The owner of a Lynnwood-based moving company was ordered by the Snohomish County Superior Court to shut down his illegal moving business and pay a $60,000 penalty, according to the state regulators.
Carl J. Washington, who does business under the names Jay’s Moving Company &Cleaning Service, Jeffrey’s Moving Company, and Jack’s Moving Company, may not engage in business as an in-state residential mover without a permit issued by the state Utilities and Transportation Commission.
The company is prohibited from transporting residential goods or offering and advertising moving services.
A state-issued permit for residential movers is required by law to protect consumers from unscrupulous business practices.
In May 2012, following an investigation, the commission found that Washington operated a residential moving company without a permit, in violation of law.
At a commission hearing, Washington admitted to the violations and agreed to cease operations unless he acquired a permit. Washington later paid a fine of $500 — reduced from $5,000 on the condition that he complied with the agreement.
In October 2012, state regulators discovered Washington was still engaged in the moving business without the required permit, and ordered him to pay the remaining $4,500 fine.
State regulators subsequently investigated a complaint by a customer that his belongings had been damaged during a move by “Jay’s Moving Co.”
The investigation revealed Washington was continuing to offer moving services to customers and advertising moving services online, in violation of the cease and desist order. At that point, the Utilities and Transportation Commission took Washington to superior court.
The commission urges consumers to do their homework before hiring a mover. Prior to moving, consumers should:
Call the commission at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882) to verify the mover’s permit status and complaint history;
Compare costs by getting at least two written estimates;
Check online reviews and complaints about the mover;
Know the mover’s full name, address and phone number; and
Get a written, signed inventory list from the company of all belongings being transported.
The Utilities and Transportation Commission is the state’s watchdog agency in charge of enforcing consumer protection and safety regulations for more than 200 residential moving companies operating within the state. Movers must charge appropriate rates, carry proper insurance, and keep their vehicles safely maintained. The commission does not regulate interstate moving companies.
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