REPORT - Hiring Foreign National Students in the US Pg 13 - Paima Movers
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REPORT Issue 1, 2019 Hiring Foreign National Juan Peralta Ecology Are you ready to face the PAIMA at 35 Students in the US Pg 13 Award Pg 18 power of reviews? Pg 22 Pg 28 The Magazine of the Pan American International Movers Association
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©2017 Sud
Suddath
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Van
an Lines, Inc. U.S. DOT No. 29609 Fla. IIM
M No. 1411, Sentry Household Shipping, Inc. U
U.S. DOT No. 2465888 NVOCC 7434N FF 001124
24
Board of Directors
Lars Lemche
President.
Teamwork International Moving, Sao Paulo, Brazil
E: lars@teamworkintl.com.br REPORT Issue 1, 2019
Aida Robles Contents
Vice-President.
4 PAIMA President, Lars Lemche
Rodi Cargo, Puerto Rico
E: aida@rodicargo.com 4 Editor Steve Jordan’s letter
5 Aires awarded Highmark Health’s
Best Practice Award
5 Andy Roller joins the Stevens International team
George Naumann
5 New office for AMR in Taipei
Treasurer.
Swiss Moving Services, Zurich, Switzerland 6 INSSA to partner with The DeWitt Companies
E: george@swiss-moving-service.ch
to boost security
6 Wheaton Van Lines, Inc acquires Stevens
Worldwide Van Lines
7 Burke Bros brings smiles to El Chorrillo’s
Juan Carlos Ortiz footballing children
Director.
7 Top mobility firms combine to form Sterling Lexicon
Moving Systems SAC, Peru
E: juancarlos.ortiz@movisystems.com 8 Lance Allen joins Aires
8 Stevens International awarded FAIM Confirmation
of Quality Assurance certification
8 Rebecca Weiss joins Stevens International
Macarena Scalia
10 Removals and marketing: what is the relationship?
Secretary.
G Inter (USA) 13 Hiring Foreign National Students in the United
States
E: macarenascalia@gintermobility.com
14 Celebrating 33 years of moving people
15 Falling Australian house prices might increase
migration traffic
Matthias Tischer
16 One year later: 2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Director.
Carl Hartmann, Germany, 17 Singapore port trails Blockchain
E: m.tischer@carl-hartmann.de 18 Juan Peralta Ecology Award 2019
19 Myanmar Express International Moving Services
joins PAIMA
Roeland Delfgaauw 20 New Haven Moving Equipment becomes an
Director. Affiliate Member
Trafimar Relocation, Mexico, 21 ISO Standard for digital inventories
E: r.delfgaauw@trafimarrelo.com.mx 22 Are you ready to face the power of reviews?
23 Letter to the Editor
24 New PAIMA member in Argentina
25 PAIMA tonnage worldwide
26 Welcoming South Korea’s oldest international
moving company
28 PAIMA at 35
PAIMA Management/PAIMA Report 30 Premier Relocation: PAIMA’s new member
Antonio Tremols, Executive Director, in London
Pan American International Movers Association, 31 International pet health certificates: Air Animal
5201 Blue Lagoon Drive, 9th Floor, Miami, FL 33126, USA explains
T: +1 (954) 880 - 1085 F: +1 (786) 497 - 4017 33 PAIMA Members
E: paima@paimamovers.com www.paimamovers.com 34 PAIMA Regional Directors
Advertising Enquiries: paima@paimamovers.com
www.paimamovers.com 3
Letter from
the Editor
t was a long time ago: 1984. Back
I then you could buy a nice house in
the US for $85,000 and a gallon of
gas for a dollar.
While we were watching the Olympics in Los
Angeles, Magnum PI on TV, and listening to
Band Aid sing Do they know it’s Christmas?,
the space shuttle was making its maiden flight,
You will all soon receive more details Virgin Atlantic took to the air, the miners in the
Dear PAIMA Members,
UK were on strike and the good people of
about the convention and Chicago, the
We have just had our Board of Directors Ethiopia were starving. Meanwhile, a chap
Windy City. For sure we will have a huge called Jobs, launched a new type of computer
meeting in Miami, Florida and now I’m
cake waiting for you, since you are the called an Apple Mac.
sitting in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
main reason for our existence.
for the FIDI Conference. Time flies by. Were they the good old days? I don’t know. In
Make your reservations right away. many ways they were. Some of us made a
We have selected some great venues for profit at the end of the year and we had never
our convention in Chicago, Illinois. I’m Best regards, heard of Facebook or Twitter – which must be a
sure it will be another record breaking good thing. And, of course, PAIMA was born,
event, as this year we celebrate 35 years Lars Peter Lemche without which none of us would be where we
are today. It’s strange isn’t it, how a single
of great relationships, friendships, President – Board of Directors
decision can affect the lives of so many. For
networking and a wonderful family in
more about the PAIMA history over the last 35
our ‘Boutique Organization’. years, take a look at page 28.
Happy reading.
Steve Jordan, Editor
4 www.paimamovers.com
Andy Roller joins
the Stevens
International team
S
tevens International Forwarders has
announced the appointment of Andy
Roller as international pricing and
vendor supply chain manager. He will
develop pricing models for overseas
partners and corporate customers while
analyzing estimation costs for international
moves.
Aires awarded Highmark
Health’s Best Practice Award
ires in Pittsburgh has Central Region, John Casuccio.
A announced that the
company has earned
“The dedicated team at Aires that
serves the Highmark and Allegheny
Highmark Health’s Best Practice Health Network’s transferring
Area Performance award as a employees deserve all the credit for
mobility partner in recruiting. their focused advocacy and high-touch
The award was presented to urgency to make sure each move goes
Aires at a ceremony held in smoothly.”
Pittsburgh on January 17, 2019.
Highmark Heath’s executives noted
“We are proud to be recognized for Aires’ service, processes, and superior
our service excellence, and to receive account focus as key reasons for the
this award from a fellow Pittsburgh- award.
based company makes it even Andy Roller
Photo above: The Aires team in
sweeter,” said Aires Vice President,
Pittsburgh
Lisa Beranich, Managing Director of Stevens
New office for International Forwarders said, “We are excited to
welcome Andy, whose strong international operations
background will complement the extensive knowledge
AMR in Taipei and experience of our team.”
Andy brings over nine years of experience in the
MR International in
A Singapore has recently
opened a new office in
international moving industry and holds a FIDI
Essential in International Moving (EiM) certificate.
Taipei. This new facility is part of Before joining Stevens International, Andy served as
the company’s expansion plan to freight forwarder with Africa Trans and Graebel
strengthen its operational ability Movers International, Inc. He also acted as
throughout China, Hong Kong and international rates and tariffs analyst for Hilldrup
Taipei. The new office is footprint in Taipei, it can offer services in Companies, Inc and international relocation
managed by Jack Hsieh who has all major cities such as Beijing, coordinator with Paramount Transportation Systems,
been in the moving industry for Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Inc.
almost 30 years in the Taiwan Shanghai, Shenzhen and Taipei. The
market. AMR International company is now an active member of Away from work, Andy enjoys spending time with his
Relocation started business in IAM, PAIMA, BAR, ARA and World ERC. family, coaching his daughter’s soccer team and is a
April 2015. football fanatic!
Photo above: Allen Lu from AMR
The company says that now, with a International
www.paimamovers.com 5
INSSA to partner with The DeWitt
Companies to boost security
INSSA has established certifications for to the US military and State Department. The
security risk management professionals at the company will play an integral role in raising
country, regional, global and executive the profile of the certification program.
levels. The Association is also developing a Resources for this program also include
series of post-certification professional online education opportunities in topics such
development requirements and links to as safety and security risk management, duty
resources for retaining the highest level of of care, crisis management, business
certification reached by INSSA-certified continuity, contingency planning, and policy
members. These will be aligned with development.
internationally recognized standards to
ensure that once certification is achieved, it “Safety and security is top of mind for us so
is properly maintained and the concepts and teaming with INSSA to enhance its
skills of the certified individual are updated professional development program is a
appropriately. natural fit,” said John Burrows, President of
DeWitt Move Worldwide, one of five
John Burrows
“INSSA is grateful for The DeWitt companies in DeWitt’s integrated relocation
Companies’ generous support and we are services network. “It’s an honor to play a
he International NGO Safety and
T Security Association (INSSA), a
non-profit association committed
thrilled with this strategic alliance,” said
INSSA Chair Michael O’Neill. “Partnering
with DeWitt will give more security
part in building a knowledge bank to
enhance the lives of those who work in the
humanitarian aid and development sector.”
to improving the quality and managers the opportunity to enhance their Burrows also serves as CEO of DeWitt
effectiveness of safety and security professional development through Guam and is an Executive Committee
for humanitarian relief and certification as they serve the world’s most member for the International Association of
development assistance workers vulnerable populations in some of the most Movers.
operating in dangerous complex environments.”
environments around the world, has Photo Left: John Burrows introducing Dewitt
announced a partnership with The The DeWitt Companies, based in the US, as a new member of PAIMA at the 2018
DeWitt Companies to bolster its operates in more than 100 countries and conference
growing NGO Security Professional provides household goods moving services
Development Program.
Wheaton Van Lines,
Inc acquires Stevens
Worldwide Van Lines
n a move to expand the Wheaton
I Van Lines network, Wheaton has
acquired Stevens Worldwide Van
brands throughout the United States. This is
Lines. The new partnership will ''I think this partnership is a huge opportunity
Wheaton's third acquisition since 2012 when it
immediately expand the capacity and for all parties involved,'' said Morrie Stevens Sr,
acquired Bekins Van Lines and, a year later,
capabilities of the four brands under Stevens Van Lines’ Chairman of the Board and
Clark & Reid, making it the fourth largest van
the Wheaton group umbrella: CEO. ''Joining the Wheaton Van Lines network
line group in the country.
Wheaton World Wide Moving; Bekins gives all of the drivers and agents in the Stevens
Van Lines; Stevens Worldwide Van network more opportunities for growth. I'm ''Stevens and the agents in the Stevens network
Lines and Clark & Reid. particularly excited for our corporate clients that are a stellar fit for our growing company,'' said
will gain access to more capacity when they Mark Kirschner, CEO, Wheaton Van Lines. ''It's
The Stevens family will continue to own and need it the most. I've admired the Wheaton clear that our philosophies align and that we
operate Stevens International Forwarding and network for a long time. Wheaton has proven to both see this as an opportunity to bring more to
Focused Logistics. Their three local agencies will be a steady, stable, smart and consistent our drivers, agents and customers. I'm excited
continue to be agents of the Stevens Worldwide network that understands how to build upon the for our partnership moving forward.''
Van Lines brand in Saginaw, Michigan, as well success it's had for the past 74 years.''
as Toledo and Cleveland, Ohio and will
maintain a significant hauling fleet within the
new network. Wheaton will continue to operate all four of its
6 www.paimamovers.com
Burke Bros brings smiles
to El Chorrillo’s
footballing children
G
ary Burke, Managing Director of Wolverhampton-
based PAIMA member Burke Bros Moving Group
from the UK, brought smiles to the faces of children
in the El Chorrillo district of Panama City by presenting
Mike Brannigan
them with Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) football
jerseys.
Gary was fulfilling a promise made to the football-mad children in
2018 when he visited a local school and saw first-hand how the
Top mobility firms combine
‘beautiful game’ was helping to improve the lives of children in one
of the city’s most deprived areas. to form Sterling Lexicon
wo of the mobility industry’s most trusted leaders,
T
El Chorrillo is an area that has never fully recovered from the United
States invasion of Panama in the late 1980s and was widely known Lexicon Relocation and Sterling Mobility, have
historically for gangs, crime and social problems. It has improved in announced the launch of their new brand - Sterling
recent times through education, but to this day, the area is regarded Lexicon.
as the most run-down in Panama City and there’s a noticeable
In 2018, Lexicon Relocation acquired Sterling Mobility, expanding
presence of armed police. Tourists are now able to enter the area but
their combined global footprint and service offerings in the mobility
are advised only to do so with a local guide.
marketplace. After six months of integration, the companies have
After receiving their jerseys the youngsters couldn’t wait to don the rolled out as one unified, global brand. The integration of the two
Wolves kit and get a game underway. Since the 2018 World Cup companies will enable Sterling Lexicon to deliver end-to-end services
they have had a small artificial football pitch built in El Chorrillo and around the world for both private and corporate customers.
another is being created. The benefit of football and sport to the
Peter Sewell, Managing Director in Europe, the Middle East and
community is being increasingly valued by the Panamanians.
Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific (APAC) said, “Individually, Lexicon
El Chorrillo was the childhood home of a number of Panama’s and Sterling were highly regarded in the relocation industry, with a
national football team’s players and many have also achieved reputation for outstanding customer service. Together, we bring
an unparalleled level of care, expertise and attention to
relocating employees around the world.”
David Dance, President of the Americas for Sterling Lexicon
added, “Sterling Lexicon is demonstrating we can provide
expert consultation and strategic insights to our customers.
We believe we have the ingredients to provide the right mix of
solutions that empower and help businesses keep pace with
industry changes.”
Combined, Sterling Lexicon manages more than 25,000 global
relocations annually, drawing on the resources of 14 regional
offices and 1,000 supply chain partners, serving 180 countries
across the globe. The newly branded company is part of The
Suddath Companies which, in 2019, is celebrating 100 years
in business.
Mike Brannigan, CEO of The Suddath Companies said, “The
sporting greatness playing for top clubs around the world. new brand is all about creating a mobility experience that leads
Former local lads, Raul Jimenez, Diego Jota, Ruben Neves, to happy, productive people. Customers can now expect us to deliver
Mouthino, Patricio, Costa, and Caveleiro, now play in the UK for the seamlessly around the world while still providing local and regional
famous Wolverhampton club. expertise.”
Gary Burke said, “We have strong connections with Central South Mike continued, “Through our innovative technology, experienced
America and were, of course, delighted to be able to play a small employees and our breadth of services, we’ve carved out a unique
part in helping to encourage the youngsters of the area to pursue niche in the market.”
sport and football as a means of improving their opportunities as
For updates and more information about Sterling Lexicon,
they grow up and create a life away from the streets.”
please visit sterlinglexicon.com.
Picture above: Gary Burke with some of the ‘Wolves’ players.
www.paimamovers.com 7
Lance Allen joins Aires
ires in the USA has announced that alliances with clients, to developing successful
A Lance Allen, GMS, has joined the
company as general manager of
operations and management teams, to
successful business development and growth.”
the West Coast Region. In his role, Most recently, Lance was based in Hong Kong,
Lance will be responsible for the serving as the managing director for North
continued growth and development of Asia for a leading mobility firm. In that role, he
Aires’ business in the region. oversaw all business lines in the North Asia
Cluster, serving as a member of the senior
Lance has over 30 years of mobility industry
leadership team. He will directly apply his
experience having worked extensively in the
years of management experience in his new
United States, Asia, Africa, and the Middle
role with Aires.
East. He has worked for relocation
management, destination services, and “Being a service provider and partner with
household goods shipping companies over the Aires, I have admired the organization for Lance Allen
course of his career, specializing in strategic decades and now I have the opportunity to be
company development in key markets, client part of their team,” said Lance. “Aires is a true
relationship building, and team development. market leader in the mobility industry and I feel establishing CSR, ISO, and other relevant
honored to be joining such a strong and certifications for organizations throughout his
“We are excited to have Lance join Aires,” said
professional organization.” career. He has also served within several
Aires’ President Jeff Wangler. “His years of
industry organizations, including the Board of
experience will be a great asset to our company Lance received a bachelor’s degree in finance
Governors for the American Club and the Board
as we continue to expand and develop our from Indiana University and a Master
of Governors for FIDI-Asia (during which time he
West Coast presence. Lance brings the perfect of Business Administration from Pepperdine
also served as vice president and president).
mix of abilities to Aires, from building strategic University. He has been instrumental in
Stevens Rebecca Weiss
relocation team. She will be
responsible for coordinating
customer moves, overseeing
International joins Stevens evaluations for household goods
and tonnage reports, as well as
awarded FAIM International
assisting with billing and
insurance management.
Confirmation of “We are excited that Rebecca is joining
our team and anticipate the outstanding
support she will provide to her customers
Quality Assurance and colleagues alike,” said Lisa Beranich,
Managing Director of Stevens
certification International Forwarders. “Rebecca’s sales
background makes her the perfect fit for
this position – we look forward to her
tevens International Forwarders has
S been be awarded the FAIM
Confirmation of Quality Assurance
accomplishments as she succeeds with
Stevens.”
certification, a FIDI-endorsed program that Rebecca holds a bachelor’s degree in
recognizes professional moving companies history from the University of Colorado
meeting the highest standards in Boulder and served as consultative sales
international relocation operations. associate with Nordstrom prior to her
current role with Stevens International. She
The FAIM certification program requires moving
has also completed the International
companies to successfully pass an audit
Association of Movers (IAM) Mobility
assessment, which measures their comprehensive
Exchange program, which provides
policies and procedures for performing optimal, Rebecca Weiss
industry professionals with collaborative
international relocation services.
membership opportunities for expanding
S
tevens International their credentials on behalf of the
Lisa Beranich, Managing Director of Stevens said,
Forwarders from Fort Wayne, organizations they serve. Rebecca is
“We are thrilled to accept this certification
Indiana has announced the distinguished as being the first candidate
recognizing Stevens as a leading FIDI international
appointment of Rebecca Weiss as to successfully complete the program.
mover. This achievement represents how dedicated
Department of State (DOS1)
our international team is to providing outstanding
relocation coordinator to the
relocation support to our customers around the
organization’s government
world.”
8 www.paimamovers.com
Removals and
marketing: what
is the relationship?
Daniele Piani (pictured left), Marketing and New Media
Adviser at Bliss Corporation in Italy, offers some advice
on how to make your customer’s removal magical.
Such a perspective is wrong from the start. • There is a hidden enemy who must
Marketing means accompanying the absolutely be defeated (stress and the
customer from the beginning to the end of disasters caused by bad work)
the service to give him/her a magical • There is a helper who can greatly
experience. We like to define it as a WOW simplify his/her task (the mover)
experience. Those customers that just want • There are magical powers that make
rock-bottom prices and low-quality services, or all this happen (the service offered by
who want excessive compromises, are simply the removal company)
not our customers.
We should think about the removal as if it were
A removal can be looked at in two ways: as a a story. We are not the main characters but we
n this article I would like to look at time of great anxiety or as a beautiful journey help them throughout their journey. Every phase
I two words that don’t seem to be a
perfect match: marketing and
that will lead you from one place to another.
We decided to make this gift to our customers.
Here are three ways of transforming a
of their story may be facilitated by us in many
ways: through constant communication,
customized service, human contact and
(international) removals.
relocation into something more: empathy and the prompt resolution of
I really don’t know the situation in other problems.
countries, but the Italian removals market is a Know your customer
very fragmented one. There are innumerable At Bliss, we study and analyze our customers. This is how everything that is behind a service
companies with the same characteristics that We ask: What kind of demographic becomes a human relationship. This is what
practically offer the same things. The most used characteristics do they have? What questions really makes the difference. The human
(or abused?) phrases are: do they ask when choosing a service? What relationship, with customer satisfaction, is what
do they need? makes people say good things about us, not
• The lowest price on the market just the price, don’t you think?
Three simple questions that make a world of
• The removals specialists difference in understanding them and being
• The number 1 Use magic …
able to analyze them in the best possible way. Remember the magical powers I talked about
• Our experience dates back more Only by getting to know them well will it be
than 100 years previously? I am a great fan of two film series
possible to access the second phase, that is that became famous from the year 2000
These attributes are popular with customers. building a story around them. onwards: Harry Potter and The Lord of Rings.
Who wouldn’t want to save money on a Although both films were full of normal people -
The power of stories, we are the
removal service? Who wouldn’t want to choose the Muggles, as Harry Potter called them - who
creators
an expert? Who wouldn’t want to rely on those were the ones you remember more? The
An Italian book that really changed my way of
that have long experience in the market? But all wizards! Those who transformed the ordinary
marketing, entitled L’Officina del racconto
this is not enough, not any more. into the extraordinary. Isn’t it so?
(The Workshop of the Story) by Angelo
So how can the customer choose? All he would Marchese, describes in a vivid and clear Put that into the context of international
be thinking is: Is the price right? Will my things manner the power of stories. removals, and what makes more sense? Do
arrive at destination? Are we sure that this is just enough to get by, or leave one’s customers
Since the dawn of time, man was fascinated by
what motivates people when choosing a happily overwhelmed?
stories. The transformation of something
removal company? We live in a world of many inanimate into a story really captures those The next time you have to plan your future
– too many – choices. Why should the listening to you. Let’s put this into context: services, give it a thought.
customer choose you?
• There is a main character who must
A new way to look at marketing leave a place and go to another one
At Bliss, we don’t intend marketing to be a way (the customer)
of persuading people to purchase our service.
10 www.paimamovers.comSECURITY
scan to learn more
Did you know there is a hack every
39 seconds and that the estimated cost
of a breach is $15 million? Aires will keep
watch so you don’t have to.
®2019 American International Relocation Solutions, LLCHiring Foreign
National Students
in the United States
obby Bartle (pictured right), academic office. After working with the school, In addition to the H-1B route, another
B resident immigration attorney and
Director of Immigration and Legal
the student will apply for and obtain an
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) – a
temporary solution for a candidate might be
a STEM OPT extension. This option is available
Affairs at Aires, provides an overview document that states the validity of the to students who graduated with a STEM-related
of the process for hiring Foreign authorized work period in the US. By degree and have a job offer from an e-
National Students in the United States. presenting this EAD card, the student will be Verify enrolled employer. The extension is valid
able to commence work with any US employer. for a period of two years in addition to the
A common method of hiring foreign nationals
Remember, the initial OPT year is generally a initial OPT year (i.e., three years maximum).
in the US is via the recruitment of international
process completed by the student and their
students who are presently studying in the US This two-year extension is critical because, not
school officials; however, it will take the
or who have just completed their studies. only does it extend the time in which a student
employee about 90 days (approximately) to
When this occurs, there are practical and can be employed in the US after graduation,
receive the card from the date of application,
strategic considerations an employer must take but it also allows them to remain in the US and
so if the student has a pending work
into account from the outset. take two more ‘swings’ at the H-1B lottery.
opportunity then this timeframe should be
The first consideration is understanding how a considered. In summary, the critical element to consider
Foreign National Student can obtain work Once the company hires the international when hiring or recruiting foreign nationals on
authorization in the US through their student student then a plan can be implemented to US campuses is the long-term employment
status. Typically, this is done via a benefit consider the next steps in obtaining work plan. That is, will the job be filled temporarily,
extended to international students called authorization beyond the initial OPT time. or could it turn into potentially a permanent
Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows One typical longer-term strategy is applying and indefinite role? If the latter, an immigration
international students to work in the US in a for H-1B visa status via the lottery that occurs strategy should be mapped out from the outset
field related to their studies for up to 12 annually each April. If selected in the lottery, to make known the potential pitfalls,
months. Typically, this occurs at the end of the and upon successful adjudication of the opportunities, and costs.
student’s academic program; however, it can candidate’s H-1B petition, they will receive up Note: The information contained herein is for
also potentially occur during the course of to six years in H-1B status. This allotment of informational purposes only and should not be
study. time will allow the employer to then pursue construed as legal advice. Please consult
The OPT process is carried out jointly between green card options for the employee if it professional legal counsel with respect to any
the student and their school’s international desires to do so. particular issue or immigration matter.
www.paimamovers.com 13Celebrating 33 years
of moving people
his year, PM Relocations of recognize their latent talents, be it singing,
T Haryana, India completed 33
years in business. Since its
dancing, acting or stand-up acts, etc. which
act as a stress-buster and rejuvenate them to
opening on 7 February, 1986 the perform better on the professional front.”
company has grown and now serves
thousands of individuals, families and The party was held at the Head Office in
corporates across the globe. Gurgaon, Haryana. The party included soulful
singing, rocking dance, comedy and a series
In a recent communication Stuti Shukla, of fun-filled recitals by super-talented
Manager International Moving for the ‘PMRians’. This was followed by cake-cutting
company, said that the success of PM and taking a collective vow to continue
Relocations was, “The result of the selfless delivering impeccable service. Special guest
love, dedication, commitment and tireless of honor was the youngest member of the PMR
efforts of the team as a whole.” family, CEO Ms Aakanksha Bhargava’s 6-
month-old baby girl, Samaira. “She was the
Every year, on 7 February, the company belle of the ball, enchanting all of us with her
celebrates its togetherness and achievements innocent smile, carefree gaze and occasional
with a display of diverse cultural performances cheering,” said Stuti.
preceded by a grand lunch party. “Because,
we are a strong believer of the fact that work
and fun go hand in hand,” said Stuti. “The
objective of such celebrations is not just
recreation, but also to aid our teammates and
14 www.paimamovers.comFalling
Australian
house prices
might increase
migration
traffic The falls have been blamed on the tightening of
lending criteria and Torsten Slok, Deutsche
Bank’s Chief International Economist, has listed
the Australian housing market as one of the top
primary origin countries for migration to
Australia, as it is believed that many would-be
migrants paused their plans in the wake of the
Brexit vote in 2016 that significantly devalued
ouse prices in Australia have been 30 economic risks to look out for in 2019. Sterling in comparison to other world
H falling steadily since their peak in
2017. Overall, house prices have Members of the moving industry have not yet
reported an increase in migration traffic to
currencies.
Any easing of this situation, particularly if the
dropped by 4.8% in 2018 with Sydney
falling by 8.9%, in Melbourne by 7% Australia as a result of the property slump, value of Sterling rises when the outcome of
and by 4.7% in Perth. Sharp falls in however logic would argue that as the cost of Brexit negotiations becomes known, is likely
December would suggest that the rate buying a home reduces so the interest in to cause a renewal of interest in moving to
of decrease is accelerating. migrating should increase. This is likely to be Australia and good news for origin and
particularly pronounced in the UK, one of the destination agents alike.One year later: 2018
Aires in Pittsburgh explains the actions the company
took following the US Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that
came into force at the beginning of last year.
n December 22, 2017, President the industry and developed a conservative
O Trump signed the Tax Cuts and
Jobs Act - H.R.1 into law. Many of
approach to ensure our clients were
recording earnings appropriately. Kamryn Bohn
the provisions took effect on January
1, 2018 and are set to expire on We found that many of our clients also
December 31, 2025. The Act contains sought guidance from Aires regarding the
following impacts of the Act: support the business, stay competitive with
provisions that impact individuals and
mobile talent, and minimize disruption and
employers with both domestic and
• Increased individual assignment costs hardship for mobile employees. Initial
international cross-border relocations.
which were not budgeted from a assessments we helped our clients with
Implications are considered at the
business perspective. include:
individual level and for global
mobility programs as a whole. • Increased overall costs of mobility
programs offering tax assistance/tax • Revisiting cost estimates for assignments
The major component impacting mobility equalization due to gross-up factor in where moving expenses were incurred
programs and the relocation industry was the multiple jurisdictions. after December 31, 2017 and determine
repeal of the qualified moving expense • International assignments may not extent of additional costs.
deduction and moving expense reimbursement generate enough foreign tax credit to • Working with tax service providers to
exclusions. Previously, moving expenses were offset additional tax costs where other evaluate leveraging unused, excess
excluded from taxable wages. Under the Act, jurisdictions exempt these expenses from foreign tax credits.
these are now subject to federal income tax, taxation. • Determining cost impact of substituting
FICA/Medicare, FUTA, state and local • Mobile employees would not be furnished accommodations for large
reporting, and withholding. able to deduct moving expenses from household goods shipments. (A portion
personal taxes. of the furnished accommodations may be
In January 2018 there was uncertainty in the excludable under IRC Section 911).
relocation industry regarding how expenses We began working with our clients to explore • Determining cost impact of substituting a
that crossed tax years would be treated. ways to help mitigate these additional costs discretionary allowance for large
Aires consulted the top tax professionals in while also allowing them to make decisions to household goods shipments.
16 www.paimamovers.comIn September 2018, the IRS issued Notice a discard and donate program to help
2018-75 which provided guidance that if a minimize their employees’ shipments. In some
move occurred or started prior to 1/1/18 the cases, clients offered a small incentive in lieu of
expense could be treated as non-taxable under storage.
the previous law. Aires initiated full-year reviews
Despite the initial concerns, our clients
for all of our clients and sent corrections with
understood the importance of retaining key
the final payroll reporting. These corrections
mobility talent. By helping our clients implement
greatly assisted our clients by reducing earnings
adjustments that enabled them to be
to be reported and, where applicable, reduced
competitive, we collectively limited the exposure
their overall gross-up cost.
of the tax changes to the relocating employee.
The logistics of how to process additional gross-
Article written by Kamryn Bohn, Richard Loebig
ups were challenging due to that fact that some
and Bobby Mathew from Aires.
states did not conform to the Internal Revenue
Service code. Our clients began to realize that
their payroll systems defaulted to state tax
treatment consistent with the federal law for
Richard Loebig
relocation earnings reporting. Adjustments
were required to our payroll software to
account for states that did not treat
After analyzing the data and taking
household goods and final move
consideration of all options, most of our clients
travel as taxable.
decided to cover the additional tax costs of
Household Goods and Final Move Travel. We made enhancements to our
Although the relocation costs would increase, systems to produce adjustments that
our clients determined that corporate tax cuts would reduce state earnings as well
received from the Act would offset a majority of as the related state tax. We worked
the impact. Very few international assignment with many of our clients to produce
or tax equalization policies were updated, but payroll adjustments that would also help
where required, clients simply included an them save on gross-up costs.
addendum referencing the additional gross-up
on such items. A few clients considered adjusting their
programs by limiting shipment sizes or offering
Singapore port
trials Blockchain
he port of Singapore is planning Lam Pin Min, Singapore's Senior Minister of
T to digitalize documentation, such
as Ocean Bills of Lading (OBLs)
State for Transport and Health said: “These are
significant milestones in the development of
using Blockchain technology. digital solutions for the sector. We must find a
Blockchain is fast becoming recognized way for all these digital solutions and eco-
as ‘the next big thing’ in the digital systems to work together, only then can we
revolution that could see the end of achieve seamless digitization of trade -
traditional shipping documentation. documentation across the board.”
www.paimamovers.com 17Juan Peralta
Ecology Award
2019 ominations are now open for the
N Juan Peralta Ecology Award
2019 – could your company be a
winner? The competition is open to all
PAIMA members who can show that
they focus on the environment and
sustainability in their businesses.
The award is named after Juan
Peralta, a Cuban immigrant to the
USA. He worked extensively in the
moving industry and developed a
keen interest in ecology and the
recycling of natural resources.
There are still plenty of people who will deny
that global warming is anything to do with
humans. They argue that the earth warms and
cools in cycles and this is just another one of
them. They may be right of course, let’s hope ensure that our planet remains habitable for to build environmentally-friendly methods into
they are. But if they are wrong, are we happy all species, for as long as possible. every aspect of its business. This included
to be the generation that recognized it, stood planting trees to absorb CO2, car pooling,
by and did nothing? And looking at it Last year the award was given to Orient teaching defensive driving skills, the use of
logically, if the Earth was in balance before we International Relocations of Nepal. The dual fuel vehicles, reusing packing materials,
all started taking coal, oil and gas from within company had recycled around 15,000 and the use of electronic documents where
and setting fire to it, how can it possibly still be cartons during the previous year and even possible.
in balance now? However you look at it, we had a manufacturing plant for making boxes
all need to do what we can to minimize the from recycled paper, sugar cane waste and So, what does your company do to help the
effect of our actions. rice and wheat husks. By not bleaching the environment? If you feel that you have the
boxes, it had significantly reduced water and environment at heart in what you do, let
That is what the Juan Peralta award celebrates. power usage. PAIMA know and maybe, in 2019, you could
It is awarded to the company that can be a winner too.
demonstrate that it has done the most to In 2017 the award went to Boonma Moving &
minimize the damage to the environment from Storage Company in Bangkok. The company Applications must be received at the
its actions and, in its own modest way, help had introduced its ‘Go Green Moving’ concept PAIMA office by 31 August, 2019.
18 www.paimamovers.comMyanmar Express
International Moving
Services joins PAIMA
yanmar Express International handling domestic and international moves, We are very proud to create history in this
M Moving Services based in Yangon
has become the second company
worldwide air and sea freight forwarding, full
relocation services, customs clearance and
golden land of Myanmar.”
Myanmar Express International Moving Services
in Myanmar to join the PAIMA network. warehouse facilities.
The long-established moving and is also a member of the International Association
During its 55 years of operation the company of Movers (IAM), Myanmar International Freight
relocation company was founded 55
has developed many strategic partnerships with Forwarding Association (MIFFA), the Asian
years ago and is now in its third
other international freight specialists and Kyaw Relocation Association (ARA), EUROVAN and
generation of family ownership.
Min Lwin and his team are now looking forward DSP Relocation Singapore.
The company’s managing director Kyaw Min to expanding their international network by
Lwin now handles the day-to-day running of the establishing new business relationships with other www.myanmarexpressmoving.com
business working alongside his father Hla Shwe, PAIMA members around the world.
Picture below: The team at Myanmar Express
who remains President/CEO. Myanmar Express International Moving Services
Kyaw Min Lwin said, “As one of the most
has a team of 30 experienced personnel
experienced moving companies in Myanmar, we
are bound by our own perspectives, set in our
own modern ways of moving and transport.
As one of the most
experienced moving
companies in Myanmar,
... we are very proud to
create history in this
golden land of Myanmar.
Kyaw Lin Mwin
Managing Director,
Myanmar Express International
Moving Services
www.paimamovers.com 19New Haven
Moving Equipment
becomes an
Affiliate Member
ew Haven Moving Equipment The company employs 150 people and has may save them money. For example, in
N has joined the PAIMA network
as an Affiliate Member. The
fifteen depots throughout the United States
offering over 5,000 high-quality product
recent years we have increased our focus
on corrugated packaging and the volumes
US-based company was founded in lines, most of which are available for next- and range we handle means our customers
1911 by David H. Lavine and is day delivery within the US through New can often obtain items that are not
now owned and managed by his Haven’s online store. available locally and also benefit from
grandsons, James, Roger and Larry lower prices.”
having taken over the reins from As well as serving its many customers in
their late father Paul. the US, New Haven also supplies products www.newhaven-usa.com
internationally and has established strong
New Haven’s distinctive logo - a silhouette business relationships with customers Pictured above: Roger, James and
of HMS Dreadnought - came about as a across Central and Latin America, the Larry Lavine
result of David’s military service in Europe Caribbean, Europe and many other
during WW1. He was moved by the sight countries across the globe. Customers can
of the ship and decided that if he survived also place orders or obtain product advice “Joining PAIMA is a
the war, he would develop his then small
textile business into something more
by e-mail or by phoning one of its US
depots.
perfect fit for our company
substantial and lasting. He vowed that
everything the company sold or New Haven’s President, Larry Lavine said:
and will help us develop
manufactured must be done with the same
pride and integrity symbolized by the
”Joining PAIMA is a perfect fit for our
company and will help us develop new
new business partners
Dreadnought and the soldiers he served business partners throughout the world. We throughout the world ...”
with. That same principal remains at the are very willing to work with PAIMA
heart of New Haven’s business activities members to review the products they are Larry Lavine
today. currently using and suggest alternatives that President, New Haven
20 www.paimamovers.comISO Standard for
digital inventories
here is now an agreed Standard During the presentation Erik and Taavi If adopted as the industry Standard worldwide
T for digital inventories, developed
by IAM (International Association
highlighted the benefits of a common format for
digital inventories. They explained that
it will make a significant contribution to
improving the efficiency of the entire industry.
of Movers) and available for the recording inventories digitally eliminated It is likely, however, that software suppliers will
whole international moving industry human error and prevented mistakes owing to be reluctant to make a change initially. If,
to use. If adopted universally, the new bad writing, language difficulties or smudging. however, enough of their customers insist that
Standard will help to remove The information could easily be shared they adopt the Standard they will have little
confusion over terms on inventories, between customers, assignees, movers, agents, choice but to comply. For once, it appears,
ensure that exceptions are correctly customs, shipping lines, RMCs, auditors and movers are in the driving seat.
recorded and help to prevent insurance companies, avoiding confusion and
potentially fraudulent claims on making the whole process faster and much Photo below: Erik Pettersson and Taavi Suorsa
insurance policies. more accurate. It was also possible to track from Scan2Move presenting in Washington,
individual items so that, if they were missing, it DC.
The Standard for the numeric coding of would be possible to identify at what point they
inventories is ISO 17451-1:2016 and was first were lost.
presented to the industry by IAM in
Washington, DC last year. Erik Pettersson and To comply with the Standard it is not necessary
Taavi Suorsa from Scan2Move have also been to switch software supplier, merely to request
closely involved in its development and were, that a supplier maps its existing system to the
at that time, the only software company to have new Standard. In doing so they will help to
adopted the ISO Standard. smooth the entire data collection and
management process.
www.paimamovers.com 21Are you ready
to face the power
of reviews?
Jessica van Muijlwijk (pictured right), from
Sirelo (part of TriGlobal), offers five tips to help
you get the best out of your online reviews.
hen was the last time you I work with moving reviews every day and Most people think that limiting review-invites to
W booked a hotel without first
checking the reviews? We all
have seen so many companies benefit from an
interaction with reviews. My personal advice:
only ‘satisfied’ customers is the best way to go.
On the contrary, this will limit your page more
read reviews, every consumer does, incorporate reviews as part of your daily than you know. When every single customer is
especially when it comes to booking a operation. This exposure will help grow your asked to leave a review, you’ll constantly be
move. Research shows that 90% of business and gain trust from your potential receiving new reviews, which keeps your
consumers read online reviews before customers. profile relevant. The more reviews, the stronger
considering a business. Reviews have and more transparent your online persona and
the power to grow or hinder your Here are 5 tips to get the best out of your profile will become. This will also ensure your
business, and the one person who has reviews: page ranks higher on the platform and your
the biggest influence on how your • Ask every single customer to company becomes more visible to the online
company appears online, is you. write a review about your customer.
business
22 www.paimamovers.com• Respond to every review • Have reviews on more than one Reviews have the power to not only influence
53% of customers expect a reply to their online platform tomorrow’s customer, but also help companies
review within a week, so don’t leave them We all have to start somewhere, but remember learn about their business and increase their
hanging. Even if it’s just a simple ‘thank you’, to grow your feedback loops on multiple online presence. Reviews are an essential
make sure to respond to each review. Not only platforms and social media channels. This not component of doing business in this day and
is your reply ‘on show’ to the next prospective only helps increase your online presence, but it age and you have the power to influence how
customer, it also allows you to share your part shows you’re willing and open to receive this goes. More than 88% of consumers trust
of the story in the case of a negative review. feedback. In other words: if you believe you online reviews as much as a personal
deliver a good service for which your recommendation. So, what are you waiting
When replying to a negative review ensure to customers are mostly satisfied; why not let them for?
explain yourself in a way that shows share their experience online?
professionalism and vulnerability as this will For more tips, or to know more about
almost always lower the impact of such a Confining reviews to just one place (or even Sirelo.org please don’t hesitate to
review. Research shows that potential worse, not having online reviews at all), makes contact me on reviews@sirelo.org.
customers are more likely to trust a moving consumers beg the question as to why this is?
company that admits to fault, and handles the A company that is afraid of receiving reviews Bio
error with professionalism, rather than a must be hiding something, right? Don’t be Jessica van Muijlwijk is consumer interactions
moving company with a perfect review score. afraid to put yourself out there as that’s what manager for Sirelo, which is part of TriGlobal.
consumers expect nowadays. She has worked with TriGlobal for three years
• Negative reviews are a way to and has managed reviews since Sirelo’s
learn and improve • Save money – use free review launch two years ago.
Negative is the new positive. A negative platforms
review can be painful to receive, there is no There is nothing wrong with paid review
shame in that. However, without feedback, we platforms such as Trustpilot and Reviews.co.uk
can’t learn. Make the most of the situation and except that you have to pay of course. Many
ask yourself what can be learned from this professionals don’t realise that free and
experience? You may end up thanking that industry-specific options exist. Social media
customer in years to come for improving your and Google are well known for offering a free
service or helping you to avoid a negative service, but more recently, specialized moving-
review in the future. industry platforms have also joined the mix,
such as Sirelo.org and Mymovingreviews.com.
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www.paimamovers.com 23New PAIMA member
in Argentina
eygi Moving & Relocation has
N become the latest company in
Argentina to join the PAIMA
During the last five years Jorge
and his sons have formed a
network. The Buenos Aires-based team of highly trained people
company was founded in 2014 by its who are experts in every
present CEO Jorge Reguera Azcuenaga aspect of the international
and his two sons Manuel and Matias moving business from
(pictured right). relocation services to packing,
delivery and dealing with
Jorge is no stranger to the international
customs procedures, visas and
relocation industry having previously worked
immigration. As a relatively
for a number of leading companies during the
small family business the
past 30 years, fifteen of them with Crown
emphasis is always on personal
Relocations where he was latterly country
attention, professional ethics, and
manager for Argentina. When Crown closed
a high-level of communication
its Latino America offices in 2014 Jorge
throughout the move.
recognized an opportunity and started Neygi
Moving. “I have long admired PAIMA as a very strong
Neygi Moving & Relocation is also a member
organization and we are all excited to now be
Jorge said, “I believed it was time to start my of the International Association of Movers
a part of it,” said Jorge. “We are looking
own business that my sons could also share in. (IAM), Asian Relocation Association (ARA) and
forward to working closely with other PAIMA
I’d had lots of experience helping others with EUROMOVERS.
members to develop our company and help
start ups during my time at Crown, I had good
others do business in Argentina.” www.neygimoving.com
contacts throughout the world and most of all, I
knew how to do business in Argentina.”Total Booked
PAIMA tonnage worldwide 1,086
Total Booked Tonnage
The following table shows the tonnage exchanged between PAIMA
members as of 14 March, 2019 4,729,494
TONNAGE REPORT
Company Total Booked Booked Tonnage Company Total Booked Booked Tonnage
AIRES, Pittsburgh, USA 142 545,379 EXPRESS TRANSPORTS, S. A. Lima, Peru 7 50,837
DEWITT MOVE WORLDWIDE, AMR INTERNATIONAL RELOCATION,
San Diego, USA 91 410,951 Shanghai, China 15 48,678
CARL HARTMANN GMBH & CO KG, CONROY REMOVALS LTD.,
Bremen D-28195, Germany 72 407,848 Napier, New Zealand 8 46,480
G-INTER TRANSPORTES LTDA , MULTI TRANSPORTES MEX, S.A. DE C.V.,
Barueri / São Paulo, Brazil 51 228,930 Mexico City, Mexico 10 44,838
RODI CARGO INTERNATIONAL, Miami, USA 45 225,458 MUDANZAS GOU, S. A. DE C. V.,
SWISS MOVING SERVICE AG, Azcapotzalco, Mexico 10 41,113
8952 Schlieren Zurich, Switzerland 27 174,312 FRIEDRICH KURZ GmbH,
STEVENS INTERNATIONAL, Fort Wayne, USA 47 169,101 35578 Wetzlar, Germany 7 40,097
EXPRESS INTERNATIONAL GROUP, BALBOA MOVERS, INC.,
Cairo, Egypt 11 157,456 Panama City, Panama 10 37,647
GLOBAL MOVING AND SHIPPING BV, EUROPEAN REMOVAL & STORAGE CO.,
Vught, Netherlands 52 156,453 Taastrup, Denmark 8 36,423
MOVING SYSTEMS S.A.C., Lima 1, Peru 24 140,782 DEMECO SAS, Vincennes, France 15 34,894
AUTOTRANSPORTES INTERNACIONALES EUROPEAN RELOCATION SERVICES,
S DE R. L. DE C.V, Mexico City, Mexico 23 130,616 Marseille, France 9 33,771
MAGNA THOMPSON INTL MOVERS LTD, CIME, Tlalnepantla, Mexico 2 30,890
Johannesburg, South Africa 17 110,355
BLISS MOVING & LOGISTICS SRL,
MUDANZAS INTL GLOBAL, C.A., Rome, Italy 15 29,913
Caracas, Venezuela 51 107,322
SMART RELOCATORS PTE LTD,
MERCOVAN ARGENTINA SRL, Singapore, Singapore 6 22,706
Buenos Aires CP 1429, Argentina 19 99,061
EDELWEISS SPEDITION,
WICKMAN WORLDWIDE SERVICES, INC., Martinez, Argentina 4 20,700
Fishers, USA 15 93,730
MASSTRANS FREIGHT L.L.C., DUBAI, UAE 3 19,422
TEAMWORK INTL. MOVING,
Osasco – São Paulo – CEP , Brazil 23 88,462 BOONMA MOVING & STORAGE CO LTD.,
Bangkok, Thailand 10 17,010
UNIPACK GLOBAL RELOCATION,
Carlsbad, USA 28 85,563 MYANMAR EXPRESS INTERNATIONAL
SWISS GLOBAL MOVERS, MOVING SERVICES CO., LTD.,
Guatemala City, Guatemala 27 81,494 Yangoon, Myanmar 5 16,482
GALLEON INT. SHIPPING CO. LTD, MUDINMAR, Valencia, Spain 1 13,007
Aveley Essey, United Kingdom 16 78,759 GLOBAL INTERNATIONAL RELOCATION,
HUMBOLDT INTERNATIONAL, Sintra, Portugal 4 12,793
Boston (Canton), USA 18 75,474 PIONEER MOVERS SDN BHD,
GERSON & GREY TRANSPORTES LTDA., Kuala Lampur, Malaysia 6 11,296
Sao Paulo, Brazil 14 74,295 GLOBAL MOVING & STORAGE LTD,
NFB INTERNATIONAL RELOCATIONS AS, Yangon, Myanmar 5 9,530
1351 Rud (Oslo), Norway 27 70,039 ABC MUDANZAS S.A., San Jose, Costa Rica 2 8,967
MUDANZAS INTERNATIONAL., MEXPACK INTERNATIONAL REMOVALS,
Tegucigalpa, Honduras 17 68,005 Mexico City, Mexico 1 8,481
BURKE BROS MOVING GROUP LTD., A-CROSS CORPORATION, Tokyo, Japan 7 6,967
Wolverhampton, United Kingdom 8 64,014
PREMIER RELOCATION LTD, Sutton, UK 1 5,825
GLOBAL PACKING INTERNATIONAL
MOVERS LTDA, Rio de Janiero, Brazil 20 58,276 SERVILE RELOCATIONS PVT LTD., Mumbai, India 6 5,773
MORENO INTL., S.A. DE C.V., CLINTUS NETWORK LIMITED, New Delhi, India 1 4,806
Monterrey, Mexico 3 55,608 SANCALSA INTL SERVICES,
CONOTE SERVICES LIMITED, Nigeria 7 55,354 San Pablo Xalpa, Mexico 2 2,700
JJ MARI INTERNATIONAL MOVERS, ROYAL RELOCATIONS MALAYSIA,
Caracas, Venezuela 10 53,873 Selangor, Malaysia 1 1,342
www.paimamovers.com 25You can also read
