Moving Associations

Today, I will discuss various moving associations in the moving industry. Most associations aim to bring together multiple companies to enhance their online presence or, in most cases, engage in discussions regarding industry-related topics. To the best of my knowledge, there is no organization such as www.USMPO.org (US Moving Protection Organization). These associations do not have the objective of standardizing and regulating the services provided by household moving companies. It fills me with pride to see that the USMPO can assist these associations in achieving regularization and standardization, thereby bringing about significant change in the moving industry.

Here are some of the associations:

• CMSA: The California Moving & Storage Association (CMSA) is a non-profit trade association representing licensed and insured movers operating in California. The CMSA, comprised of 12 Chapters strategically located throughout California, was established in 1918. The CMSA provides numerous benefits for its members, including many educational, and industry forums, and programs. Each mover member must obtain a license and agree to abide by a Code of Ethics promising to provide California moving consumers with honest, legal, and efficient service as a condition of CMSA membership. Trained personnel, and operating clean and safe equipment, are standard CMSA member characteristics. https://www.thecmsa.org/
• Ohio Association of Movers, (OAM) is a non-profit trade association representing licensed and insured movers operating in Ohio. Established in 1976, the OAM is comprised of over 100 member companies. https://www.ohiotrucking.org/ohio-movers/
• MMA: Michigan Association of Movers, is a non-profit trade association representing licensed and insured movers operating in Michigan. The MMA comprises over 100 member companies and was established in 1950. Its mission is to foster, develop, and promote the highest standards of conduct and service to the public and to members engaged in the transportation and/or storage of property. https://www.mimovers.org/
• New Jersey Warehousemen & Movers Association, is a non-profit trade association representing licensed and insured movers operating in New Jersey. Established in 1971, the NJWMA is comprised of over 100 member companies. https://njmovers.com/
• Illinois Movers and Warehousemen Association, is a non-profit trade association representing licensed and insured movers operating in Illinois. Established in 1942, the IMAWA is comprised of over 100 member companies. http://imawa.com/
• The American Trucking Associations (ATA) gives the Super Van Operator award to exemplary drivers and owner-operators in each of four categories who provide safe, reliable, and customer-oriented truck transportation in service to the nation’s household goods carriers. https://www.trucking.org/bio/msc-super-van-operator-award

Some More Association

• Southwest Movers Association, is a non-profit trade association representing licensed and insured movers operating in Texas. Established in 1917, the SMA is comprised of over 300 member companies. https://www.mytexasmover.com/
• IAM: International Association of Movers, is a non-profit trade association representing licensed and insured movers operating in over 170 countries. Established in 1962, the IAM is comprised of over 2,000 member companies. https://www.iamovers.org/
• New York State Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, is a non-profit trade association representing licensed and insured movers operating in New York State. Established in 1927, the NYSMWA is comprised of over 200 member companies. https://www.newyorkstatemovers.com/
• FMWA: Florida Movers and Warehousemen’s Association, is a non-profit trade association representing licensed and insured movers operating in Florida. Established in 1947, the FMWA is comprised of over 100 member companies. https://www.professionalmoversofflorida.org/
• MMA: Missouri Movers Association, Inc; is a non-profit trade association representing licensed and insured movers operating in Missouri. Established in 1942, the MMA is comprised of over 75 member companies. https://www.mimovers.org/membership/application-for-movers/
• American Mover & Storage Association, Promover; was a non-profit trade association representing licensed and insured movers operating in the United States. The AMSA, comprising over 1,200 member companies, was established in 1937. https://www.moving.org/

They provide a variety of services to their members, including:

• Education and training: Moving associations offer a variety of educational programs and resources to help their members stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.
• Networking opportunities: Moving associations host a number of networking events throughout the year, providing members with the opportunity to connect with other movers and industry professionals.
• Government relations: Moving associations represent the interests of their members in front of state and federal government agencies.
• Industry advocacy: Moving associations work to promote the interests of the moving industry and to protect the rights of consumers.
• Certification programs: Some moving associations offer certification programs for movers who meet the highest standards of service and professionalism.
• Code of ethics: Moving associations often have a code of ethics that their members must adhere to.
• Consumer resources: Moving associations often provide consumers with resources, such as mover search tools and tips for choosing a mover.

Here are some of the benefits of moving association membership:

Access to educational resources and training: 

Moving associations offer a variety of educational programs and resources to help members stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

Networking opportunities with other movers: 

Moving associations host a number of networking events throughout the year, providing members with the opportunity to connect with other movers and industry professionals.

Representation by the moving association in government affairs: 

Moving associations represent the interests of their members in front of state and federal government agencies.

Discounts on insurance and other products and services: 

Moving associations offer discounts on insurance and other products and services to their members.

Moving association members can use the moving association logo and branding to promote their businesses.

Conclusion

If you happen to visit any of their websites, you will likely find valuable information. However, you cannot fully rely on the moving companies listed within these associations to guarantee their services. In most cases, these associations serve as platforms for gathering companies, lacking certification, service metrics, or price control—simply put, standardization. The best approach is to know the price you need to pay. By visiting https://usmpo.org/rates-and-payment and thus prevent anyone from taking advantage. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that many of these associations strive to improve services and assist customers.
Every moving company should accept payment by credit card or through a third-party such as QCEscrow.com (Quality Control Escrow). In today’s moving industry, where the payment is not released until the service is fully delivered. Companies that solely accept cash payments on the day of the move can pose a problem.
It is crucial to understand that there are several states within the United States that only require a business license to establish a moving company, while others impose stricter regulations. This is why some of these associations exist—to provide assistance and guidance to new businesses.