When the boys (and girls) of summer are gone

As Don Henley would say, ” I feel it in the air, the summer’s out of reach Empty lake, empty streets, the sun goes down alone.”

Moving companies across the nation are starting to wrap up another busy summer. The summer of 2013 will prove to be one of the best and challenging in memory. So why was THIS summer so different?  3 main reasons:

1) Home sellers are making a few bucks at closing so they’re investing in professional movers.

2) Corporate relocation is booming again as companies scramble to hire the best of best. Human Resource departments are beefing up offers which include perks like relocation services.

3) The US government, (DOD, GSA) continues to relocate thousands of families during the summer months.

In addition to the strong volume in 2013, movers had to deal with new regulatory issues form the DOT and FMCSA. The NEW rules include On Board Electronic Recorders and new HOS laws that limit the hours a driver can work and drive.

There is no debate that the new regulations will make the industry safer. However it will take a few summers to get used to the new normal.

The Hours of Service of Drivers Final Rule [Download PDF Version] was published in the Federal Register on December 27, 2011. The effective date of the Final Rule was February 27, 2012, and the compliance date of remaining  provisions was July 1, 2013.

SO…..as the dust settles on another moving peak season movers around the globe will say THANK YOU to all the customers, service providers and vendors that made 2013 one of the best in years.