As mentioned in CMSA Chair Shiree Hammer’s column, October saw the Association’s Fall Board convening. Shiree mentioned our valuable discussion on the importance of attitude in our professional and personal lives. I have to compliment our board for their altruistic efforts in support of the entire membership, movers and associates, of our Association. Their time and expertise have long been critical to the success of the CMSA.

Additionally, Chair Hammer joined me for five successful chapter visits, as well as a visit to the offices of the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) during the month.

After a historical peak season that basically ran from June 2020 to mid-July 2022, we start to see a slowdown in Household Goods moving and I am hearing more discussions about diversification. Many don’t want to stray too far from their core competencies, but sometimes are unaware of opportunities that are not that different from their current business. Those who have warehouse space and local transportation availability find opportunities in commercial storage and sometimes last-mile services. Some speak of a culture change in inbound phone activity. They suggest not saying NO to requests that may seem outside of your current business model. During the extended peak, many found it easy and expedient to say no to all unusual calls, maybe even to core business calls that were not from existing customers; why not, since many barely had the capacity to handle their existing accounts. Diversification requires a cultural change within an organization and a recognition of the importance of the process to the long-term success of the organization.

As we start the month, we have received word, shared with our military affairs committee, that the Global Household Goods Contract (GHC) protests have been rejected by the Judge in the Federal Court of Claims. Does this information provide clarity on how and when the GHC will impact our industry? Not really. The decision has not been made public yet as the Judge is giving the two protesting organizations time to review the decision. What I have been told is that once the decision is public, the two protesting organizations will have 60 days to file a protest, and that protest must be based on the procedures of the process. So HomeSafe Alliance has been awarded the contract. We will wait to see if a protest is filed. Even if you are not currently involved with Department of Defense work, and don’t plan to become engaged in the future, this is an important issue to follow. The award winner will immediately become the single largest move manager in our industry.

November 2022 - CMSA Communicator