Tips for Keeping Your Fleet Safe and Compliant
Federal and state regulations require that all vehicle maintenance files include a schedule showing the type and due date of inspections and maintenance for each commercial motor vehicle a carrier owns or leases for 30 consecutive days.
Staying on top of preventive maintenance not only keeps you in compliance, it can also help you avoid costly breakdowns, improve daily operations, and keep your vehicles in safe working condition. This reduces the risk of accidents and protects your business.
To support compliance, the UTC offers a free guide for regulated companies: Achieving a Satisfactory Motor Carrier Safety Record.The publication includes downloadable forms that meet current requirements.
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Don't Forget the Consumer Guide
As a household goods carrier, you’re required to provide each customer with a copy of the Consumer Guide to Moving in Washington (WAC 480-15-620 and Tariff 15-C, Item 85).
The guide outlines your customers’ rights and responsibilities, offers tips to help them prepare for their move, and explains how to protect themselves and file a complaint or claim if needed.
The guide is available in several languages on the UTC’s Household Goods Carriers website.
Using resources like this helps build trust with your customers and protects your business by promoting transparency and compliance.
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Avoid Confusion with a Clear Estimate
(WAC 480-15-630 and Tariff 15-C, Item 85)
Carriers must provide a written estimate to each customer before the move begins. The estimate must be signed and dated by both the customer and the carrier.
Customers are entitled to receive this estimate even if they don’t request one. The estimate must clearly specify whether it is binding or non-binding.
Along with the estimate, carriers must also provide:
Following these requirements helps ensure compliance and promotes transparency with your customers.
Is Your Business Info Current?
(WAC 480-15-390)
If you operate under a trade name or assumed name, that name must be listed on your household goods permit. All operations must be conducted under the exact name shown on your permit.
Your company or trade name, as recorded with the commission, must appear in all advertising. Advertising must also include your physical business address, telephone number, and household goods permit number.
To update your business or trade name, contact Licensing Services.Â
New Household Goods Carrier Permits
The commission has issued new Household Goods Permits to the following companies in Washington:Â
- Porsche Moving and Storage LLC
- Discount Sectionals LLC
- InMove LLC
- Nikita Osharov d/b/a Piano Moving Craft
Online Self-Paced Trainings
The commission offers self-paced online training for passenger transportation companies and household goods moving companies. These courses allow you to start and stop at your convenience but must be completed within 30 days, including a final knowledge test.
Passenger transportation training covers topics like insurance requirements, driver qualifications, hours of service, and safety compliance. Household goods training includes consumer protection, annual reports, and transportation safety.
Access training modules from your dashboard and complete them on your schedule.
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Live Virtual Trainings
The commission offers free training for household goods moving companies. Each training begins at 8:15 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m.
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Upcoming trainings:
- Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025
- Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026
- Wednesday, March 11, 2026
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Looking for Forms or Information?
The commission’s website is your go-to source for essential documents, including laws, tariffs, rules, and commission-approved forms like the bill of lading and estimate and cube sheet inventory. Using incorrect forms can lead to penalties or violations. You can also access the Motor Carrier Safety Guide for helpful compliance resources.
Find these resources and more at www.utc.wa.gov/MovingCompanies.
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