Washington – This week, the American Trucking Associations’ Moving and Storage Conference – comprised of independent moving companies, large van lines, and industry suppliers – held its annual fly-in to Washington.
This 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 in the nation’s capital.
“Moving and storage companies are an integral part of our economy and provide an essential service to itinerant Americans in every phase of life,” said Ryan Bowley, Executive Director of the Moving and Storage Conference. “Through Call on Washington, MSC members have an exclusive opportunity to meet directly with Members of Congress, key congressional staff, and federal regulators to speak about pressing issues facing the industry, express their views, and ultimately shape policies. We appreciate our MSC members taking the time to represent our industry and educate policymakers about our priorities.”
Fifty-five movers made the rounds on Capitol Hill to meet with 60 congressional offices.
This year, some of the top issues that members raised with Legislative and Executive Branch leaders related to streamlining moves for military families, cracking down on moving fraud, and advancing labor and tax policies that support relocating Americans.
Ensuring Quality Moves for Military Families. MSC members urged Congress to address concerns that the Global Household Goods Contract (GHC) Program lacks sufficient reimbursement, clarity, and simplicity to facilitate the annual relocation of 300,000 servicemembers.
Fighting Moving Fraud. MSC members urged Congress to combat scams by registering brokers, increasing funding for investigations, and empowering regulators and law enforcement to act.
Clarifying Broker Registration Requirements & Enforcing Regulations. MSC members urged Congress to ensure that all entities that act as brokers comply with FMCSA regulations.
Standardizing Base Access Policies. MSC members urged Congress to adopt the House NDAA language that would standardize DOD-wide base access standards.
Protecting Repatriating Americans from Identity Theft. MSC members urged the House to approve the Senate-passed Moving Americans Privacy Protection Act, which would safeguard the personally identifiable information of servicemembers and other Americans moving back to the U.S.
Setting Pro-Mobility, Pro-Employee Tax Policy. MSC members urged Congress to improve economic mobility by restoring the Moving Expense Tax Deduction that supports Americans with employment-related moving costs.
Ensuring a Strong Workforce. MSC members urged Congress to protect the successful independent contractor model.