Publish a Custom Tariff

Posted by David Piotrowski

Interstate household goods moving companies must publish a tariff. Several articles on this blog touch upon this subject. Penalties for failing to publish a tariff can be both civil and criminal in nature. There are several benefits for publishing a custom tariff.

First, movers who publish a custom tariff have more freedom to tailor their rates and service offerings in such a way that will be most beneficial to their particular business. All moving companies are different, and just because charging based on weight works for one company doesn’t mean it will work for another. Publishing a custom tariff will allow the mover to elect to charge based on weight, cubic feet, or both.

Second, publishing a custom tariff will help shield the moving company from potential antitrust liability. In the beginning of 2008, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) 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. Continuing the use such tariffs may subject moving companies to liability under the nation’s anti-trust laws.

Third, publishing a custom tariff allows movers to be more competitive. If a mover knows their competition is charging $3.22 per cubic foot, the mover may decide to charge $3.19 per cubic foot, or to provide five (5) free 1.5 cubic feet moving boxes on orders that meet certain monetary thresholds. Publishing a custom tariff allows movers to insert these types of competitive and promotional marketing methods.

Fourth, publishing a tariff is the law. All interstate household goods moving companies must publish a tariff.

For these reasons, and others, it is in the movers best interests to publish a custom tariff.

Need help publishing a custom tariff? Contact a transportation attorney today.

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