International Association of Movers (IAM) Explained

The International Association of Movers (IAM) is a global trade body with members who provide moving, forwarding, shipping, logistics, and related services.

It is the largest international trade association for the industry, originally founded by charter businesses that were doing business with the US government.

Key facts about the IAM:

1. Represents more than 2,000 companies in over 170 countries.
2. IAM has a Code of Ethics that requires tolerance of cultural differences, a professional approach and avoiding unfair competition with other members, among other things.
3. IAM was established in 1962 and has been promoting the growth of its members ever since.
4. It is the moving and forwarding industry’s largest global trade association.
5. Distinction in the industry is recognised via the IAM Hall of Honor. Nominations for the Hall of Honor may be submitted by any IAM member, client or customer and are decided by the IAM membership.
6. It was formerly known as the Household Good Forwarders Association of America – the IAM changed its name in 2009.
7. The IAM offers a dispute resolution process for problems between members – it covers invoice disputes.
8. The IAM’s Receivable Protection Program offers a safeguard from those IAM members in financial difficulty, allowing a member to file a claim and receive reimbursement for unpaid commercial invoices if it looks like a member is about to go bankrupt.

International Association of Movers profile:

The IAM was established more than 50 years ago and now has more than 2,000 members that are based all over the world. The IAM offers a variety of programs, resources and membership protections, as well as regular events that are designed to encourage networking and knowledge sharing, including the IAM annual meetings.

Everything the IAM does is intended to advance the growth and success of its members. IAM’s membership protections are there to protect the value of IAM membership in the eyes of the Industry, customers and colleagues’ Associations – these include rigorous requirements for becoming an IAM member, enforcing the code of ethics and working on issues such as trademark oversight.

The IAM has a searchable online member directory that customers can use to find a mover who is a member of the organisation.

Criteria for membership:

• a minimum of one year of experience
• Sponsorship letters from two current IAM members stating that they are recommending you for membership, on sponsoring company’s letterhead, signed by a company official.
• A PDF or JPG of current country/state/province business license or registration and, if applicable, tax ID number.
• A PDF or JPG of government-issued photo identification (i.e., passport, driver’s license) for each company principal owning and/or with a controlling interest in 5% or more of the company
• Payment of initiation fee and dues

Prospective members are posted on the IAM website for 30 days for current IAM members to review, at the end of which membership is confirmed.

Some Member Companies

• Aires
• Matthew James Global Relocations
• Santa Fe Relocation Services
• Sterling Relocation
• Cadogan Tate
• Harrow Green
• Team Relocations
• McGimpsey Brothers Removals
• The Shore Porters Society
• Nippon Express
• Sirva
• Crown Relocations
• Shipco Transport
• Conroy Removals
• Bolliger
• Island Movers
• Gil Stauffer
• Royal Hawaiian Movers
• Teletrans

Movers Opinions About The International Association of Movers:

The IAM is quoted on numerous websites which frequently mention its global nature and the number of members it has.

Many focus on the fact that it is the largest trade association for the industry and the scope of its reach – that it is truly global with members in even the most far flung corners. One website also mentions that being an IAM member helps moving companies to be found by customers and that it is an indicator of a business that is able to provide great service.

In general the Association seems to serve as a both a quality mark and a useful tool for expanding business and networks.

Worldwide members, who are involved in the daily transportation of household goods and personal effects, are as diverse as the components of an international relocation itself. Transportation and the exchange of goods and services are the essential lifeblood that drive today’s global economic growth.

– Abels

IAM is a global association of movers and forwarders committed to providing customers with the highest level of service available.

– AMJ Campbell Worldwide

IAM membership is truly global In all parts of the world, you find IAM movers. This helps us to give our clients a truly door-to-door service. Home to Home, as we like to say.

– Home to Home

Website: http://www.iamovers.org