The transition of California moving regulations from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) is one of the major successes of our Association. The impact the California Moving and Storage Association (CMSA) had and continues to have on the transfer from one agency to another could not have been matched by any individual company or smaller industry group. We continue to support BHGS in developing and implementing their major information technology project, including the Connect initiative that will allow all permitted movers to review their regulatory status and history and pay quarterly fees. The electronic payment of quarterly fees is a project that CMSA has been lobbying for even before our transfer from the CPUC.

During February, I had the opportunity to conduct a MAX 4 Tariff presentation to the BHGS enforcement staff. I was impressed by their knowledge and questions. We even had the chance to discuss issues related to Restoration Companies, another area of BHGS regulations. Both BHGS and the CMSA agree that a Cal-T number and Bureau regulations are required in this area.

February also saw the passing of the scholarship application process and the review by our program evaluator. This extremely successful program, the largest in our industry in both annual awards and cumulative total, is only made possible by the support of our membership through chapter fundraising events. Occasionally, someone will bemoan the frequency of chapter emails or events themselves! Maybe they have never had the child or grandchild of a member of their team receive a CMSA scholarship. These awards are financially beneficial, but the recognition can mean even more to some young people. CMSA Chapter fundraisers are in full swing, some pun intended. Please consider supporting them. Not only is there the opportunity for networking and a little fun, but you will be supporting the CMSA scholarship and charity efforts as well.

Congratulations to our 2023 – 2024 CMSA Chairman Jesse Chabot for completing another milestone of his year as Chairman. Jesse has visited all twelve CMSA chapters, sharing his personal history and the importance of our Association. In addition to chapter events, we still have a few seats left for our March 19th CMSA Legislative Day in Sacramento; call our office if you are interested in joining us. Finally, now is the time to register for the 106th Annual CMSA convention at the Hilton Waikoloa on the big island of Hawaii. Hopefully, you already have your room reservations; this is a terrific event at a value not to be missed.

March 2024 - CMSA Communicator