U.S. DAB Digest November 2023

November 13, 2023

In this Issue:

  • Leading the Way: A New Chapter for the U.S. Domestic Asset-Based Mover Group
  • Meet Your U.S. DAB Movers Management Board
  • Save the Date for the 2024 Dispatchers' Convention!
  • Notes from the DAB-sponsored IAM Afterparty
  • New Podcasts to Download Now
  • IAM Antitrust Reminders Based on Recent Real Estate Class-Action Judgements
  • Upcoming DAB Hour Webcast: Setting the Stage for the Next Two Years
  • New DAB Members
  • Share Your Knowledge – Contribute to the DAB Digest

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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:

  • The DAB agenda for IAM’s 61st Annual Meeting & Expo
  • Welcome New DAB members!
  • IAM Launches New Member-Get-a-Member Program
  • Steve Weitekamp Inducted into IAM’s Hall of Honor

Leading the Way: A New Chapter for the U.S. Domestic Asset-Based Mover Group

Dear IAM Members,

I am thrilled and honored to assume the role of Chair for the U.S. Domestic Asset-Based (DAB) Mover Group, a vital part of IAM. Over the next two years, our focus will remain on advancing the interests of moving and storage agencies and independent movers through strategic advocacy and outreach initiatives.

A Vision for the Future: As we embark on the journey together, my vision for the group is rooted in our core values: collaboration, excellence, fun, inclusion, innovation, and integrity. Together, we can shape the landscape of the logistics industry, addressing challenges and seizing opportunities to propel our member companies to new heights.

Advocacy for Change: One of our primary objectives is to advocate for policies that foster a conducive environment for our industry. By engaging with policymakers and stakeholders, we aim to influence regulations that support the growth and sustainability of moving and storage companies, all while upholding the values of integrity and collaboration.

Strengthening Industry Relationships: Collaboration is at the heart of our success. I am committed to strengthening our ties within the logistics industry and forging new partnerships which will enhance our collective impact. By fostering a sense of community and shared purpose, we can address common challenges and explore innovative solutions together, all while infusing a spirit of fun into our interactions.

Educational Outreach: Knowledge is power, and I believe in the importance of continuous learning. Our group will actively engage in educational outreach, providing resources and insights to empower our members. Whether it’s navigating industry trends, adopting new technologies, or addressing workforce challenges, we will be at the forefront of knowledge dissemination, driven by a commitment to excellence and innovation.

Inclusivity in Action: Inclusion is a cornerstone of our group. We are dedicated to ensuring that every member has a voice and feels valued. Through open communication and a culture of inclusivity, we will create an environment where diverse perspectives contribute to our collective success.

Your Involvement Matters: This journey is not mine alone; it belongs to each and every member of our esteemed group. I encourage you to actively participate, share your expertise, and contribute to the discussions that will shape the future of our industry. Together, we will make the DAB a beacon of excellence, a driving force for positive change, and a source of pride for all its members, while embodying our code values at every step. I look forward to the exciting times ahead and the collective achievements we will celebrate together. 

 

Best regards,

 

Brittany Brooks

Chair, U.S. Domestic Asset-Based (DAB) Mover Group

International Association of Movers

Meet Your U.S. DAB Movers Management Board

Save the Date for the 2024 Dispatchers' Convention!

Save the date for the 48th Annual Dispatchers Convention in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The 2024 convention will be held from March 20-24 at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. Conser Group and Cornerstone Moving and Storage are co-hosting the convention. As always, several fun events are planned, including axe throwing, a mechanical shark, golf, Everglades airboat tours, a sunset cruise, deep sea fishing, a pool party and a luau-style dinner and show. More details, including sponsorship and registration information, are coming soon.

A big thank you to Remedy Payments for creating this year’s logo and all the marketing materials promoting the event!  

Notes from the DAB-sponsored IAM Afterparty

IAM's second annual Official Afterparty, held at the Annual Meeting in Toronto, was hosted by the U.S. DAB group and presented by Cornerstone Moving and Storage and BMS Moving & Storage. The proceeds benefitted IAM’s charity partner Move For Hunger in their mission to end hunger and food waste, along with Streetline Percussion of Macon, Georgia.

The Afterparty was also the site of the second annual IAM Rock, Paper, Scissors (RPS) tournament. Congratulations to tournament champion Rene Belgar of Gradlyn, who won a free four-night hotel stay for the 2024 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, and bragging rights to the title of Best RPS Mover In the World. Our two raffle winners of the evening were Christiaan van der Ent of Van der Ent TopMovers, who won a $1,200 USD Travel Experience; and Mario Torres of Crown Relocations, who won a complimentary 2024 Annual Meeting Registration.

New Podcasts to Download Now

Brittany Brooks, DAB Chair and Vice President of Conser Group, recently sat down and answered a few questions about the session she moderated at IAM’s Annual Meeting in Toronto, Build Your Business by Diversifying into Office Moving. If you didn’t attend the Annual Meeting or want to refresh your memory, listen here.

In addition, Brittany and Caleb McCartney, DAB Vice Chair, were featured on the Movers Resource Guide podcast and talked about IAM, the U.S. DAB and the Dispatchers Convention. Listen or watch on your favorite service.

IAM Antitrust Reminders Based on Recent Real Estate Class-Action Judgements

IAM reminds members of antitrust stipulations during meetings, conferences, and webcasts. When talking with other members, stay away from discussions about rates, marketing strategies, boycotts, and don’t prohibit members from discussing employment with other member companies.

The recent article from MSN.com, Real-Estate Industry Groups Found Guilty of Inflating Commissions is a good reminder about why IAM stresses the importance of staying aware of antitrust laws. Cases like this, with judgements in the billions against the organizations involved, prompt us to remember why we should adhere to antitrust guidelines within our industry. Here are examples of topics that may have antitrust implications.

  1. Price Fixing - Involves members of an association colluding to set and maintain certain prices in the market. Such practices are generally illegal and can lead to antitrust lawsuits.
  2. Market Allocation - Associations or their members may be accused of dividing markets geographically or by customer type, which can limit competition and harm consumers.
  3. Restrictive Practices - Practices that hinder competition or limit the entry of new competitors into the market, including exclusive dealing arrangements, tying arrangements, or other tactics that disadvantage potential competitors.
  4. Information Sharing - Sharing sensitive market data or price information may be seen as an attempt to coordinate and manipulate the market.
  5. Membership Rules - If membership rules and requirements are overly restrictive or exclusionary, they may be seen as an attempt to limit competition or create barriers to entry for new participants.
  6. Discriminatory Practices - Antitrust concerns may also be raised if an industry association or its members engage in discriminatory practices against certain members or participants. Discriminatory actions can harm competition and are generally subject to legal scrutiny.

As the real estate industry faces the aftermath of this case, it serves as a cautionary tale for all industry associations to conduct their activities with a keen awareness of antitrust laws, including IAM. The importance of fair competition and compliance with regulations cannot be overstated, not only to avoid legal repercussions but also to maintain a healthy and competitive business environment that benefits both industry members and consumers.

IAM and the DAB want members to collaborate and share best practices, but if a conversation strays into any of the above-mentioned areas, we strongly encourage anyone in attendance to request that it be stopped and redirected.

Upcoming DAB Hour Webcast: Setting the Stage for the Next Two Years

Join us for an insightful and engaging webinar as we introduce the newly appointed Chair and Vice Chair of the U.S. Domestic Asset Based (DAB) Group, Brittany Brooks and Caleb McCartney as they talk all things DAB. They will share their vision and goals for the next two years and cover practical aspects of membership, such as how to join the U.S. DAB Movers Group and how to make the most out of your DAB membership. We invite and encourage all domestic asset-based IAM members to engage, ask questions, and provide input as we set the stage for another amazing two years of the DAB Group.

Register now on Zoom

New DAB Members

Welcome to our new DAB members:

 

Brimar Relocation Inc International Moving & Shipping

Stamford, Connecticut

ITO El Paso International Transport Organization, Inc.

El Paso, Texas

Share Your Knowledge – Contribute to the DAB Digest

In every issue of the U.S. DAB Digest, we invite DAB members and Allies to contribute their experiences, success stories, learning experiences and vision with others in our feature stories. We also encourage submission of your company's big news stories. We’re always looking for DAB members – movers and Allies - who want to share their knowledge and insights in the monthly DAB Digest.

Movers - Have you found a best practice that helps with hiring, training or employee morale? Perhaps you’ve found some great ways to streamline compliance practices or create a safer workplace. Whatever it is, share it with your fellow members in the DAB Digest.

Allies - You offer products and services that the industry wants and needs. You can help the DAB community make more informed choices, understand trends and provide guidance by sharing information on topics that are important to movers.

Submitting an article is a great way to increase visibility, build your business, and position yourself as a valuable resource to the industry. Your article should provide information about topics, trends and products that matter to movers. This isn’t a marketing or sales pitch, but it is your time to shine as a subject matter expert.

Help the industry grow and thrive with your expertise! Submit your story for consideration today to Dan Bradley, IAM’s staff lead for the DAB Mover Group or DAB Chair, Brittany Brooks.

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.

Read it Now!