The Official Roadmap to Starting a Moving Company in Washington

A verified guide sourced exclusively from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC).

Prerequisite Check: Mandatory Training

Are you prepared to take the UTC's Household Goods Industry Training (virtually or online) before you operate?

Step 1: Application (Provisional)

Authority: Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC).

Apply: Submit the "Household Goods Permit Application" online.
Fee: $550.00 one-time application fee.
Training: You must complete the training course before your provisional permit is issued.

Mark Step 1 as Complete

Step 2: Insurance Filing

Your agent must file these directly with the UTC.

Liability: Form E. Min $300k (under 10k GVW) or $750k (over 10k GVW).
Cargo: Form H. Min $10,000 (under 10k GVW) or $20,000 (over 10k GVW).

Mark Step 2 as Complete

Step 3: Tariff 15-C

Washington has strict rate rules.

Requirement: You must adhere to "Tariff 15-C," which sets minimum and maximum rates.
Local vs. Distance: Moves ≤55 miles are hourly. Moves ≥56 miles are by weight/distance.

Mark Step 3 as Complete

Step 4: Operational "Must Haves"

Required by UTC consumer protection laws.

Brochure: Must provide "Consumer Guide to Moving in Washington State".
Estimates: Non-binding estimates cannot be exceeded by more than 25%.
Markings: Truck must display Name, Permit Number, and USDOT Number.

Mark Step 4 as Complete

The "Don't Get Fined" Zone

USDOT Number: You MUST have a USDOT number even if you never leave Washington state.
Background Checks: You must perform annual background checks on all drivers.
25% Rule: If the final bill exceeds a non-binding estimate by >25%, you can't force the customer to pay the overage immediately.

Official Government Portals

Frequently Asked Questions
      1. What is a "Provisional" Permit?
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        In Washington, new movers are first issued a "Provisional" permit. This allows you to operate while the UTC monitors your compliance. After a probationary period (and meeting all safety/insurance requirements), you can be granted permanent authority.
      
      2. Do I need a USDOT number?
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        Yes. All household goods movers in Washington must have a USDOT number, even if you only operate within the state. You can apply for this via the FMCSA website.
      
      3. What is Tariff 15-C?
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        Tariff 15-C is the state-regulated document that sets the rates you can charge. It establishes minimum and maximum rates. You must charge within these limits. Moves under 56 miles are hourly; moves 56 miles or more are by weight/distance.
      
      4. What brochure must I give customers?
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        You are required to provide the "Consumer Guide to Moving in Washington State" to every potential customer. It explains estimates, insurance, and the claims process.
      
      5. What are the insurance requirements?
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        For vehicles under 10,000 lbs GVW, you need $300,000 Liability and $10,000 Cargo insurance. Larger vehicles require higher limits ($750k Liability / $20k Cargo). Filings must be submitted via Form E and Form H.
      
      6. What is the "25% Rule" for estimates?
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        If you provide a non-binding estimate, you cannot charge the customer more than 25% above that estimate (plus any supplemental services they agreed to) at the time of delivery. You must bill the remaining balance later.
      
      7. Can I charge for travel time?
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        Yes, for local moves (under 56 miles). Tariff 15-C allows you to charge for the time it takes the crew to get to the job and back to the terminal.
      
      8. How much is the permit fee?
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        The application fee for a new Household Goods Permit is $550.00. This is a one-time fee, but you must pay an annual renewal fee (approx. $100) thereafter.
      
      9. What markings must be on my truck?
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        Your truck must display your Company Name and Permit Number (e.g., "HG-12345") in letters at least 3 inches high on both sides of the power unit. You must also display your USDOT number.
      
      10. Do I need to check my drivers' records?
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        Yes. You must review each driver's motor vehicle record (MVR) at least once every 12 months to ensure they are qualified. You must also conduct criminal background checks on all employees.

NOT SURE WHERE TO START? LET’S TALK STRATEGY.

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What to expect on this call:

No High-Pressure Sales Tactics: We hate them too. If we aren't a good fit, we'll tell you.
A "Mini-Audit": We’ll pull up your current website or Google profile live on the call.
Real Advice: You’re talking to actual movers who have scaled companies, not a script-reading salesperson.