Roughly 100 movers from 19 states held approximately 100 meetings with congressional offices to discuss policies important to the industry
Washington – This week, the American Trucking Associations’ Moving and Storage Conference – comprised of independent moving companies, large van lines, agents and industry suppliers – held its annual fly-in to the nation’s capital.
The event enables MSC members to connect with colleagues, gain insights and advance the industry’s interests. It also provides a powerful platform for MSC and ATA staff to discuss legislation and regulations affecting the moving industry with influential figures on Capitol Hill.
“Whether they are helping Americans move to their first house, a new job or a retirement community, moving and storage companies provide an essential service in every phase of life and are an integral part of our nation’s economy,” said Dan Hilton, Executive Director of ATA’s Moving and Storage Conference. “Through Call on Washington, MSC members have an exclusive opportunity to meet directly with Members of Congress and key congressional staff to speak about pressing issues facing the industry, express their views and ultimately shape policies. From cracking down on rogue operators to pushing for reforms to make it easier for movers to serve their customers, there is no shortage of challenges our industry must tackle. We appreciate our MSC members taking the time to represent our industry and educate policymakers about our priorities.”
“Call on Washington is the crown jewel of the American Trucking Associations’ advocacy program, directly connecting leaders in the trucking industry with leaders in Congress,” said ATA Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs Henry Hanscom. “As we strive to generate awareness and build momentum for movers’ priorities, there is simply no substitute for MSC members’ passion, authenticity and firsthand knowledge. These hardworking professionals shared powerful stories and data during their nearly 100 face-to-face meetings on Capitol Hill, helping to move the needle and achieve results.”
Roughly 100 movers from 19 states made the rounds on Capitol Hill on Wednesday to meet with approximately 100 congressional offices. Members of Congress who sat down with MSC Call on Washington participants included Senators Rick Scott, Katie Britt, and Mark Kelly and Representatives Jim Banks, John Rutherford, and Jill Tokuda. The movers also met with professional staff from House Armed Services, House Ways & Means, House Transportation & Infrastructure, Senate Finance and Senate Commerce Committees.
This year, some of the top issues that members raised with legislative leaders were fighting moving fraud, protecting independent contractors, reinstating the moving expense deduction and increasing oversight of changes to the military moving program.
Combatting Moving Fraud
Scammers who pose as legitimate movers or brokers violate consumer protection regulations, inflate the costs of moves and hold customers’ possessions hostage.
MSC called on Congress to take action to combat moving fraud with steps such as the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act to empower regulators to act against scam companies and individuals who defraud consumers. Movers are also encouraging Congress to clarify registration requirements for brokers, dedicate funding for investigations of moving fraud and keep consumer protection rules up to date.
Protecting Independent Contractors
Movers depend on independent contractors, including drivers and crew, to move goods safely and efficiently. This business model empowers entrepreneurs by providing a large degree of flexibility and significant opportunities to maximize compensation while also helping the industry respond to seasonal demands.
MSC is urging Members of Congress to overturn the Department of Labor’s destructive IC rule, oppose anti-IC legislation like the PRO Act and California’s AB5 and support the Modern Worker Empowerment Act.
Moving Expense Tax Deduction
Tax policy should reflect the evolving needs of employers and workers to spur economic growth and support competitive U.S. businesses. Yet in 2017, Congress suspended a deduction for expenses related to employment-based relocation until 2026, increasing costs to employees and limiting workforce mobility.
MSC is urging Members of Congress to prioritize reinstatement and modernization of the sections 132 and 217 Moving Expense Tax Deductions as Congress develops future tax legislation. This will align tax policy with the evolving nature of work, encouraging workforce mobility, fostering economic growth and supporting thriving communities.
GAO Study on Military Moving
Language in the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) would require a GAO report to address concerns raised by ATA MSC no later than April 1, 2025, and also require TRANSCOM to provide an initial assessment of the transition by December 31, 2024.
MSC is urging Members of Congress to exercise strict oversight of the GHC program and ensure TRANSCOM follows reporting requirements laid out in the House-passed NDAA bill.