Feb. 18, 2009
Media Contact: (360) 664-1116
TV-071125

OLYMPIA, Wash. – State regulators today went to court to shut down permanently the in-state operations of a Kent-based moving company that continues to operate illegally within Washington state following the cancellation of its permit last fall.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) today filed an enforcement petition against All My Sons Moving and Storage, asking the Thurston County Superior Court to enforce a November 2008 UTC order that cancelled the company’s permit to operate an in-state moving business, and required the company cease and desist in-state moving operations.

The UTC cancelled All My Sons’ operating permit in November 2008 based on investigations that revealed the moving company repeatedly overcharged customers, inaccurately estimated the costs of customers’ moves and mishandled customers’ damage claims. The UTC also found that All My Sons repeatedly violated numerous state laws and rules governing moving companies. The company has received 60 customer complaints, more than any other permitted residential moving company in the state.

According to the UTC Superior Court filing, All My Sons did not cease and desist moving operations within the state after its permit was cancelled, and continues to advertise and operate illegally as a household goods mover. Today’s filing details a customer complaint against All My Sons for a move conducted Nov. 19, 2008, after the company’s permit had been revoked.

In addition, All My Sons’ web site still offers rate quotes for in-state residential moves. The company issued a news release on Nov. 16, 2008, soliciting customers to hire the carrier for residential moving services in the Seattle area.

The UTC 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 proper rates, carry insurance and keep their vehicles safely maintained. The commission does not regulate interstate moving companies.