What’s Happening in the Household Goods Arena?

Conversation Highlights

Following are talking points that reflect what was discussed during the one-hour session:

• Tracy Cole, General Manager, Arpin International Group on working with clients and relocating families during this challenging time: “Setting proper expectations, educating our clients and the transferring families is for us, always key, and in this environment, it’s more important (and more challenging) than ever to do that. For our transferring families, we’re having more consistent, more thorough, more in-depth conversations about what their experiences are going to look like. The good news is there’s finally light at the end of the tunnel, we’re starting to see increased capacity in certain markets, and I think that will continue to improve.”

• Derek Duffy, President, Armstrong Moving: “Lead times are critical success factors. The more advanced notice we receive, the better chance we have of getting it right. We understand corporate mobility teams will receive last-minute requests for moves. However, longer lead times enable us to assess our resources, plan and execute. That being said, we understand the nature of the mobility business and the need to be flexible.”

• Ryan McConnell, Vice President, Strategic Planning Atlas Van Lines, on a key challenge being experienced in the U.S. household goods industry: “The U.S. Domestic [supply chain] has been threaded into the global perspective, which we didn’t have before. It was really easy to go across the border to Canada and come back. It’s much more difficult now.”

• David Marx, President, New World Van Lines, New World International on how to maximize efficiency: “ Today, visual surveys have transitioned into virtual surveys. The virtual capability not only improves the customer experience but yields a more accurate estimate by providing a reviewable visual of the goods. As our industry continues to evolve, we will continue to look for ways to better serve the customer and create efficiencies.”

• Derek Duffy: “I believe that 2022 will offer us more predictability and stability… there’s a lot to be hopeful for."