The President's Column

by Steve Weitekamp

January 2016

Welcome to 2016! We are starting the second half of the second decade of the 21st Century. A lot has changed in the first 15 years and we can expect the pace of change to only increase. We have been told that we need to be nimble and accept that lifelong learning will be a requirement to succeed in our work and world. While we can appreciate and accept this reality, it can still catch us by surprise. Even just a couple of years ago, who would have imagined that a limit on the number of times you click on a website in an hour (a new regulation on military short fuse shipment booking limiting clicks per hour) would be an issue in the moving industry.
Our December column reviewed the comments that CMSA filed in the Federal Register expressing our members concerns with an SDDC proposed pilot Channeling Volume Move program. Since our last issue SDDC has postponed implementation of this program. Their recent Advisory included the following statement.

“Due to ongoing evaluation of Federal Register Notice comments and assessment of the
overall impact to the Defense Personal Property Program (DP3), the HHG Channeling Pilot
will not begin in Spring CY16; further execution and associated timing decisions have not
been made at this time. We will continue to re-evaluate the CONOPS and will collaborate
with industry on any future HHG initiatives.”

We will face many challenges in the years ahead, some known and others yet to be revealed. Regulatory issues are an area that requires the constant vigilance and a strong advocacy in support of reasonable implementation for legitimate businesses that can best be provided by an industry Association. Our Association has long been a supporter of a system of safety and rule regulations that protects consumers and carriers alike.
The next five months are an active time for your Association. There are many opportunities to participate in upcoming Chapter meetings and fundraising events leading up to our 98th annual convention May 10–15 at the beautiful Resort at Squaw Creek in Olympic Valley, CA. I would encourage you to register now and be a part of what is certain to be an educational and fun filled annual meeting of the California Moving and Storage Association.

January 2016 - CMSA Communicator