EIN # to ship household goods?

I was just informed by our shipping company that all US passport holders must file for an EIN# with the IRS before they can file for shipment. Is that standard? I am a little confused as to the reason I would need an Employer Identification Number since I am not importing my belongings for business purposes.

Definitely not standard. I would ask them to check again.

My husband just had to do this...I didn't ask any questions though because I have enough on my plate and he was handling the movers. 

I am concerned that it might somehow make us liable if any of the movers were injured or someone's property was damaged. I am also concerned about filing as a sole proprietorship and what it might mean when we file taxes next year... I wish I could find some better information on this. I figured that this was the reason I am hiring an agent to handle my move in the first place. ErinO, where are you moving from? What company are you using? I am moving from California and I am talking to Schumacher Cargo, but I have not signed anything yet.

Ok, I just came across this:
http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20111
Apparently we do this to protect our identity...

Interesting. Well, it is very easy to get one; you just apply online and get it straightaway.

We did it in 2011. All on-line, and almost instantaneous.

We are moving from Grand Rapids, MI and our local company was Powell Relocation and I can't think of the international one....might be Rainier. 

It is easy to get an EIN.  All online.

Would I need to do this if I'm only moving some boxes and a table and chair set? I'm too moving from California..

As I understand it, the EIN is a requirement along with the UK customs forms for anything being shipped.

My mover just requested this as well, altho I'm puzzled since my husband is a UKC (& USC but for moving purposes everyone says use him as a UKC for less problems).