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Nobody explains this, so we will.

Moving rates in Washington aren't invented by each company. The Utilities and Transportation Commission sets a band that every licensed household goods mover has to price inside. Here's the whole thing in plain English — including the parts that protect you from us.

Local moves are hourly

55 miles or less is priced by the hour under Tariff 15-C. The Commission sets a minimum and a maximum. We can't legally charge below the floor or above the ceiling — and neither can anyone else holding a permit.

Longer moves go by weight

Past 55 miles the state prices by how much your shipment weighs and how far it travels, not by the clock. Estimated weight is calculated at seven pounds per cubic foot of properly loaded vehicle space unless actual scale weights are used.

Interstate is federal

Crossing a state line takes you out of Tariff 15-C entirely and into FMCSA consumer protection rules. Different paperwork, different rate basis. We hold interstate authority, so we can do it ourselves rather than sell your job to a broker.

Flat rate or hourly — your choice, in writing

A binding estimate locks in a single flat price for the job you describe at the walkthrough. A non-binding estimate bills actual hours or actual weight and distance, capped by law. Neither costs extra to choose.

The rules that protect you

What a licensed mover owes you.

Every one of these is a requirement, not a courtesy. If a mover skips one, that tells you what kind of company you're dealing with.

Why won't you just tell me a price over the phone?

Because in Washington a number over the phone isn't an estimate. It's a guess, and guesses are how people end up arguing on a driveway with a loaded truck.

State rules require a licensed household goods mover to give you a free written estimate before any work begins, and to visually inspect your goods first unless you waive that in writing. We'll happily talk ballpark on the call. The number that binds us goes on paper after we've looked.

What's the difference between a binding and a non-binding estimate?

A binding estimate locks the price for exactly the items and services listed. If the list doesn't change, the price doesn't change.

A non-binding estimate is our honest assessment of what the job will cost. The final bill is based on the work actually performed, but it cannot exceed the written estimate, or any supplemental estimate you signed, by more than 25%. That ceiling is the law, not our policy.

What happens if the job turns out bigger than we thought?

We stop, write a supplemental estimate, and you sign it before the extra work starts.

What is never supposed to happen is extra line items appearing on the bill at the truck door. If a mover does that to you, that's what the Commission's complaint line is for.

How does the 55-mile line change my price?

A move of 55 miles or less is priced by the hour under Tariff 15-C. Past 55 miles the state prices by the weight of your shipment and the distance travelled instead of by the clock.

Interstate moves don't use Tariff 15-C at all — they run under federal FMCSA consumer protection rules.

What are the protection options, and which should I pick?

Basic value protection is included at no extra charge but pays a set amount per pound per item regardless of what the item is worth. Replacement cost with a deductible and replacement cost with no deductible both cost extra and both pay a great deal more.

If you select nothing, replacement cost with a deductible applies by default. We'll walk you through all three and you choose.

When do I pay, and how?

Payment of all lawful charges is due before we unload, unless we've made credit arrangements in writing beforehand. Cash, card or cheque.

If the final charges exceed a non-binding estimate by more than 25%, we must unload on payment of 110% of the estimated amount, and you have 30 days to settle the balance.

What if something is damaged?

Note it on the bill of lading at delivery, before you sign. Then you have nine months from the delivery date to file a written claim.

We'll acknowledge your claim in writing within ten business days and pay it, decline it, or make you a settlement offer within ninety days. Our whole process is published here.

Don't take our word for it