American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) Explained

The American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) is the national trade association for the American moving industry.

It has been set up to help represent the interests of those in the moving and storage industry, both domestic and international, and also to provide a source of information and assistance to customers using businesses in the industry.

Key facts about AMSA:

1. It has around 4,200 members.
2. AMSA members are made up of interstate moving and storage companies, local movers, international movers plus industry suppliers and state association members.
3. It is the only national association representing all sectors of the moving and storage industry.
4. AMSA launched the ProMover certification in 2009, designed to direct consumers to quality movers who subscribe to the AMSA goals.
5. Membership is not just open to movers but also affiliates (those providing products or services related to the moving industry), individuals and professional trade associations.
6. AMSA membership is an important part of the application process for ProMover certification – this must have been held without issue for 18 months.
7. It is well know by consumers for its database of ‘moving tips,’ offering information on everything from packing to how to manage moving day.
8. It offers a dispute resolution programme and has a code of ethics that its members must abide by.
9. It’s members transport between 1.3 and 1.5 million households each year.

American Moving & Storage Association profile:

AMSA members benefit from a broad range of services, from news and information about issues that affect the industry, to federal government representation, tax assistance, financial and statistical reporting and legal assistance.

AMSA also offers an arbitration service to deal with loss and damage disputes, as well as professional education and certification programmes, such as the ProMover.

AMSA began life with the oldest trade association for movers in America – the National Furniture Warehousemen’s Association, founded in 1920. Its history, breadth of coverage and its Code of Ethics make it a highly respected organisation.

It is responsible for the ProMover certification, which has been regarded as a mark of a reliable mover.

Criteria for membership:

The criteria for joining AMSA appear to be very basic – simply filling out the form and paying a fee. However, more is required for businesses looking to obtain ProMover certification.

Top member companies

1. United Van Lines
2. Atlas Van Lines International
3. Mayflower Transit
4. Allied Van Lines
5. North American Van Lines
6. Wheaton World Wide Moving
7. Bekins Van Lines
8. Graebel Van Lines
9. Arpin Van Lines
10. Stevens Worldwide Van Lines
11. VIP Transport
12. Island Movers
13. Mudanzas Gou
14. Gil Stauffer

Opinions about the American Moving & Storage Association

When AMSA is mentioned online it is often with respect to the organistion’s ProMover certification, which has become an international mark of quality.

The certification is viewed as a part of the AMSA platform to both represent and improve things for those in the industry – and those using businesses in the industry – through effective advocacy and by building a respected brand.

Online opinion focuses both on the fact that AMSA’s heritage ties it to the oldest trade associations in America and its mission to make moving easier for consumers. Online opinions mention events organised by AMSA – which are obviously well attended and held in high regard, “As always, this year’s AMSA conference brought together some of the top leaders in the moving industry.”

AMSA awards are also mentioned and these appear to be regarded as a true indicator of achievement and quality.

The mission of the AMSA is to “represent the interest of the domestic and international moving and storage industry and to help the customers it serves.

– Atlas Van Lines

AMSA are dedicated to making sure any of the 40-million Americans moving each year who select a professional mover can make informed decisions.

– OSS World Wide Movers

AMSA carefully screens its mover members, ensuring that consumers are matched to movers who have met all licensing and insurance requirements, and providing for arbitration of disputes between consumers and movers through its “Household Goods Dispute Settlement Program.” One of AMSA’s goals is a well-informed public that better understands the value of professional moving service.

– Moving.com

Website: http://www.moving.org/