In addition to Vateud, there are a number of other associations in the transportation industry that you should consider joining. These trade associations are important to the moving industry because they aid in promoting consumer relations, setting industry standards, and providing resources to their members. Thanks to Great Guys Movers (for more info click here) for putting together this blog with recommendations on moving associations you should look into joining if you haven’t already:

American Moving & Storage Association

With over 4,000 members, AMSA is one of the largest moving associations in the United States and one of the most critical. AMSA is based in Alexandria, VA, giving it easy access to the nation’s capital to ensure fair federal government representation for the moving industry as a whole. AMSA’s hallmark contribution to the industry is the ProMover certification, a consumer-minded certification which helps consumers distinguish quality, reputable moving companies from “rogue operators” who tarnish the industry’s credibility. AMSA members who have been in good standing for at least 18 months are eligible to apply for the ProMover certification. Additionally, as an AMSA member, you can secure discounts from AMSA’s partner companies which include big brands like Rand McNally, Penske, Aramark, Office Max, and more.

Canadian Association of Movers

For our friends north of the border, we recommend joining the Canadian Association of Movers. Similar to AMSA, CAM represents moving and storage companies across Canada with member perks that include membership development through education and training, technical advice, government representation, and the latest in industry news. Membership in CAM gives credibility to your business in the eyes on consumers who associate the CAM logo with reputability, honesty and integrity. To join, review the membership form available on CAM’s site.

International Association of Movers

Also located in Alexandria, VA, the International Association of Movers represents 2,000 member companies from over 170 countries. As the industry’s largest trade association, IAM’s has member representation from the entire transportation industry, including moving, logistics, freight, and shipping companies. IAM offers myriad resources to its members, including mentor programs for up-and-coming industry professionals, educational programs, and ample opportunities for networking at its regional and annual organization-wide meetings. Additionally, IAM represents its members’ interests with a number of U.S. Federal agencies, the European Union, and other governments. For more information on joining IAM, click here for the application.

State and Local Associations

To guarantee that the interests of moving companies are heard by state and local governments, we strongly urge membership in your state and city (if applicable) moving associations. Here’s a list of some of the larger state associations in the U.S.:

West:

• California Moving & Storage Association: With over 385 members, CMSA has been representing the interests of licensed and insured California moving companies for 100 years. All members agree to be bound by the association’s code of ethics which promises consumers “honest, legal, and efficient service”.

Northwest:

• Washington Movers Conference: The 80+ members that are a part of Washington state’s Movers Conference similarly agree to abide by a code of ethics to ensure the protection of customers throughout the state of Washington. With consumer facing information available on their site, WMC makes it easy for customers throughout the state to find reputable moving professionals for their next move.

Southwest:

• Southwest Movers Association (Texas): Founded almost 100 years ago, this association promotes the interests of the moving and related industries, while also ensuring that consumers receive fair treatment that complies with laws and regulations in place to protect their interests. SMA is managed by the Texas Trucking association, and membership is open to movers and storage companies who operate in the state of Texas and hold a valid US DOT and TX DOT number.

Mid-West:

• Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association: An astounding 95% of the movers operating in the state of Illinois are members of the IMAWA, so if you aren’t one of them, you should join ASAP.

South East:

• Florida Movers and Warehousemen’s Association: Through membership in the Florida Movers and Warehousemen’s Association, Florida moving companies can also get certification as FMWA certified piano movers by completing an online training course on an annual basis.

Mid-Atlantic:

• New Jersey Warehousemen and Movers Association: Membership in the NJWMA ensures members a free listing on the NJWMA website, assistance in complying with state and federal moving regulations, public and government relations, and up-to-date industry information.

North East:

• Massachusetts Movers Association: The MMA represents moving and storage companies throughout Massachusetts and the rest of New England, including Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York.
• New York State Movers & Warehousemen’s Association: This professional association of movers has 56 members that represent moving companies operating in the state of New York.