Know Your Rights When You Hire a Mover
Federal and Washington state law give you specific, enforceable rights when you hire a moving company. Most consumers don't know what these rights are — and unfortunately, rogue movers count on that. This page exists to change that.
We've gathered the three official consumer-protection documents every Washington mover should be sharing with their customers — published by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for interstate moves, and by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) for in-state moves. Read them before any move. Share them. They're written for you.
Allwest is required by federal law to provide the two FMCSA documents to every interstate customer, and we believe in providing the WUTC guide to every in-state customer too — even though it's not legally required. Honest movers welcome an informed customer.
For Interstate Moves (Crossing State Lines)
If you're moving from Washington to another state, or coming to Washington from elsewhere, your move is regulated by the FMCSA under federal law. Every legitimate interstate mover is required to provide you with the two documents below before your move. If a mover doesn't — that's a red flag.
Ready to Move?
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration A quick-read brochure covering moving-checklist basics: how to evaluate movers, what to expect on moving and delivery day, and where to file a complaint if something goes wrong. The fastest read of the three.
Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration The comprehensive federal guide. Covers everything from estimates (binding vs. non-binding), liability and valuation options, the bill of lading, weight tickets, pickup and delivery rights, claims, arbitration, and dispute resolution. Required reading for any interstate move.
Consumer Guide to Moving in Washington State
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission Your rights and responsibilities for moves within Washington. Covers mover licensing requirements, written estimates and inventory rules, bill of lading, loss and damage coverage options, moving costs, storage rules, and how to file a complaint with the UTC.
Quick-Reference: The Rights That Matter Most
If you read nothing else, know these:
Written estimates are required. Every legitimate mover provides a written, dated, signed estimate. Verbal quotes are not estimates.
100% / 110% rule (federal). For interstate moves, you cannot be required to pay more than 100% of a binding estimate, or 110% of a non-binding estimate, at delivery. Anything beyond that is billable later, not on the spot.
125% rule (Washington). For in-state Washington moves, you cannot be required to pay more than 25% above a non-binding written estimate.
You choose your liability coverage. You have the right to choose between basic protection, replacement cost with a $300 deductible, or full replacement cost with no deductible. Your choice must be on your bill of lading.
You have 9 months to file a claim. Loss or damage claims must be filed in writing within 9 months of delivery.
No mover can hold your shipment hostage. If a mover refuses to deliver after you've paid the required amounts, that's a federal violation. Call FMCSA's hostage shipment hotline at 1-888-368-7238 immediately.
You can demand arbitration. For interstate claims of $10,000 or less, the mover must agree to arbitration if you request it. This is often cheaper and faster than a lawsuit.
For the full picture, read the documents above. They're written by the regulators themselves.
Who to Call If Something Goes Wrong
For interstate moves:
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FMCSA Hostage Shipment Hotline: 1-888-368-7238 (call immediately if a mover refuses to deliver)
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File a complaint: NCCDB.fmcsa.dot.gov
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Verify a mover: ProtectYourMove.gov
For Washington in-state moves:
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WUTC Consumer Help Line: 1-888-333-WUTC (9882)
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File a complaint: utc.wa.gov/FileAComplaint
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Verify a Washington mover: utc.wa.gov ("Look up a moving company")
Other useful authorities:
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Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
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Surface Transportation Board (overcharge disputes): 1-866-254-1792
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Your state's attorney general consumer protection office
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Your credit card company (for chargeback disputes)
How Allwest Follows These Rules
You shouldn't have to take any moving company's word for it — verify ours instead.
Our credentials: WUTC HG-26138 · US DOT 1277174 · MC 786271.
Wheaton World Wide Moving: US DOT 70719 · MC 87113.
Our address: 2640 Willamette Drive NE, Lacey, WA 98516 — a real facility, in continuous operation since 1962.
We never require a deposit. Every estimate is free, written, and based on a physical or virtual survey of your home. Every move comes with a written inventory, a bill of lading, and a written invoice. For interstate moves, we provide both FMCSA documents above as required by federal law. For in-state moves, we provide the UTC guide — because we think you should have it.
You can verify every credential above, by yourself, in less than 20 minutes. That's the standard every legitimate mover should meet.