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State increases enforcement action against HHG moving companies operating illegally

Regulators in the Evergreen State took action against ten residential moving companies that have been operating without household goods permits in Washington.

According to a consumer warning announcement published on February, 17, 2012, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) fined four residential moving companies for operating without the required permits. The fines were $5,000 each.

The four companies are:

1. Seattle-based A-1 Movers also operating as Big Movers R Us, Big Donz Moving Service and Big Don Moving Service owned by Donald Adams.
2. Seattle-based Northwest Moving Services, formerly known as Seattle Moving Services and owned by Larry Heath.
3. Rain City Services, headquartered in Seattle and owned by Derrick DeJesus.
4. Integrity Moving and Transport of University Place, owned by Jordan Wood.

These companies failed to appear at a hearing before the UTC. If they continue to operate, the UTC will seek enforcement through the courts and the Washington State Patrol.

Another five residential moving companies received reduced monetary penalties after agreeing to shut down operations in Washington. The five carriers are:

1. Ace Movers of Kennewick, owned by Branden Jones
2. Seattle-based Affordable and Careful Movers, owned by Shawn Mace
3. Bob the Mover, also operating as Accommodating Movers of Seattle, owned by Robert Rindfuss
4. Furniture Moving/Fantastic Movers of Seattle, owned by Yukio Haberzettl
5. Sequim-based Getter Done Moving, owned by John Glavi

In these cases, the companies received penalties of $3,000 to $5,000 each, which the UTC reduced to $300 to $500 on the condition that the company cease operations and comply with the commission’s written orders.

Still another company, A-AAA Rich’s Reliable Movers of Lynnwood, agreed to file an application for a house-hold goods permit and comply with the UTC’s rules. The company received a $5,000 penalty for five violations, $4,500 of which was suspended for one year provided the company complies with the commission order. The company is owned by Richard Worrell.

The Washington UTC is the state agency in charge of enforcing consumer protection and safety regulations for more than 200 residential moving companies operating within the state.

Movers operating in Washington are required to get a permit from the UTC, charge appropriate rates, carry proper insurance and keep their vehicles safely maintained. The commission does not regulate interstate moving companies. 

SOURCE: Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC)

Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission Consumer Protection Resources:

• Permitted Moving Companies
  
• Company Complaint Stats
  

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