U.S. DAB Digest April 2024

April 18, 2024

In this Issue:

Sub head: Dispatchers Debrief 2024 – Fun and Connection – A Winning Combination


April 2024 IAM U.S. DAB Digest


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Join the conversation with DAB movers and Allies on Facebook and LinkedIn.

The DAB Digest is IAM’s monthly newsletter with an exclusive focus on news for U.S. asset-based movers, including independents and van line agents.

Welcome to the April 2024 edition of the DAB Digest! This month, we’re having some more fun recognizing and appreciating our Dispatchers Conference sponsors, providing key takeaways from DAB Learning Sessions before the event, and last but not least, we’ve got a gallery full of photos so you can relive the event or see all the fun you missed and plan for next year in San Diego, Calif.


Next month’s DAB Digest theme is innovation and we’re accepting submissions from DAB members and Allies on ways that their companies have implemented innovative processes and procedures including technology, new business practices, and thought leadership into their organizations. What was the outcome? What else are you considering? How did it benefit your company? Tell us all about it!


The deadline for submissions is Friday, May 3, 2024.


Let’s Relive the Fun in Fort Lauderdale!


There’s no doubt about it, the moving industry knows how to have fun! From the opening reception to the golf event, the Everglades tour, deep sea fishing, the hotel pool party and the closing cruise, the photo gallery represents just a fraction of the good times!


Not only that, but the opportunities for networking and getting to know industry colleagues in a relaxed environment made the week even more worthwhile.


But a picture is worth a thousand words, so click the link and see some of our very favorite moments from the 2024 Dispatchers Convention.


Thank you to everyone who contributed photos! Based on size constraints, we were not able to share them all, but we’re grateful to everyone who provided them.

Pre-Dispatchers DAB Learning Sessions – Key Takeaways


The SOLD-OUT U.S. Domestic Asset-Based (DAB) Mover Group Pre-Dispatchers Learning Sessions were a tremendous success!


Below is IAM President, Brian Limperopulos’ LinkedIn post that followed the event and summarizes the Learning Sessions:


"The International Association of Movers attended the 48th Annual Dispatchers Convention ahead of the conference. We hosted two jam-packed IAM's US Domestic Asset-Based Mover Group (US DAB) Learning Sessions to connect with the independent movers and van line agents as well as their suppliers who were in town for Dispatchers.


Special thanks to Brittany Brooks not only for her leadership in putting the entire event together but leading our Wednesday session on social media marketing, AI-use to drive moving company goals, and driver recruitment and retention. The DABs have an amazing leader in Brittany!


Our Thursday session focused on driving profitability and knowing your margins. This gave me an opportunity to discuss how IAM is investing in building trust between companies as well as with customers through our IAM Trusted Moving Company initiative.


Thanks to Conser Moving & Storage of Jacksonville, LLC and Cornerstone Moving & Storage for hosting the conference and giving IAM an opportunity to participate and learn from the Dispatchers attendees.


I will most likely forget some people but I want to highlight those folks who volunteered their time to make Dispatchers a success: Charles (Chuck) Bailey, Emily Leonard, Alex Dimitracopoulos, Fred Metzler INF, AMO ,US, Michael Gonzalez, Steven Fisk, Thuan Archbold, Roxanne Ahern, Paula Alder, Jane Carole Bunting, MBA, MAMC, and Daniel Bradley.”


During both sessions, the attendee participation was amazing and made them even more worthwhile. Once again, thank you to all the session speakers and attendees! Based on the overwhelming response, the steering committee is planning to include learning sessions next year, as well.

Thank You 2024 Dispatchers Conference Sponsors!

The Dispatchers Convention wouldn’t be the amazing event it’s become without the generous support of our sponsors. We’d like to extend our deep appreciation to all of them, starting with Platinum Sponsors who provided more information about their companies: A-1 Horton’s Moving Service, Inc., Chris Lapi Moving Supplies, and Enterprise Data Corporation (EDC).

A-1 Horton’s Moving Service, Inc. Atlanta, Georgia

Claude Horton decided he needed to leave the highway and start his own agency after many years of over the road (OTR) driving. By then, he’d travelled millions of miles and spent weeks and months away from home. At that time, diesel fuel was around $0.35 per gallon. Claude and his wife, Iva Lee, opened Horton's Moving Service in 1972 with a single tractor named Rebel and one trailer.

Their daughter, Loretta, began working with them after school and during the summer of 1977, at the age of 15. In 1979, the company incorporated and A-1 Horton's Moving Service, Inc. was formed. Together, we grew from a small local moving company to a full-service carrier with authority in 48 states. In 1989, we applied for and received military authority.

Today, A-1 Horton's continues to thrive under the leadership of second and third generations, with Loretta serving as President since 1997. Her sons, Mark, Claude, and Shaun are also part of the senior team. We are members of IAM, an early adopter of IAMTrusted, ATA, were AMSA ProMovers, and are also part of the Metro Atlanta Relocation Council, among other industry organizations.

We handle military, GSA, corporate, and commercial shipments domestically and internationally. All with the same professional and personal level of service our founder, Claude Horton, provided more than 50 years ago.

What most sets us apart from other companies in our area is our personal touch, prompt response, and quick turnaround of shipment documents, especially origin paperwork.

Let us know how we can assist.

A-1 Horton’s Moving Service, Inc. As good as the best...Better than the rest.

Chris Lapi Moving Supplies

Who is Chris Lapi Moving Supplies?

Chris Lapi Moving Supplies is the go-to packaging company for moving companies, distribution, restoration, and storage facilities from Florida, the continental U.S., and internationally. We are the #1 Moving Supply Shop in Florida, offering in-store pickup and delivery 5 days a week. We ship our packaging products to 48 states and international destinations.

Yes, we deliver quickly! Our drivers are the best around. We’ll show up at your business with a smile on our face ready to serve you. When you order your packing supplies from Chris Lapi, you’ll notice a huge difference in the way we treat our customers. We are the best! Call to place your order.

All our products are in stock and ready to deliver! We also ship moving supplies, packing supplies, shipping boxes, stretch wrap, hand trucks, moving pads, and blankets nationwide. Call now for a quote. Our wonderful customer service team is waiting for your call. We have locations in Pompano Beach and Tampa, Fla.

Contact Ronna Simmons at ronna@moving-equipment.com or (954) 914-4122.

Enterprise Data Corporation (EDC)

Enterprise Database Corporation (EDC) has been developing and supporting forward-focused tech and software solutions for more than 23 years. They are widely known for their support of the moving and storage industry through engagement, solution development, and support, such as this year’s Platinum Sponsorship of Dispatchers 2024, and as an IAM Premier Member and DAB Ally.

EDC is recognized for their deep understanding of our industry’s needs, and for providing solutions that are personalized, smart, actively supported, and scalable into diversified business growth.

Movers count on EDC for sales CRM, electronic inventories and forms, full move and operations management software, tariff and other rating tools, smart invoicing, time-saving automations, and more. Now, their suite of services includes AI expertise, which is an exciting current focus within their existing software solutions and in new tools for business and developers. EDC supports companies of all sizes, locations, and business models with EDC-MoveStar, EasyDPS, EDC-AgentLink, EasyTariff, WYNPIPE, custom desktop and mobile apps, and MERCED AI.

Contact EDC at (703) 393-0440 and connect@edcus.com.

More Thank Yous

We’re also indebted to the following companies and individuals who helped make the event a tremendous success.

Special thanks to the steering committee, as well as this year’s hosts: Conser Group (Jacksonville, Fla.) and Cornerstone Moving & Storage (Fredericksburg, Va.).

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Event Sponsors

Please stay tuned for information about the 2025 Dispatchers Conference, which will be hosted by Republic Moving & Storage in beautiful San Diego, Calif.!

Welcome New DAB members!

Please help us welcome our newest DAB Ally Contract Mover Services LLC of Houston, Texas

Say “Yes” to DAB

Is your company a US Domestic Asset Based Mover, an independent mover, or a van line agent with trucks, crews, and warehouses? If that is the case, you can join the DAB Mover Group with a quick "Yes" if you are a Validated IAM member.

By joining the DAB Mover Group, you’ll gain access to enhanced visibility and communication within the industry. The DAB network helps to improve industry dialogue and ensure that DABs are effectively seen and heard within IAM and beyond.

Showcase your industry presence by displaying the prestigious DAB designation on your IAMX profile. Say “Yes" to DAB — your gateway to the voice of the industry. Contact membership@iamovers.org today!

If you're a Validated IAM member who provides support to or engages US DAB Movers (IT, packaging, learning, insurance, equipment, etc.) and want to join the DAB network as a DAB Ally, contact the IAM membership team and learn more about how you can support our DAB Mover network.

News You May Have Missed

IAM Learning Webinars

Between free webcasts and specialized courses, IAM Learning is here to help provide you with the knowledge and information to drive the growth of your company. Check out the upcoming webcasts and available courses below (some are free):

Free Upcoming Webcasts

U.S. DAB Hour – April 24

Spring Clean Your Finances: A Guide to Mastering Payment Terms and Contract Negotiation Best Practices – April 29

IAM Session: Exploring ONE Record: A Hands-On Workshop in Data Exchange – May 2

Recent Webcasts

U.S. Government & Military Affairs Update - April 17

DAB Hour: Fun - Dispatcher's Week Debrief

IAM Session: Let's Move Some Data! Transforming Moving with Next Generation Data Exchange

Training Courses Available

Lithium Batteries Transportation Course

Financial Disciplines for Movers

Move Coordination (five courses)

Residential Sales (five courses)