Since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the National Council of Moving Associations (NCMA) has held a biweekly Zoom call to discuss industry and association issues and business for the betterment of our members. For the last several years it has been my privilege to serve as chair for this group, made up of the executive leadership of North American moving and storage associations (State Associations, ATA – MSC, IAM, and CAM) and other interested parties.

In a recent meeting, the question was asked about the use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) by moving crews this summer and beyond. The answer regarding need is nuanced and subject to change on a case-by-case basis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently released new federal guidelines (May 16, 2021) for fully vaccinated individuals. Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.

Several states are announcing a return to some sense of pre-pandemic rules. See the May 2021 Communicator for the article on California’s pandemic recovery with a full reopening to its economy set for June 15. Others seem not so quick to ease restrictions related to the pandemic, in particular the United States Military (see advisory below):

USTRANSCOM Personal Property Advisory #21-0075
Date: 24 May 2021
Subject: Health Protection Protocols – Update to Mask Wearing Guidance

1. The mask guidance previously established as part of the 2020 Health Protection Protocols remains unchanged as DOD continues to review the implication of the revised CDC Mask Wear guidance.

Our perspective is that PPE may be an issue, at least for some, well into the year and potentially for some customers into the future. Individuals’ perspective on the Pandemic and PPE covers the entire spectrum of emotion and education. As members of the service industry, we will need to have understanding and awareness of the wants of our customers and provide the products and services that they demand, taking into consideration that those demands can come with a cost.

On several occasions we have been asked for documentation that verifies that crews do not need to wear PPE. When asked why, we have been told that a customer wants movers to wear PPE and they are trying to explain why they do not have to comply. It has always seemed a more successful business approach to give the customer what they want and charge a premium for it.

The summer is upon us and most have been running at capacity for a lot longer than usual. Please remember to emphasize safe operation best practices with your crews. The roads are once again filling up to pre-pandemic levels and many young people are outside again enjoying the summer.

June 2021 - CMSA Communicator