International Association-MVRS

The International Association of Movers (IAM) is the moving and forwarding industry's largest global trade association. With more than 2,000 members, it comprises companies that provide moving, forwarding, shipping, logistics, and related services in more than 170 countries. Since 1962, IAM has been promoting the growth and success of its members by offering programs, resources, membership protections, and unparalleled networking opportunities to enhance their businesses and their brands.

As members of the International Association of Movers, we recognize the importance of codifying and raising awareness about the ethical principles which guide the work of moving companies, their suppliers, and their staffs. Ethical dilemmas occur when values conflict. The IAM Code of Ethics states the values to which our members are committed and embodies the ethical responsibilities of our profession. More specifically, it provides IAM Members with a set of guidelines to assist them in understanding the difference between "right" and "wrong, " and in applying those understanding to their dealings with clients and other IAM members.

The International Association of Movers' Code of Ethics Enforcement Procedures provides IAM with the ability to administer reasonable and nonrestrictive sanctions for violations of the Code of Ethics in a fair and impartial manner. IAM wants to facilitate resolution on all disputes between two members. In the Enforcement Procedures, there are multiple opportunities for the IAM President and the Ethics Council Chairperson to try and mediate a solution so punitive actions are unnecessary. IAM also encourages both parties to maintain communication so they can also find a way to resolve the dispute without further intervention from the IAM Members' Ethics Council.

The Officers of the International Association of Movers consist of a Chair, Vice Chair, four Members-at-Large, and a paid President. The officers serve a one-year term; the President serves in accordance with the terms of his/her employment contract. IAM's By-laws provide that in addition to the Officers, the Executive Committee will be composed of the Core Members Representative, the Core Members Representative at Large, and the Chair of the IAM Young Professionals Group (IAM-YP), a non-voting representative.

The International Association of Movers developed and implemented its Code of Ethics to assist IAM members in understanding the difference between "right" and "wrong, " and applying that understanding to their decisions and dealings with other IAM members and their clients. At the time the Code of Ethics was implemented, there were no corresponding enforcement procedures or oversight body set up to equip the Association with a system to adjudicate breaches of the Code. On Jan. 1, 2012, IAM instituted enforcement procedures and established a Members Ethics Council to provide a framework through which ethics complaints could be brought before the Association and reviewed by a group of member peers, and judgments could be issued.