On Tuesday, August 4 the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) Board of Directors approved the move to pursue joining the American Trucking Associations (ATA) as the Moving & Storage Conference. AMSA, with more than 3,000 members, has been representing the moving and storage industry since 1998. The Association supports programmes and activities promoting consumer protection, professional development, safety and operational efficiency.

AMSA’s decision allows the organisation to begin the process of joining ATA as the newly established Moving & Storage Conference, which will serve as the advocacy arm highlighting and amplifying moving and storage priorities. A Moving & Storage Council will also be created as the training and education arm. ATA is the largest and most comprehensive national trade association for the trucking industry with 50 affiliated state trucking associations and representing more than 37,000 members, including every type of motor carrier in the United States. Prior to 1998, members of the moving and storage industry had been affiliated with ATA, and those partnerships were historically very successful.

As the recognised leader in truck transportation advocacy, ATA diligently educates and guides policymakers at all levels of government about the essential role trucking plays in the economy. 

“The move to join the ATA federation will benefit AMSA’s small and independent members as well as the large van lines,” AMSA Board of Directors Chairman Bill Paxton said. “Both ATA and AMSA have been strong advocates of highway safety along with representing their members before Congress and regulatory agencies. Our combined efforts will certainly strengthen our reach and impact.”

AMSA leadership has formed a transition team who will work closely with ATA, once final approval has been granted by the ATA Board of Directors as well as by AMSA’s governing body. More information about the transition and timeline will be shared with members of both organisations in the coming months.

“ATA is excited about the opportunity to join with the moving and storage industry and expand our industry’s footprint and advocacy voice," said Chris Spear, President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations. "Welcoming this new group of key members into the federation will significantly increase our ability to reach decision makers at both the federal and state level. We look forward to bringing our mutual interests together for the collective good of our industry and membership.”

Photo: Bill Paxton, AMSA Chairman