Washington movers have new entry requirements

By Eric Anders • Jul 18th, 2012 • Category: Consumer Help, Consumer Protection

Washington State regulators have adopted stricter new entry requirements for residential moving companies to protect relocating consumers.

The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) established new guidelines for applicants seeking to provide household goods residential moving services within the state. The one-time permit application fee remains $550.

The 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 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.

Some of the new requirements the UTC adopted for in-state moversunder Docket Number: TV-111493 include:

Mandatory criminal background checks.
No convictions for certain felony crimes in the previous five years.
Holding a valid Washington state driver’s license.
Providing evidence of enrollment in a drug and alcohol testing program.
Owning or leasing proper equipment.

A moving company applicant may obtain permanent authority to conduct residential moves within the state after completing a six-month probationary period with a temporary permit.

Additional requirements the mover must meet to obtain a permanent certificate are:

Completing a criminal background check on each employee having contact with a residential customer.
Receiving a satisfactory safety rating review on equipment by UTC safety staff.
Settling unresolved consumer complaints.
Attending a UTC-sponsored household goods industry training class.

Before choosing a mover, consumers relocating within the state of Washington should first call the commission and inquire about any past complaints filed against they are considering and then confirm that each have the valid permits to perform intrastate moving services.

SOURCE: Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission

Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission Consumer Protection Resources:

Washington targets more illegal movers – RELO Roundtable

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