Auburn-based Ben’s Moving Services, owned by Cuong T. Bui, received a $5,000 penalty for operating as a residential moving company without a required permit in Washington, according to state regulators.
The company failed to appear at the hearing. The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) found the company in default and ordered the company to immediately stop operating without a permit.
In August, an administrative law judge at the WUTC ordered the companies to stop providing residential moving services until they obtain the required permits.
State regulators took action against three other residential moving companies that have been operating without permits in Washington.
Seattle-based Brothers Moving, owned by Samuel Svarny, received a $5,000 penalty for operating as a moving company without the required permit. The company failed to appear at the hearing. The commission found the company in default and ordered the company to immediately stop operating without a permit.
Spanaway-based Moving Pros Northwest 6, owned by Michael C. Robertson, received a $5,000 penalty for operating as a moving company without the required permit. The company failed to appear at the hearing. The commission found the company in default and ordered the company to immediately stop operating without a permit.
Port Angeles-based Amazing Movers 360, owned by Nathanael Hirst, received a $5,000 penalty for operating as a moving company before receiving the required permit. The company has obtained a temporary permit, and the commission suspended $4,500 of the $5,000 penalty on the condition the company refrains from operating should it lose its permit.
The commission urges consumers to use caution before hiring a residential moving company. Prior to making a hire, consumers should:
• Call the commission at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882) to verify the company’s permit status and complaint history;
• Compare costs by getting at least two written estimates;
• Check online reviews and complaints about the companies; and
• Know the full name, address, and phone number of the company.
Consumers can check a mover’s permit at utc.wa.gov/lookupmovingcompany or by calling 1-888-333-WUTC (9882).
The UTC is the state’s watchdog agency in charge of enforcing consumer protection and safety regulations for more than 250 residential moving companies operating within the state. Movers must charge approved rates, background check and drug test employees, maintain minimum insurance levels, and conduct regular vehicle safety inspections. The commission does not regulate interstate moving companies.
