Archive for June, 2010

Avoid Heartbreaking & Expensive Moving Hassles

Monday, June 7th, 2010

We are in the midst of the busiest moving weeks of the year ~ and so lot’s of people are calling trying to find that last-minute availability with movers, and may cut corners (or good sense!) to keep on the time-line they have in mind.  PLEASE consider the bigger picture when considering a mover.

  • Is the price significantly different than other bid?  There is a reason.  Less $$ per hour is no perk if they work slowly, damage something, or don’t even show up!
  • Do they ask for a deposit?  Run, don’t walk away from them.  Seriously.
  • Do you have personal references for them?  If not, keep asking friends.  It really is worth it to go with a known mover.

QUESTIONS?? Call or email us ~ we are glad to help keep your move safe!

From the Washington Utilities & Transportation Commision

Consumer Alert: Don’t make a move with an illegal company

May 11, 2010
Olympia, Wash. – Before you turn over your worldly possessions to a moving company, ensure the mover is permitted through the state.
Residential household goods moving companies that operate within Washington state are regulated and permitted by the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). A permitted company must comply with insurance regulations, safety requirements and consumer protection laws.
Companies that operate illegally can now be shut down by the Washington State Patrol (WSP) if they are caught making moves within the state. A law passed by the Legislature in 2009, allows the UTC to place a regulated transportation company out-of-service through the WSP for safety violations, failure to pay penalties or for a violation of a cease-and-desist order. If an illegal mover is found conducting intrastate moves, the WSP can seize the vehicle and may charge penalties of up to $11,000 for each violation.
Before a customer even packs a box, he or she should first call the UTC and confirm the moving company has a valid permit. The customer can also find out how many consumer complaints have been filed against the company.

Legally permitted companies are required to include their UTC permit number in their advertising. When looking to hire a company, check for a valid permit number with a prefix of THG or HG, such as HG-555555.

Customers who have scheduled moves with an unpermitted company should contact the UTC immediately to avoid finding their belongings trapped on a seized vehicle or held hostage by a deceptive company.

The commission offers tips and a consumer guide for a safe move at http://www.wutc.wa.gov/consumer/movingtips.

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.

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Editor’s note: Consumers may check on the credentials of a residential moving company at www.utc.wa.gov/mover or by calling 1-888-333-WUTC (9882).
 
 
 
 

 


6501 - 216th St. SW, Mountlake Terrace WA 98043     206.841.6440   info@assistedtransitions.net
©2010 Assisted Transitions, a division of Bekins Moving & Storage Co. WUTC HG908

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