Movers Coalition Visits Washington to Raise Awareness, Expand Network
[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.]
American Trucking Associations’ Moving & Storage Conference highlighted combating fraudulent “rogue” operators and promoting better economic conditions during its recent advocacy meeting in Washington.
The advocacy “fly-in” forum in the nation’s capital during the week of Sept. 19 featured visits with members of Congress and their staff on Capitol Hill.
Moving & Storage Conference Executive Director Ryan Bowley described the meetings as meaningful and informative.
“MSC mover members were excited about the opportunity to get up to Capitol Hill, engage with lawmakers,” Bowley said Sept. 21. “Excited to do it as part of the broader ATA family.”
Bowley
He added, “We got the opportunity to continue to move the ball forward with them.”
The group was represented by dozens of members from around the country.
“Really appreciate the MSC members that were able to take time out of their busy schedules running their businesses to come to D.C. and participate across the three days and especially participate at our meetings up here on Capitol Hill,” Bowley said.
During the fly-in, the group primarily advocated for the importance of continued work by federal agencies to combat moving fraud. Policymakers were reminded that rogue moving operators typically rely on websites to advertise low-cost rates. Prior to arriving at a certain destination, scammers threaten to keep customers’ household goods hostage until customers agree on an additional charge.
Also, Moving & Storage Conference members emphasized the independent contractor model for the industry, as well as ensuring appropriate access to myriad facilities. The impact of inflation and general economic conditions on members’ operations dominated parts of their discussions on Capitol Hill, as well as the opposition to the PRO Act.
The Protecting the Right to Organize Act would revise federal definitions of an employee, supervisor and employer. Specifically, the bill would define a company as the employer in cases in which a franchisor is determined to be exerting substantial management in the workplace.
Earlier this year in Orlando, Fla., the group hosted its inaugural annual meeting. Among the main themes discussed then were strategies for tackling workforce concerns via recruitment and retention efforts.
Want more news? Listen to today's daily briefing below or go here for more info:
