees who are required to wear face coverings in high temperatures?

Employers must follow all state face covering requirements and existing health and safety guidelines, but may consider providing extra breaks to employees working in high temperatures while wearing face coverings. Extra breaks should not be charged to the customer. Per Tariff 15-C, Item 95, 1.m, that time should be recorded on the bill of lading.

To learn more about wearing face coverings and working in high temperatures, visit the Department of Labor & Industries’ page.

How do I calculate the transportation charges for a long distance move?

You can find rates for shipments moving more than 55 miles in Tariff 15-C, Item 200. Charges for mileage-rated moves, often called long distance moves, are based on the weight of the shipment and the distance (miles) transported.

Carriers can charge a minimum of $0.1112 to a maximum of $0.3929 per pound for long distance moves. For example, a shipment weighing 8,101 pounds, transported 60 miles, would have a total cost ranging between $900.83 to $3,020.86.

Additional charges that may apply to a long distance move can be found in Section 2 of Tariff 15-C. These include charges for bulky or heavy items (Item 140), additional stops (Item 155), carrying distances of more than 75 feet (Item 160), stairs and elevators (Item 165), and piano and organ handling (Item 170).

You are also required to follow a mileage guide that uses the most current version of calculation software, such as Rand McNally’s Mile Maker, resulting in the same mileage calculation as the Household Goods Carriers Bureau mileage guide (Tariff 15-C, Item 105). Mileage is calculated one-way only, from city to city and not address to address.

Newly Permitted Companies

New HHG permits issued: April 1 - July 31, 2020:

• Ateam Moving LLC
• Box Mover, LLC
• Dubonosov, Artur
• GreenHopper Movers Limited Liability Company
• Heft Inc.
• Home2Home Moving LLC
• Let's Move It LLC
• MagikCorp d/b/a Magik Relocations
• McClaine, Steven R.  d/b/a Me & My Truck
• Mr Muscles Moving Company LLC
• One Nation Group LLC d/b/a One Nation Moving & Storage
• Pack It Up Moving LLC
• United States Movers LLC d/b/a US Movers

Upcoming Training

The commission offers free training for household goods moving companies, to help you understand your rights and responsibilities.

Each person named in the carrier's application must attend the course as a condition to receive permanent authority.

Trainings begin promptly at 8:15 a.m. and run until 5 p.m. Attendance for currently scheduled trainings is limited to 25 participants.

Upcoming training dates are:

• Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020, held virtually on Skype. 
• Tentative: Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020 at Yakima Maintenance & Operation Complex in Yakima.

To register for a training, contact householdgoods@utc.wa.gov or call (360) 664-1104.

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.