Define: Tariff

Posted by David Piotrowski

In simple terms, a tariff is a document that sets forth the rules a company will follow and the rates that a company will apply to all of its shipments. Companies may create and publish their own tariffs but in so doing, moving companies must follow certain rules set forth by law. A moving company must charge each of its customers exactly the price as stated in its tariff. Tariffs must be made available for inspection upon reasonable notice.

Moving company tariffs must include the following:

• An accurate description of the services offered to the public;
• The specific applicable rates, charges and service terms, and;
• Be arranged in such a way that allows for the determination of the exact rate, charges and service terms applicable to any given shipment.

Any changes to rates and company policies after publishing the tariff must be highlighted and noted as a tariff update.

For more information and for assistance in creating a custom tariff, please click here.

New Household Goods Tariff Rules

Posted by David Piotrowski

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) recently ended antitrust immunity for ratemaking in the moving industry. This means moving companies may be subjected to liability if they continue to uniformly apply the 400N or other similar tariffs beginning on January 1, 2008. Continuing the use such tariffs may subject moving companies to liability under the nation’s anti-trust laws.

As a moving company, what can you do to protect yourself from such liability? We recommend contacting competent legal counsel and creating your own, custom tariff that reflects your business practices and your rates. Protect yourself by publishing your own, custom tariff.

For more information, please click here.