Mover’s Edge, November, 2012

CAM’s 2012 Annual Conference

SIX DAYS TO GO! YOU CAN STILL REGISTER!

It’s titled: NETWORKING: If you’re not networking… You’re not working! and that’s what it’s about. We have speakers who will talk about networking in sales, on the Internet and in seeking out new forms of business. We have representatives of the International Association of Movers and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business who offer services that complement those of the Canadian Association of Movers. Representatives of Canada’s major van lines will be present and 15 of our supplier members will be exhibiting. Lots of networking opportunities are available to you!

The conference schedule is as follows:

• Sunday, November 4
  – 4:30 pm – Board of directors meeting
  – 6:00 pm – Get-together in the Olio Lounge to network with out-of-town attendees
  – 6:00 pm – Tradeshow setup
• Monday, November 5
  – 8:00 am – Registration and breakfast
  – 8:00 am – Tradeshow opens
  – 9:00 am – Conference sessions begin
  – 5:30 pm – Chairman’s reception for the awards dinner
  – 6:30 pm – Awards Dinner
• Tuesday, November 6
  – 8:00 am – Registration and breakfast
  – 8:00 am – Tradeshow opens
  – 9:00 am – Conference sessions begin
  – 11:45 am – Lunch and Annual General Meeting
  – 1:30 pm – Norampac tour (optional)

Meet representatives of these leading suppliers and industry partners:

• Alliance Relocation Services, Inc.
• Blue Bins Unlimited Corp.
• Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)
• G M Packaging Ltd.
• International Association of Movers (IAM)
• K.I.D. Trailer & Equipment
• L. Hansen’s Forwarding
• Livingston Freight (Searail) – Vehicle Transportation Division
• Moore-McLean Insurance Group Ltd.
• Mover’s Equipment & Supplies Ltd.
• Ogilvy & Ogilvy Insurance Brokers
• Spicers Canada Ltd.
• Steer Insurance Brokers & Consultants
• UNIRISC
• Univan Leasing Ltd.
• Victory Packaging
• Your Moving Depot – Norampac

CAM’s Annual Awards Dinner

Over 120 members of the Canadian moving community will be present to honor this year’s awardees at our annual awards dinner on Monday evening, November 5, 2012:

• Distinguished Service Award – Randy Hoyt
• Industry Achievement Award – John Rausch
• Innovator Award – Dale Ittas
• Public Service Award – Kevin Devereux & North American Van Lines

A Benefit of CAM Membership – Representation to Government

As you know, in late August CAM addressed the industry’s concerns about the federal government’s Letter of Interest for Household Goods Moving Services. Our concerns were sent to the stakeholders in the federal government, including the Minister of National Defence and representatives of Public Works and Government Services Canada. Our e-mail to the government expressed the industry’s concern with significant aspects of the Letter of Interest – the basic pricing model, the penalties, and most importantly, the risks to movers in Canada.

We received an e-mail from Public Works and Government Services Canada that stated:

“…the Government of Canada welcomes the opportunity for consultations with the industry in order to have a thorough understanding of industry concerns prior to posting the final RFP.”

In partnership with several of the stakeholders in the moving industry, we have achieved our objectives. The issuing of the RFP has been postponed until the moving industry has had an opportunity to address its concerns about the Letter of Interest. We’ll keep you posted on developments on this issue.

California Legislation — Wouldn’t you love to have this in Canada?
Or would you?

It seems like good legislation, but what do the regulations look like? What hoops do you have to jump through? What licenses, what reporting? What do you think?

Governor Signs Butler’s Moving-Companies Legislation
AB 2118 will protect consumers from illegal moving companies

SACRAMENTO (October 3, 2012) – Assemblymember Betsy Butler (D-Los Angeles) today announced that Governor Brown has signed her legislation updating the Household Goods Carriers Act in order to protect consumers from fraudulent moving companies.

“AB 2118 would bring a much needed update to the Household Goods Carriers Act by going after illegal, unpermitted moving companies who prey on unknowing consumers,” said Assemblymember Butler. “These criminals will quote low prices to lure unsuspecting consumers only to later hold their belongings hostage for more money. No one should have to endure this type of treatment during a life transition.”

This bill clarifies that the Household Goods Carriers Act and California Public Utilities Commission rules regulating mover activities apply to unpermitted movers while increasing fines to mirror those applicable to licensed operators. Additionally, the bill codifies the definition of a household goods broker while creating a new section to address falsification of license, membership and location by illegal movers.

“The California Moving & Storage Association is grateful for the opportunity to work with Assemblymember Betsy Butler on this important legislation,” stated CMSA President Stephen Weitekamp.

“Assemblymember Butler understood and addressed the needs and concerns of both the moving public and the legal mover. She moved forward legislation that added value for both groups. AB 2118 will help the moving public by giving the Public Utilities Commission the additional tools they need to address issues related to brokers and illegal movers who misrepresent their identity.”

AB 2118 will also direct the Commission to create a “Know your Rights” website that will be linked to all PUC permitted moving companies’ websites in order to educate and promote consumer rights and protections.

AB 2118 is supported by the California Moving and Storage Association and the California Public Utilities Commission.

IF YOU HAVE NEWS THAT CANADA’S MOVING INDUSTRY SHOULD KNOW ABOUT, please let CAM know and we will include it in upcoming issues of this newsletter.