Last month, I participated in a conference call between representatives of the National Conference of State Transportation Specialists (NCSTS) and the National Council of Moving Associations (NCMA). The purpose of the call was to strengthen a dialogue started between State Regulators and State Moving Associations at our initial meeting in June. The President of NCSTS, David Loucks of Pennsylvania, and committee members representing the states of Kentucky, Illinois, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Kansas participated along with NCMA Chair Pat Smith McLaughlin, Vice-Chair Pam Stanley from North Carolina, Jack McGrath from Pennsylvania, Dorothy Brooks from Texas and myself as a NCMA Director. The parties agreed to focus future discussions and activities on consumer protection, rogue operators, Internet advertising and consumer education. An updated survey of state regulations will be compiled to review what is needed to operate in different states.

Included in this issue is a letter from SDDC Commander Major General Richardson reviewing his recent decision on the Military Fuel Rate Adjustment for the next cycle, effective May 15, 2013. The letter acknowledges the efforts AMSA, IAM and CMSA played in this decision, which is far less onerous than the original proposal. We have recently received notice that SDDC is planning the long-awaited “TSP Open Season” in early 2013. CMSA and our Military Affairs Committee will be working with other groups and the SDDC in regards to proposed rule modifications and their impact on both TSPs and Service Providers.

A recent change to San Francisco parking regulations will also impact movers. The authority to issue parking permits in the city of San Francisco has switched from the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). With the change comes a new protocol, which our members who are operators in this market believe needs modification. CMSA is working on gathering the concerns of our impacted members and scheduling a meeting with program administrators to hopefully work collaboratively to find solutions that benefit all parties.

I would like to express sincere gratitude on behalf of my staff and myself for the calls and notes of condolence in response to the unexpected passing of retired CMSA Manager Pat Andrews. Members’ reactions to the sad news reinforces our belief that the CMSA is so much more than a loose association of companies operating in a common industry.

With the holidays upon us and the new year just weeks away, CMSA staff, my family and I wish you a joyous holiday season and the very best in 2013!