Moving in the Time of COVID
It is that time of year when all the major van lines and some other large industry players release their move data from the previous year. IAM's Brian Limperopulos read through the reports to see what patterns can be identified and perhaps what actions can be taken in this new post-COVID paradigm here in the US, using these sources:
- Allied Van Lines Magnet States Report
- Atlas Van Lines Migration Patterns
- North American Van Lines 2020 US Migration Report
- United Van Lines National Migration Study
- Updater’s 2020 Moving Destinations Report
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Updated Version of the Professional Cooperation Guidelines (PCGs) Now Available
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The 2020 edition of the PCGs has been approved by FIDI and is effective immediately.
You can access the updated version on the IAM Mobility Exchange (IAMX); once you have logged in, open the Support menu and click PCG Guidelines & Download Page. Click the link to the "Red-lined PCG Version" to see the updates highlighted.
IAM encourages all members to use the PCGs as a reference document for your business, and to watch for future updates. Please review the new document and signal your intent to abide by the updated PCGs by completing the acknowledgement form and uploading it to your IAMX profile. More details can be found at the PCG link on IAMX.
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IAM's New Address
IAM moved to a new office in July and we announced that in several ways around that time. However, this is the time we are receiving dues checks from members, and some are going to the old address. Here is a reminder for anything you want to get to our new office:
1600 Duke Street
Suite 440
Alexandria, VA 22314
USA
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CMMB Meets to Plan the New Year
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The Core Members Management Board (CMMB) met last week to scope out the objectives that the CMMB will be working on for 2021. The CMMB represents the Core Membership on all pertinent matters, and presents to the Executive Committee such information as may be of assistance in their consideration of the issues/concerns facing the industry and the membership. See your regional reps.
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AFW Scholarship Now Accepting Applications
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The Alan F. Wohlstetter Scholarship Fund (AFWSF) is the cornerstone of the International Association of Movers’ scholastic assistance initiative. Named for distinguished Association founder and General Counsel Emeritus Alan F. Wohlstetter, the fund benefits the employees of IAM member companies and their dependents, as well as students. The AFW Scholarship Fund awards scholarships of US $5,000 each to students who are pursuing degrees in logistics and transportation. The application deadline is May 1.
Learn More
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U.S. Department of Labor Announces Final Rule to Clarify Independent Contractor Status Under the Fair Labor Standards Act
The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a final rule clarifying the standard for employee versus independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). “This rule brings long-needed clarity for American workers and employers,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “Sharpening the test to determine who is an independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act makes it easier to identify employees covered by the Act, while recognizing and respecting the entrepreneurial spirit of workers who choose to pursue the freedom associated with being an independent contractor.”
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New Issue of Portal Magazine Available
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The new issue of Portal Magazine is available and can be read on your computer or mobile device. This issue has a focus on the U.S. Domestic Asset-Based group that you have probably heard about. The articles go into the current state of the group, the strategic focus, and the future, including how this initiative will help other IAM members.
The focus for the March/April issue will be South Asia. South Asia is traditionally defined as the countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It comprises more than five million square kilometers and a population of almost two billion people, with an endless diversity of geography, cultures, difficulties, and rewards. It’s also the home of almost 100 IAM member companies who thrive in an atmosphere of endless challenge and opportunity. Submit your story.
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New French Rules Impact Transferees
From NEER Service France:
The French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced yesterday that the country would introduce much tougher rules for travelers arriving in France that may affect the plans of transferees with moves in progress.
The government announced that all arrivals in France from outside the European Union (including the United Kingdom) will have to present a negative Covid-19 test before boarding flights or other forms of transport. On arrival in France, they will need to self-isolate for seven days and then take a second test.
After completing their quarantine arrivals will also face an extended nighttime curfew that was also announced on Thursday. The current curfew of 8pm-6am will now start at 6pm and will remain in force for at least 15 days, beginning on Saturday January 16th.
Shops must close at 6pm. Schools will remain open, but all indoor sports and activities have been suspended. People that break the curfew will be fined €135 increasing to €3,750 and six months in jail for three offences within 30 days.
Moving and trucking are not affected by the curfew
While France is beginning its vaccination programme with the goal of protecting over a million people by the end of the month, the Prime Minister warned that the country will go into lockdown if the curfew did not slow down the spread of the virus.
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This Month's Prospective Members: Where They Do Business
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Every month, IAM publishes a list of prospective members. This is the list of your new potential business partners brought to you by IAM. Click on the map above to get a better view of where your new prospective colleagues are.
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Alleged Debtor List
IAM keeps a list of companies that have been alleged to have unsettled debts with other member companies. Check the Alleged Debtor List frequently, as it is updated often.
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Recent IAM Newsletters and Communications
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Business Consultant, Stephen Crooks, President of SFC Global Consulting, LLC, Accepts an Expanded Role with Arpin Group
Arpin Group announced that effective January 1, 2021, Stephen Crooks will expand his commitment at Arpin Group to executive consultant, continuing a storied career that began at Arpin in 1992. Crooks will have the responsibility for overseeing Arpin’s commercial division and will continue to mold this portion of the company for the post-pandemic world by increasing the use of technology and systems, amongst other things.
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National Van Lines Names Mark Doyle President
National Van Lines proudly announces the promotion to President to Mark Doyle, a relocation-industry veteran whose involvement with our long-distance moving company began more than 35 years ago. Serving as Executive Vice President for National Van Lines (a wholly owned National Holding Co., Inc. affiliate) since 2018, Mark has performed various roles during his career, including Agency Recruiter, Sales Director, Agency Owner and General Manager. “Mark consistently produces positive results in all areas for which he is responsible,” National Holding Co. CEO Tim Helenthal said. “He’s very sales-and customer-focused, and is committed to using data and process improvement to deliver the best moving service to our customers, agents and service-provider community."
Read More (Page 9)
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A.J. Schneider named The Wheaton Group President
While forecasts showed moving services in the United States experiencing a 21.4% decline in 2020during an unprecedented pandemic, The Wheaton Group celebrated a successful year by naming A.J. Schneider as The Wheaton Group President, effective January 2021. Schneider is also on The Wheaton Group Board of Directors and has been promoted from Executive Vice President. Schneider has more than 16 years of industry experience –14 with The Wheaton Group. He is directly responsible for a variety of the company’s key departments, including Agency Development, Sales, Marketing, Customer Service and Revenue Accounting. Over the years, his role has evolved into more direct responsibility for the company’s overall internal and external results. “I’ve worked with A.J. for more than a decade, and I’m pleased to be able to put him in a position to have an even greater positive effect on our company and our brands,” said Mark Kirschner, CEO of The Wheaton Group.
Read More (Page 15)
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New Managing Director and CEO for Alfa Quality Moving
The Alfa Scandinavia Board of Directors announces that Annika Roupé has been appointed as the Managing Director of Alfa Quality Moving Sweden as well as CEO of Alfa Scandinavia with effect from Monday January 18, 2021. Annika has extensive leadership experience from both large international as well as smaller corporations such as Ericsson, Stanley Security, Lernia, Ventelo etc. Her areas of expertise are management, sales & marketing, business development and business transformation & digitalization. Annika has held positions such as vice president, head of business area, and sales & marketing director.
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