Every Tuesday at 1PM Central Time, Portage Cartage moderates a Twitter-based "movechat" for movers and consumers looking for information on moving. For today's chat, the topic was 'Industry Associations.' Below is the abridged transcript of the questions and the responses. Consent to have tweets collected in this transcript is given by participation in the chat.
Q1 - What are some industry associations to which moving companies can belong?
MovePoint AMSA, BBB, IAM, CMSA, NJMWA....
xpressmovers There are so many, can't name them all in 140 chars :)
StephenPeeler Some industry associations include: CAM — Canadian Association of Movers http://ow.ly/4Mmb3
HolmanMoving We belong to AMSA and NJMWA (http://www.njwma.org/ClubPortal/ClubStatic.cfm?clubID=669&;pubmenuoptID=6202). Local groups are great!
LocateLance amsa and the state versions, ERC, SHRM, FIDI, OMNI, BBB, etc etc. The list goes on.
GoodStuffMoving Q1 - MTSA and AMSA. May be more, but I'm alone today, holding down the fort...
AllwrightMoving There are state associations as well, WERC...
HolmanMoving And also the ERC. We are also a member of WBENC.
StephenPeeler Depending upon your needs and coverage area: Assns. to join include: BAR- British Association of Removals http://ow.ly/4Mmg3
myBekins RT @LocateLance: amsa and the state versions, ERC, SHRM, FIDI, OMNI, BBB, etc etc. The list goes on.
PortageCartage There's more than just moving assoc... the bigger relo picture has @WorldwideERC & @CERC2 to name a few.
xpressmovers Don't forget Chamber of Commerce.
StephenPeeler List of State Moving Associations: http://ow.ly/4Mmkl
HolmanMoving How does everyone feel about the BBB? Are you accredited?
HolmanMoving Nice. RT @StephenPeeler: List of State Moving Associations: http://ow.ly/4Mmkl
PortageCartage @HolmanMoving We are BBB accredited. Liking the reforms they're enacting to improve transparency lately.
xpressmovers @HolmanMoving BBB could be a whole new topic :) but Yes, accreditation is important with them, so we are.
PortageCartage @StephenPeeler Great list!
HolmanMoving @xpressmovers That it is!
AllwrightMoving @HolmanMoving We are accredited with the BBB as well.
StephenPeeler Find a local business through BBB. http://ow.ly/4MmqZ @portagecartage: @HolmanMoving
StephenPeeler Watch out for pay to play companies offering affiliation. We won't name names!
LocateLance @StephenPeeler I will... BBB #justsayin
HolmanMoving Hate pay for play. RT @StephenPeeler: Watch out for pay to play companies offering affiliation. We wont name names!
Q2 For movers, how is being an association member different from not being a member?
HolmanMoving I think it depends on the association :-) But, if the association is reputable, then it can only reflect positively on the mover.
LocateLance It adds a layer of credibility. It is easier to trust an organization that invests in onging industry ee training.
PortageCartage For us, CAM provides great training material to help industry newbies get up to speed.
AllwrightMoving Beyond the reflection of quality, they can be a wealth of information and knowledge.
StephenPeeler For us, #Associations provide great training materials to help industry newbies get up to speed. @portagecartage
HolmanMoving Very true. RT @AllwrightMoving: Beyond the reflection of quality, they can be a wealth of information and knowledge.
xpressmovers Association is mostly about credibility I'd say. Being a member doesn't mean a job well done.
GoodStuffMoving RT @LocateLance: adds layer of credibility. It is easier to trust an organization that invests in onging industry ee training.
HolmanMoving Associations are also a great way to build a professional network.
GoodStuffMoving RT @StephenPeeler: For us, #Associations provide great training materials to help industry newbies get up to speed.
GoodStuffMoving It's a nice source for validation to ensure that we are doing the right thing, but there are always room for improvements.
PortageCartage @xpressmovers Interesting point. Does anybody know if assoc can boot members that don't meet certain standards?
StephenPeeler A #Associations should be a business growth resource tool such as training http://ow.ly/4MmWg
HolmanMoving @PortageCartage @xpressmovers In this industry, I certainly hope they can!
PortageCartage Agreed! RT @HolmanMoving: Associations are also a great way to build a professional network.
StephenPeeler We find, the larger the moving company, the more advocacy comes into play: industry voice: http://ow.ly/4Mn1J
HolmanMoving @GoodStuffMoving Improvements can definitely be made!
StephenPeeler Smaller companies look to the assn for consumer validation, branding: IE @AMSAProMover http://ow.ly/4Mn9p
HolmanMoving @StephenPeeler @AMSAProMover Yes, being a ProMover is valuable.
MovePoint RT @HolmanMoving: @StephenPeeler @AMSAProMover Yes, being a ProMover is valuable.
Q3: Why should consumers look for a mover belonging to an association?
StephenPeeler Startup companies often need state regulation help, where to start: http://ow.ly/4Mnks
myBekins 1 major reason is to avoid the dreaded moving scam
GoodStuffMoving @EveeGeno17 it's addicting once you really start to get into it!
HolmanMoving I think it largely depends on the assoc, but mostly credibility.
LocateLance Q3: there is typically a code of ethics. At there is a body of governance that can get SOMEONE's attention if needed.
GoodStuffMoving @PortageCartage Q3 - So they know they are trusted and reliable amongst their peers and not just immediate family.
HolmanMoving Consumers should know though that some assoc. are pay for play and that being in the directory does not mean anything.
StephenPeeler Trust by verify just because a company has the logo doesn't mean diddly! http://ow.ly/4Mnrb
PortageCartage @HolmanMoving Yup. Consumers should do their homework and find out which associations the most reputable movers belong to.
xpressmovers Which are the most famous "Pay for Play" assoc? This terms was largely used today, so I think it would be beneficial for all.
LocateLance @xpressmovers BBB... no question
StephenPeeler IAM requires a company wait for 1 month before accepting their membership as valid. http://ow.ly/4Mnym
HolmanMoving I think the BBB accreditation program is a twist on pay for play. We are not thrilled with them at all.
HolmanMoving @LocateLance @xpressmovers Totally. Nothing short of extortion.
StephenPeeler BBB requires membership for 1 year before distributing the BBB logo.
xpressmovers BBB starts sending you promotional materials the minute you become a member.
StephenPeeler FIDI requires a hefty entrance fee plus independent auditor to verify the "Books" before you can join. http://ow.ly/4MnHp
HolmanMoving @StephenPeeler BBB The accreditation program is terrible.
PortageCartage So here's the question: how can a consumer trying to decide between movers know which association logo matters?
StephenPeeler I plead the #5th @holmanmoving BBB The accreditation program is terrible.
HolmanMoving @PortageCartage That's such a tough question and its unfortunate for the consumer. I think ProMover may be the best.
PortageCartage Do associations make their terms of membership public & easy to understand?
xpressmovers I think the consumers shouldn't just look for the logo, there are many other factors involved in choosing the moving company.
HolmanMoving Not all of them. RT @PortageCartage: Do associations make their terms of membership public & easy to understand?
HolmanMoving @StephenPeeler Haha. Easy way out! What do you have to worry about?!
LocateLance @PortageCartage the logo is irrelevant unless the company performing service is honest in business.
PortageCartage CAM has a posted code of ethics: http://mover.net/movers/about/ethics.htm. Will that help a consumer?
StephenPeeler Depends on where they are moving 2 or from. Do your research and not just on line! @portagecartage
MovePoint Agreed
PortageCartage They also have their membership requirements & costs online: http://mover.net/movers/join/joining.htm
StephenPeeler Yes, a Code of Ethics is a great start http://ow.ly/4Mo1d @AMSAProMover
HolmanMoving RT @StephenPeeler: A Code of Ethics is a great start http://ow.ly/4Mo1d #MoveChat @AMSAProMover
GoodStuffMoving RT @StephenPeeler: Yes, a Code of Ethics is a great start http://ow.ly/4Mo1d #MoveChat @AMSAProMover
Q4: How can associations assist consumers in the event of a ‘bad move’?
LocateLance With a formal arbitration policy that has "teeth" in it.
HolmanMoving Do any associations work directly with MoveRescue? MoveRescue is probably the most helpful org to date for that...
StephenPeeler Associations should again be a resource for consumers before, during and after a move http://ow.ly/4MomM
RELORoundtable Most bad moves aren't handled by association members. Then they can only direct the consumer to the available resources.
GoodStuffMoving RT @StephenPeeler: Associations should again be a resource for consumers before, during and after a move http://ow.ly/4MomM
PortageCartage CAM has a 'register a complaint' tool. It can intervene when the mover is a member. http://bit.ly/leqAJQ
xpressmovers How does MoveRescue works?
StephenPeeler Yes, @AMSAProMover does: Do assocn's work directly with MoveRescue? @holmanmoving
HolmanMoving @RELORoundtable Hello friend!
PortageCartage Good question. Anybody worked with them before? RT @xpressmovers: How does MoveRescue works?
PortageCartage @RELORoundtable Glad you could make it!
StephenPeeler Where to start if you have a move gone wrong: http://ow.ly/4Mowb
GoodStuffMoving ...there is obviously a lot about orgs that I personally need to learn about. This has been very informative!
HolmanMoving @PortageCartage @xpressmovers We've rescued loads for them.
RELORoundtable State & national associations & their members should have links to local, state and federal consumer protection resources.
MovePoint Great links Stephen thx!
xpressmovers The question is how are you able to do that? What is the process?
PortageCartage Just found this - http://www.moverescue.com/case_studies.htm
HolmanMoving Consumer submits complaint. If MoveRescue accepts it they investigate, get authorities involved, pressure scammer, organize pickup
HolmanMoving RT @PortageCartage: Just found this - http://www.moverescue.com/case_studies.htm
StephenPeeler @MoveRescue is the first industry-endorsed consumer assistance aimed at stopping disreputable movers http://ow.ly/4MoCE
myBekins @StephenPeeler very helpful links today! Definitely going to save some of those.
GoodStuffMoving Good sources to have! RT @HolmanMoving: RT @PortageCartage: Just found this - http://www.moverescue.com/case_studies.htm
StephenPeeler The question is how are you able to do that? What is the process? You can call them mid-move! @xpressmovers
AMSAProMover UR Welcome! @mybekins: @StephenPeeler very helpful links today! Definitely going to save some of those.
StephenPeeler UR Welcome! @mybekins: @StephenPeeler very helpful links today! Definitely going to save some of those.
myBekins Is @MoveRescue tied to Unigroup?
RELORoundtable FMCSA could help by listing what hostage loads actually entail http://bit.ly/izuSGq S
KingsTransfer Better Business Bureau is a great resource. We recommended all of our potential clients go there...
StephenPeeler They are paying for it but it is open to all consumers. @mybekins: Is @MoveRescue tied to Unigroup?
HolmanMoving RT @RELORoundtable: FMCSA could help by listing what hostage loads actually entail http://bit.ly/izuSGq S
PortageCartage @myBekins Yes, MoveRescue was an initiative of Unigroup, but supports the whole industry regardless of van line.
GoodStuffMoving RT @KingsTransfer: Better Business Bureau is a great resource. We recommended all of our potential clients go there...
StephenPeeler RT @reloroundtable: FMCSA could help by listing what hostage loads actually entail http://bit.ly/izuSGq S
PortageCartage This was an incredible chat, everybody. Props to @StephenPeeler for lending his expertise and co-moderating!
StephenPeeler UR Welcome, thanks for the invite! @portagecartage: This was an incredible chat, everybody. I am glad to co-moderate any time!
Next week we'll talk about Hiring Practices - soon to be a hot topic, with the summer busy season approaching. Use the hashtag throughout the week to share relevant URLs.
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