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.

This month’s topics include: 

• A Message from the DAB Management Board Chair
• New DAB Members
• IAM Annual Meeting Info
• New DAB Member Profile
• Exploring New Winter Revenues: Offering Origin and Destination Agent Services in International Moves
• Why are my commercial property insurance costs rising?
• IAM’s U.S. Domestic Asset-Based (DAB) Mover Group Elections Coming Soon
• Webcasts and Upcoming Events

July Message from the IAM DAB Chair

By Chris Lantz

Wow! With June scaring us a little out of the gate it sure made a comeback and ended ahead of last June, which was great news and much needed after a very cold winter for most on the HHG side.

On  the USTRANSCOM call the last week of June, the services were pleased with the lift and smoothness of peak season so far. It doesn’t mean we are out of the woods yet though, because as agents we know just how important a strong July is to our companies as well.

With a potential slow down on the horizon (some thinking a 10-15% decrease in July), I’m not sure why some bookers are feeling the need to take more of a volume approach and buy their booking power by opening up SCACs that aren’t usually open until September.

I know on my side that doesn’t help me in my military only markets where diversification is limited, and the winters are cold. Know your numbers, as this is going to be a make-or-break month for a lot of us. It’s not a lie, shipments are being eaten up by those who may never have participated in the military program before.

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New DAB Members

Welcome to our new DAB Members:

Peasley Transfer & Storage Co. 

Boise, Idaho 

Von Paris International

Savage, Maryland 

Thank you for taking this important step with your association! Learn more about becoming a DAB member or ally. Contact our membership team today!

IAM Annual Meeting – See the Schedule of Events!

The Annual Meeting will feature a stellar lineup of speakers and panelists to address current and future issues that impact your business. This year, we have circulated a preliminary agenda earlier than usual to give you more time to plan your meetings around sessions you don't want to miss.

See the webcast IAM hosted on this year's agenda

Review the preliminary conference agenda today to select the learning labs and special sessions you wish to attend. Refer back to it often as you plan your business meetings to get the most out of your Annual Meeting experience and stay up to date on any updates to the agenda. Download the Schedule-at-a-Glance as well for easy reference.

Get Your Visa

Visit the Government of Canada website for official information on entry regulations and to check if you need a visa. The visa application process can take months, so don't delay. We strongly recommend applying for your visa as early as possible so you can avoid last-minute complications. If facing issues with the application, please reach out to us for assistance at membership@iamovers.org.

Exibitors: Get Your AV Set Up for Your Booth

We are excited to announce that CCR Solutions will be the preferred Audio-Visual partner from IAM 2023. CCR looks forward to servicing your Audio Visual and Technology requirements for your tradeshow booths. The advance rate applies on all orders received on or before JULY 28.
 

Secure Your Spot Today | Exhibitor Floor Plan | Attendee List | Prospectus
*Attendee List Passcode: Toronto61

Please contact IAM's Matthieu Odijk with questions about the IAM Annual Meeting and Expo.

Help Us Help You – What Content would You Like to See in Future DAB Digests?

As a domestic asset-based mover, we want to be sure the DAB Digest serves your needs in the most meaningful ways possible for you and your business. Please answer this quick question about the kinds of content you’d like to see in upcoming issues. Please provide as many topics as you’d like! We’ll publish the results in the August DAB Digest.

Take the Survey

New DAB Member Profile

The DAB Management Board (DMB) welcomes Peasley Transfer & Storage Co. to the group. Read below for details on Peasley and why they joined the DAB.

How long have you been in business and where are you located?
Peasley Transfer & Storage was founded in 1890 and is in Boise, ID, USA.

Which moving markets do you focus on, and what standard capabilities do you provide?
As one of the largest moving companies in Boise, we service moves throughout all of Idaho, perform interstate moves through our Allied Van Lines agreement, and handle international relocations (LTL, CL, Air). Our 60,000 SF warehouse has commercial, FFE, and general public storage capabilities.

Do you have any unique capabilities or anything that makes your company special that you’d like to highlight?
We offer a variety of storage options, including agricultural. Can relocate heavy materials and industrial equipment with our flatbed/Moffitt combination, and offer a self-storage facility on our property.

Who are Peasley’s main points of contact? 
George Reyes – Peasley Transfer Branch Manager – (208) 375-0961
Alex Reyes – Peasley Transfer Operations Manager – (208) 375-0961
Alan Holm – VP Sales – (425) 277-5500

Why did you become a member of the US DAB Mover group? What do you hope to get out of it?
We look forward to being a part of a professional organization of moving companies committed to providing industry leading best practices when servicing international relocations. The DAB model involves ensuring world class ethics which is very important to us.

What is the one thing you want other DAB Movers to know about your organization?
Peasley Transfer has served the moving and storage needs of families and businesses throughout the Boise Treasure Valley for well over a century! We welcome all logistics inquiries whether commercial or consumer related.
 

Exploring New Winter Revenues: Offering Origin and Destination Agent Services in International Moves

By Jeff Nadeau

If you're seeking diversification and a new source of revenue, delving into the world of origin agent (o/a) and destination agent (d/a) services for international moves might be the way forward. To assist you in creating a pricing structure within your company that appeals to potential clients, we have compiled a few straightforward examples.

Traditionally, international moving experts charge for services based on the hundredweight (ncwt). Calculating these rates has often appeared as a daunting task for many movers. However, fear not, as we present some valuable tips to simplify the process. It is important to note that any mention of rates or pricing within this article serves as illustrative calculations and should not be construed as suggested rates for bidding on work.

Establishing a pricing schedule requires a comprehensive understanding of your crew's performance. How long does it typically take your crew to pack, wrap, and load a shipment into a lift van?

Read More

Why are My Commercial Property

Insurance Costs Rising?

By Casey Myers

If you haven’t adjusted your commercial property insurance coverage recently, you may end up paying more after a loss. But why are costs rising? And what’s driving those increases?

Several factors are impacting rates, including construction material prices, supply chain disruptions, worker shortages and the weather.

Construction

Although the prices of construction materials have eased, they’re still historically high.    

• Steel costs doubled from pre-pandemic levels.
• Concrete prices rose at the fastest rate in 34 years.
• Lumber costs about 42% more than it did before the pandemic.

Read More

IAM’s U.S. Domestic Asset-Based (DAB) Mover Group Elections Coming Soon

Have you thought about serving the industry by taking a leadership role in IAM’s Domestic Asset Based Mover (DAB) Group? If you’re passionate about the work you do and want to make an impact that benefits the entire industry, consider becoming DAB Chair or Vice Chair.

Every two years the DAB Chair and Vice Chair positions are up for election to any DAB Mover member in good standing who wishes to nominate themselves or a colleague. Please look for additional information on the nomination process soon.

This is only the second election for Chair and Vice Chair of the DAB Management Board (DMB). As detailed in the DAB Organizing Document, the DAB is required to hold formal elections to determine who will serve as Chair and Vice Chair for the next two-year term.

There are many reasons to consider becoming DAB Chair or Vice Chair

Read More

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.

Webcasts and Upcoming Events

• July 19 - U.S. Government & Military Affairs Update
• Sept. 12 - Invisible Champions: Recognizing the Unsung Heroes Who Drive Organizational Success from Behind the Scenes

DAB Digest Contributors

Jeff Nadeau

Jeff Nadeau is the Executive Vice President of Dewitt Move Worldwide/Royal Hawaiian Movers and has been with Dewitt almost 12 years, moving people to and from Hawaii. He is passionately involved with the Boys and Girls Club of San Diego.

He is blessed to have one daughter and three beautiful grandchildren and a sister who is his best friend. He also enjoys listening to Grateful Dead.

Casey Myers

Casey Myers, Senior Vice President, Champion Risk & Insurance Services, is an insurance industry veteran with more than 18 years of experience. She specializes in providing insurance coverage and advice for moving and storage clients. She is well-versed in industry trends, challenges and changes facing the household goods industry and serves as the associate board member for the California Moving & Storage Association (CMSA). When she isn’t working, Casey enjoys cycling, running and spending time with her husband Diego and their dog Chance.