As used in this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

(1) The term "common carrier" means any person who undertakes to transport property, including general commodities, materials transported by armored car service, and/or hazardous materials, for the general public by motor vehicle for compensation, including under individual contracts or agreements, and including motor vehicle operations of other carriers by rail or water and of express or forwarding companies. The term does not include household goods carriers, as defined by WAC 480-15-020, solid waste collection companies, as defined by WAC 480-70-041, or "exempt carriers."

(2) The term "exempt carrier" means any person operating a vehicle exempted from certain regulatory provisions under RCW 81.80.040.

(3) The term "carrier of hazardous materials" means any person who transports radioactive materials, hazardous waste, hazardous materials and hazardous substances as defined in Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations. Information about 49 C.F.R. regarding the version currently in effect and where to obtain it is set out in WAC 480-14-999.

(4) The term "carrier of general commodities" means any person transporting the property of others for compensation, except persons performing the service of transporting household goods as defined in WAC 480-15-020.

(5) The term "armored car service" means carriers transporting property of very high value (gold, silver, currency, valuable securities, jewels and other property of very high value) using specially constructed armored trucks and providing policy protection to safeguard freight while it is being transported and delivered. It also means carriers which operate ordinary equipment in the carriage of high value commodities when guards are necessary to accompany the shipment.