Leading News Stories Beyond the Headlines

Sirva Appoints New CEO

Sirva Worldwide has announced the appointment of Carlyn Taylor as Chief Executive Officer and a member of their Board of Directors, effective immediately.

In a press release, Sirva said that Taylor will succeed Tom Oberdorf , who is retiring. Taylor is joining the company from the advisory services business, FTI Consulting, where she served as Chief Growth Officer and Global Co-Leader of Corporate Finance. According to the announcement, during her career with FTI Consulting, Taylor led the firm’s strategy, business transformation, and transactions practices globally, including coordinating initiatives focused on artificial intelligence and other technologies.

Commenting on her appointment, Taylor said, “Sirva’s brand and platform are unmatched in our industry, and I am confident there are even more opportunities to extend our leadership, further differentiate our client service, enhance our agent partnerships and otherwise build on all the hard work that has gotten Sirva to where it is today. It is a privilege to join the Sirva team at such an exciting inflection point, and I look forward to all we will achieve together.”

In thanking Oberdorf for his contribution to the business, Chairman of the Sirva Board of Directors, Linda Galipeau said, “Under Tom’s leadership, Sirva has established a truly global footprint, the richest portfolio of flexible relocation and household goods services, best-in-class technology solutions, and a significantly strengthened balance sheet. “As we begin this new chapter, our Board is confident that Carlyn is uniquely qualified to guide Sirva’s next phase of growth and innovation. She is a results-oriented leader, who deeply understands the nuances of running a global business, the power of technology to enhance client service and the importance of building empowered teams able to execute at speed and scale.”

DoD Issues Formal Notice on GHC Performance

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) has communicated formal performance concerns following recent service issues involving the multibillion-dollar Global Household Goods Contract (GHC).

Federal News Network reported that U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) have issued a “show-cause notice” to HomeSafe Alliance following numerous complaints of missed pickups, late deliveries, and other problems during the ramp up of the GHC. The procedure is a government compliance mechanism that is normally used when there is a serious indication that a vendor is not meeting contractual standards and will mean that HomeSafe will need to explain the service failures.

“It was predominantly related to those missed pickups, and those are driven by their ability to access [moving industry] capacity,” said Ken Brennan, TRANSCOM’s Director of Acquisition. “The going-in position was that they had to have the ability to make the moves as we farm them to them, and when they did not deliver, we asked them, ‘Where is that capacity? How are you getting that capacity?’ That is an ongoing conversation…we are talking daily to ensure that they’re building that capacity.”

In response, HomeSafe was not prepared to make any of its leadership team available to Federal News Network for an interview, but said the recent problems were caused, in part, by an “internal logistics error” within a moving company that works as one of its subcontractors.

Growing the capacity from the moving industry appears to continue to be a primary reason for the service failures as the GHC is implemented. Regional television network, WRAL News, recently featured Piedmont Van and Storage in Fayetteville and Pam Stanley of the North Carolina Movers Association, who highlighted the reluctance of the industry to engage with the lower rates on offer.

IAM has continued to express concerns that the military moving program may be heading to a crisis point as shipments increase. ”IAM is urging TRANSCOM to reconsider implementing GHC before irreparable damage is done to the industry that has served military families for decades,” said President, Brian Limperopulos, CAE .

Ocean and Air Rates to Fall in February?

International moving companies may see freight rates continue to fall in February according to a leading ocean and air freight intelligence platform.

Marine Link reported that Xeneta expect that the Middle East ceasefire and Lunar New Year will result in reducing ocean container freight rates despite actions from shipping lines to slow the decline. Data from Xeneta shows average spot rates from the Far East to North Europe were down 22% since January 1. Spot rates on both U.S. West coast and East coast lanes also declined.

“Ceasefire in the Middle East does not suddenly mean there is now safe passage through the Red Sea for all container ships–but it is enough to cause a change in market sentiment and this has a real impact on freight rates,” said Peter Sand, Chief Analyst at Xeneta. “Carriers are going to find it extremely difficult to keep rates elevated, especially given the record number of ships entering service, so we could see markets collapse if there is a largescale return to the Red Sea,” he added.

Airfreight rates may also reduce, as the Trump administration suspends the exemption for the de minimis customs entry process for shipments under the value of US $800. The Loadstar reported that the new government implemented the exemption when announcing the short lived tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico. According to U.S. Customs & Border Protection, authorities processed some 4 million de minimis shipments a day in 2024, with the majority arriving by air.

Eight Charged With Replacing Container Seals

A strong reminder for IAM members to check the integrity of container seals, after eight logistics staff were charged with smuggling illegal goods.

A news story highlighted by the Arpin International Group in The Loadstar reported that the ability to access and replace the seals on containers has resulted in increased amounts of cargo crime. The individuals involved, wo were employed by trucking and freight forwarders, are accused of smuggling goods from China through the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach after Customs & Border Protection selected containers for inspection.

The defendants allegedly hired truck drivers–at inflated rates–to transport the containers to their own warehouses where they broke the seals, removed illegal goods, and reloaded the containers with “filler” cargo, before adding counterfeit security seals.

The charges follow recent legal action by shipping line, CMA CGM, who accused the BNSF rail company of failing to protect containers after a consignment of streaming sticks went missing. “During the period that BNSF exercised care, custody, and control over the container, BNSF failed to safely and securely protect the container and the goods from access by third parties, including thieves. BNSF failed to properly follow its own internal procedures, and industry standards, to ensure seal integrity throughout the period it exercised care, custody, and control over the container,” said the filing.

Share Your Voice in the IAM 2025 Industry Needs Survey

?Please take a few minutes to complete IAM’s 2025 Industry Needs Survey, which will be sent to you today. As we plan our long-term strategy for our members and how to be the best champion for the global household goods moving industry, IAM wants to ensure we capture as many members’ voices as possible. If you want to improve and enhance your Association, we need to hear from you!? The survey should take about 15 minutes to complete. It is an anonymous survey carried out by a third party, Scarlet Oak Consulting, in a manner consistent with IAM’s Privacy Policy. Your responses will be confidential and presented?in an aggregated report. The demographic data collected will also be aggregated as a part of the survey analysis. If you have any questions about the survey, please reach out to our membership department at [email protected]. Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts and insights.

Boost for UK and Dutch Home Sales

Some positive news for IAM members involved in domestic moving in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands as both countries record increased home sales.

In the United Kingdom, Mortgage Strategy reported that the latest monthly property transaction report estimates that the number of residential transactions in December 2024 stood at 96,330 - 19% higher than December 2023 and 3% higher than the previous month. Figures from property website Zoopla also suggested that sales remained strong in January. The Independent reported that property website, Zoopla, said that the housing market has got off to its strongest start in three years, with the volume of new sales agreed up by 12% compared to the same period in the previous year.

“The first few weeks of each year tend to provide a clear indication of how the rest of the year is likely to unfold, said Richard Donnell, Executive Director at Zoopla. “2025 has started well, better than 2024 and 2023, which bodes well for market activity over the rest of the year, supported by evidence of more people looking to move,” he added.

In the Netherlands, NL Times reported that first time buyers are more active on the Dutch housing market, particularly in major cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Eindhoven. According to data from the Kadaster, 206,500 homes were sold in 2024, up 13% from the previous year. “Investors selling properties, especially in larger cities, are providing opportunities for first-time buyers. These are often affordable homes in high demand,” said Kadaster in its quarterly housing report.

Behind the Badge

IAM goes behind the conference badge to learn some fun facts about some of the personalities that make up the IAM member community.

Sue Staszewski

?Name: Sue Staszewski – Member At Large, IAM Executive Committee

Company: National Van Lines

Favorite city? Paris.

Nickname your parents used to call you? Suzy Q.

Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving.

If you could travel back in time, what period would you go to? The 1920s!

Favorite ice cream flavor? Pistachio.

Do you believe in fate? Yes.

What's for dinner tonight? Salad with grilled chicken.

What’s something you could eat for a week straight? Salad with grilled chicken!

What's your favorite car? ‘76 Mustang.

Would you go to a movie alone? No.

For news: paper or digital? Digital.

What’s the most boring thing ever? Waiting for people to get off the plane ahead of my row.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Be kind-you never know what someone is going through.

IAM In Action

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Global Moving Foundation Welcomes Two New Board Members

The Global Moving Foundation (formerly the Alan F. Wohlstetter Scholarship Fund) is pleased to welcome Charnel Francis of Africa Mobility Services and Taylor Heideman of Move For Hunger to its Board of Directors. Angela DeConti , Director of the Global Moving Foundation, stated that increasing the board from nine to eleven members was a crucial step in the foundation’s rebranding and bylaw revisions, aligning with its expanded mission.

Terry Head, CAE, CMC, ACC , Chair of the Global Moving Foundation Board, shared his enthusiasm for the new additions: “I am excited to welcome Charnel and Taylor to the Board of Directors. Charnel’s international expertise will be instrumental in advancing our mission globally, while Taylor’s nonprofit experience will be invaluable as we expand the foundation’s impact. Both will play a crucial role in supporting our growing initiatives within the global moving community.”

?IAM Welcomes Vishal Agarwal to Core Members Management Board

Join us in welcoming Vishal Agarwal to IAM’s Core Members Management Board (CMMB) for the Middle East & Near Asia (Region 5)! As a key representative, he will help shape industry initiatives and strengthen our global network.?

Check out out post on LinkedIn and wish him well!

Member News

Johnson Celebrates 125 Years!

Leading United Van Lines agent, and IAMX Validated member, Johnson Storage & Moving Co. , is celebrating its 125th Anniversary in business.

In a social media post, 4th generation Chairman Mark Johnson highlighted that the company was founded in January 1900 at 221 Broadway in Denver, still the site of the United Van Lines agency. He recalled that on January 1, 1900, his predecessors were eating lunch on the second floor of the building which housed the Johnson Blacksmith shop, when they were interrupted by two Stanley Steamer automobiles outside. William Johnson saw that the cars were driven by two of his customers and realized that this was not good news for his financial future. The following day, he announced that he would diversify his business and start storing and transporting baggage and steamer trunks.

William Johnson prospered as a mover and was one of the founders of Allied Van Lines in 1928 with his two sons becoming founders of United Van Lines in 1947.

“I’m confident that the Founder and our earlier generations would be very proud of our US$120 million plus enterprise with 24 locations,” said Mark Johnson.

On the Move

Alfa Expands Leadership Roles

Leading Scandinavian relocation and moving services provider, Alfa Mobility , has announced that it has expanded the roles of leaders in Denmark and Sweden.

The Mover reported that Per Vallbo , currently Managing Director for Denmark will also serve as Managing Director for Norway, while the Managing Director in Sweden, Mats V Otterstedt , will also take on the leadership for Finland. Alfa said that the appointments will ensure a more aligned and efficient structure. Tuomo Lindholm , the former Managing Director for Finland will now take on the role COO Mobility with Mei Lee Marshall, leading Human Resources, Marketing & Communications.

"This is a natural progression for our Group Leadership team and a vital step in aligning our Nordic operations. By expanding Per’s and Mats’ roles, we strengthen collaboration and stability while enhancing our ability to deliver exceptional quality and customer satisfaction,” said Annika Roupé , Chief Executive Officer of Alfa Group Scandinavia.

Beltmann Announces Leadership Change

IAMX Validated member Beltmann Relocation Group has announced a leadership transition of its Executive Class Division that specializes in VIP and executive-level household goods relocations.

In a press release, Beltmann said that after 25 years as President of Executive Class, Matt Altieri , will take on the role of Executive Vice President, Corporate Relocation, and that Jamie (James) Tierney, CRP , who has served as Vice President and General Manager for the past year, would succeed him as President.

“Executive Class has been my focus for the past 25 years. Its exponential growth and success are owed entirely to the loyalty and talent of the incredible Executive Class staff and Beltmann Relocation Group. I am incredibly confident and happy to have Jamie Tierney assume the primary leadership role,” said Matt Altieri. Recognizing Altieri’s contribution, Beltmann Chief Executive Officer, Brett B. said, “Today, we honor an extraordinary leader whose vision and unwavering commitment have shaped Executive Class into the industry leader it is today. Matt’s transformative leadership and innovative spirit have left an indelible mark on this company.”

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