Section 1457.1300  Carrier/Agent Relationships

a)         Household goods carriers are absolutely responsible for all the acts or omissions of their agents that relate to the performance of Illinois intrastate transportation held out in the name of the principal carrier, or where the shipper is led to believe the transportation would be performed by the principal carrier.

b)         No household goods carrier shall act for any other carrier in the solicitation or transportation of shipments of household goods in Illinois intrastate commerce between points that both carriers are authorized to serve unless the rates established by the 2 carriers are identical.

c)         Authority for Agents' Operations:

1)         When an agent of a carrier moves a shipment under its own operating authority, the estimate of charges, bill of lading, and other related documents shall be prepared and issued by the agent in its own name rather than in the name of the principal.

2)         When an agent of a household goods carrier moves a shipment under its principal's operating authority, the estimate of charges, bill of lading, and other related documents shall all be prepared and issued in the name of the principal rather than in the name of the agent.  In this situation, the agent shall act in all respects as if it were the principal.

3)         To the extent that an agent operates beyond the scope of its certificate or license, by using the principal's operating authority, it shall do so pursuant to an equipment lease (see Subpart L of this Part) or a license transfer approved by the Commission.  In this instance, the estimate of charges, bill of lading, and other related documents shall all be prepared and issued by the agent in the name of the principal rather than in its own name.

4)         Before operations are conducted by an agent on behalf of its principal, a copy of the agency agreement, duly executed by the parties, shall be filed with the Commission.