The new rates for the US Global Household Goods Contract, starting in 2024, have been released. The industry is not happy.
Relocation company drivers in the USA staged a protest rally in Washington, DC on 26 September called Walkboards to Washington. The aim was to draw attention to what they believe to be uneconomic rates being offers for US military household goods shipping under the new HomeSafe Alliance Global Household Goods Contract (GHC). The operators say that the new rates will make it hard for a driver, owner operator, agency or van line to stay open particularly when the cost of fuel, truck payments, repairs, labour and packing materials are all increasing.
A leaflet issued by the group stated: “Rate comparisons show the industry will be paid 30% to 40% less than COD or national account work. We are here today to raise awareness and echo the concerns of the industry. It's time Congress looks into this contract, the adverse effects on our military, and the decimation of military moving companies.” Some movers have claimed reductions of up to 50%.
A representative of one military moving company, who wishes to remain anonymous due to the risk of reprisals, told The Mover: “HomeSafe has been very secretive with their info and especially their rates. They recently released the HomeSafe calculator which you can use to get what they will be paying for moves. The rates are terrible and will force a driver, an agency, out of business.”
Dan Bradley, Director, Government and Military Relations at IAM (International Association of Movers) said that he had heard similar reports from IAM members ...
Photo: The Walkboards to Washington Rally.