ePortal Newsletter: April 26, 2023

April 26, 2023

In this Issue:

  • Coalition for Greener Mobility
  • IAM Annual Meeting: What you Need to Know
  • Scholarship Fund Board Meets at IAM Office
  • Don't Leave Money on the Table! Apply Now for the Alan F. Wohlstetter Scholarship
  • FMC Explains How Shippers Can Contest Charges Levied By Ocean Carries and Terminal Operators in the US
  • Companies are paying workers to relocate to discourage remote work — and it can cost them up to $97,000 per employee
  • Top Five News Stories You Might Have Missed
  • IAM Trusted Moving Company Officially Launched
  • Volunteer Engagement Taskforce to Make Recommendations to Improve Volunteer Experience
  • Stop the Spread of Invasive Pests in Sea Containers – Ensure the Container is Clean Prior to Loading
  • Don't Miss These Live Events On IAM Learning
  • Upcoming Industry Events
  • IAM Membership Updates

Coalition for Greener Mobility

We recently celebrated Earth Day on April 22, and IAM is excited to share the progress we have made as an organization and with our global partners in creating a more sustainable talent mobility industry through the Coalition for Greener Mobility. The Coalition’s activities complement the progress we have made on our own sustainability goals, as we continue to raise awareness on this critical issue.

Learn More

IAM Annual Meeting: What you Need to Know

IAM's Annual Meeting in Toronto is ramping up fast! Last week, IAM hosted a session about the convention center format, why we opened registration so early, the process for getting a Canadian visa, and more. The visa issue was the primary driver for opening registration early, as Canada's visa process can take a while to navigate. Register now - don't wait!

 

Here is what you can do right now to prepare for you meeting experience:

Scholarship Fund Board Meets at IAM Office

The Alan F. Wohlstetter Scholarship Fund (AFWSF) Board met this week at the IAM office in Alexandria, VA for a Strategic Planning Retreat. The AFWSF just celebrated 20 years and is looking to build upon the recent success of the Industry Training Program and the existing scholarship program. The Board is evaluating how best to support the worldwide moving industry and provding access to education and training. Stay tuned for more information about how the AFWSF intends to lead on developing a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce that is equipped to meet the evolving needs of the industry. Many thanks to our Board members for their service to the AFWSF Board on this important work – Maria Andrea Rodriquez, Chair, Don Goldberg, Georgia Angell, Heather Engel, Mike Richardson, Terry Head, Ann Wohlstetter, Enrique López, and Chuck White. 

Don't Leave Money on the Table! Apply Now for the Alan F. Wohlstetter Scholarship

The Alan F. Wohlstetter Scholarship Fund seeks to enhance the professionalism of the global household goods moving industry by supporting the professional development and education of students and industry professionals worldwide. It accomplishes this through the award of scholarships to qualified persons either to attend accredited colleges, universities and technical schools (Scholarship Program) or approved industry training programs for the purpose of education designated fields (Industry Training Program). The scholarship program will award up to 10 students a $5,000 USD scholarship for tuition assistance. Please email scholarship@iamovers.org with any questions.

 

The fund benefits the employees of IAM member companies and their dependents, as well as students.

 

The scholarship deadline is May 1. Apply now!

FMC Explains How Shippers Can Contest Charges Levied By Ocean Carries and Terminal Operators in the US

The primer provides viewers with background on the process that includes the types of charges that can be contested, the materials needed to file a complaint, how investigations are conducted, and potential outcomes. This comes on the heels of the recently-issued FMC rule requiring ocean carriers to refund importers and exporters for overcharges and other violations under the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA). This new rule provides an overview of fines and penalty assessments, clarifying that carriers in violation of OSRA’s provisions may have additional civil penalties assessed. Check out IAM’s more comprehensive update on our website.

Companies are paying workers to relocate to discourage remote work — and it can cost them up to $97,000 per employee

Companies are bringing back relocation assistance to employees, per The Wall Street Journal. Moving workers can cost companies up to $97,000 per employee. The benefits are one way employers are hoping to bring workers back to the office and end remote work.
Read More

Top Five News Stories You Might Have Missed

IAM Trusted Moving Company Officially Launched

IAM recently launched its IAMTrusted Moving Company (ITMC) initiative. Backed by a strict adherence to the IAM Code of Ethics and powered by the IAM Issue Resolution System, this innovative new program assures prompt and fair resolution of issues raised against any company who has the badge on the IAM Mobility Exchange (IAMX). The first phase of this new initiative deals with member-to-member issues and this will build the foundation for a future phase focused on moving customers.

Volunteer Engagement Taskforce to Make Recommendations to Improve Volunteer Experience

As part of IAM’s Strategic Plan, a Volunteer Engagement Taskforce was formed in July 2022 to review the current structure and policies of IAM’s volunteer experience and make recommendations on how to enhance satisfaction, efficiency and effectiveness of volunteer leaders. The Taskforce has discussed recruitment, onboarding, engagement, recognition and reviewed IAM’s current volunteer policies and procedures. The group is finalizing their recommendations for the IAM Executive Committee. Many thanks to these volunteer leaders – Catherina Stier who serves as Chair for the Taskforce, Olivia Alarcon, Carlos Avalos, Anu Dattani, Charnel Francis, Terry Head, Chris Lantz, Mattieu Odijk, Shankar Ram, Samir Shah, Susan Staszewski, and Peg Wilken -- for their service to the Association on this important strategic objective. 
 

Stop the Spread of Invasive Pests in Sea Containers – Ensure the Container is Clean Prior to Loading

Prior to loading the sea container, make sure that the interior is clean and free of any pests. Train your employees to do a visual inspection to look for any visible contaminants such as plants, seeds, insects, egg masses, snails, animals, animal droppings and soil. This applies to the outside of the container as well. Thank you to the TT Club for sharing a video to raise awareness of this issue. For more information or to share your company’s best practices, please contact Angela DeConti at angela.deconti@iamovers.org.

Don't Miss These Live Events On IAM Learning

Portal Magazine

In every issue of the Portal, we invite our authors to share their experiences, success stories, learning experiences, and vision with others in the moving and forwarding industry. In addition to our regular columns, feature articles for each issue are united by a central theme.

 

Submit your story today for the upcoming edition of the Portal Magazine. Contact Portal Editor Will Kohudic if you have any questions or want to send him your article.

Upcoming Industry Events

Is your calendar up to date? See IAM's Events Calendar to stay abreast of the various conferences and industry meetings. Want to add an event? Contact IAM's Carl Weaver.

IAM Membership Updates

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Member News

JK Community Farm Hosts 5th Annual Plant-A-Thon MAY 19-21

The JK Community Farm is seeking teams of volunteers from companies, civic groups as well as individuals of all ages and sponsors to participate in its 5th annual Plant-A-Thon. With three days to choose from, individuals and teams kick off the growing season by planting nearly 30,000 seedlings that will provide 100,000 nutrient-dense meals for families in need. In addition, the event will help raise funds to support the nonprofit farm’s work. Food trucks, music and vendors will be on site for a fun filled day of giving back and food education. The nonprofit farm provides chemical free, healthy produce and protein to those struggling with food insecurity in the region. The farm donates the food it grows to nonprofit partners, including Loudoun Hunger Relief, Food for Others, Arlington Food Assistance Center, and DC Central Kitchen.

 

This season, JK Community Farm will reach ONE MILLION pounds donated to their food pantry partners!

 

Learn More and Get Involved

Boonma Officially Appointed to Handle Event Logistics

“Wonder of Well-Being City 2022 Festival” was organized during the year end 2022 at Benjakitti Park by The Association of Siamese Architects, in cooperation of Bangkok Metropolitan Authority and other agencies with strong consciousness for society and the environment in order to create experiences reflecting the quality of urban lives and make pleasant urban living sustainable. Boonma Expo & Event Logistics was awarded to manage the logistics tasks (e.g., packing, moving-in, unpacking, setup, moving-out, tear down) of the event. The priceless exhibits include a space suit, Lockheed Martin satellite, drone, Long March rocket, paintings, and many more unique items.

 

"Truly, it's our great honor to manage the Country’s special project with a very tight timeframe for the setup and tear-down period. However, our operations team has accomplished the given tasks and really satisfied the organizer and other involved agencies,” said Tiddy S. Teerawit, executive director of Boonma Moving & Mobility Group.

EDC Receives Summit Award for Supplier Members

EDC has been awarded the 2023 Summit Award for Supplier Members by the American Trucking Association Moving and Storage Conference. The award was presented at the MSC Banquet and MSI Auction on February 28, and received by EDC Co-founder and President, Diana Corona.

 

The MSC Summit Award for Supplier Members rewards outstanding performance among industry suppliers and recognizes significant contributions to the industry with outstanding customer service, enhancement of the moving and storage industry, the development of innovative initiatives involving the industry, and more.

 

This award (earned right on EDC’s 22nd anniversary), commends their excellence, leadership, support, and achievements in the industry, and serves as recognition for their long-standing legacy in moving and storage, relocation, and global mobility industry.