S P E C I A L F E ATURE TRADE BODY CONSOLIDATION US consolidation has implications for the industrys membership bodies, too. At the end of 2020, the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA), which represents more than 3,000 members, joined the American Trucking Associations (ATA) as the Moving & Storage Conference. The move saw AMSA incorporated as ATAs newly established Moving & Storing Conference to highlight moving and storage issues. This trend will affect other membership organisations, including FIDI. There are large surpluses of shipping containers in some ports and shortages at others, as usual trade flows have become unbalanced reduced crew sizes, and the increased and flexible planning now required. PEOPLE FIRST The safety of customers and staff is more important than ever, and movers will be expected to demonstrate that they have put provision in place throughout the process. The report suggests that, as the result of COVID-19, health and safety has become the ultimate differentiator for customers choosing their moving partners. Ongoing downward pressure on prices may not be at an end; however, the pandemic has certainly renewed the emphasis on quality in the delivery of services. FREIGHT FLOWS With international air travel at a fraction of its usual levels, freight capacity on flights has also fallen. This has increased reliance on commercial freight providers and increased costs. Meanwhile, a global imbalance in the flows of shipping containers because of lockdowns across the world means there are huge surpluses in some ports and dire shortages in others. The upshot is ongoing delays and escalating costs. The higher prices for logistics have had to be shouldered by movers and their customers alike, with COVID supplements being one industry suggestion made to cover them. Open communications with customers in this process are extremely important, so that all parties understand the reasons behind higher tariffs. INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYMENT The crisis has made many international businesses look again at their employee relocation programmes, in the light of saving costs and the reluctance of some to travel. Some have shifted to less complicated Change in number of assignments by type (compared with pre-pandemic plans) Next three years Long-term Short-term International commuter Permanent transfers FIDI 2020/21 STATE OF THE INDUSTRY REPORT Extended business trips January 2021 Virtual Developmental Split-family 80% FIDI will release a State of the Industry report once every year 26 FF301 Q2 21 pp24-27 Feature Report.indd 26 Decrease 60% 40% 20% 0% 0% Source: ECA International report on COVID-19 impact, August, 2020 20% 40% 60% 80% Increase WW W. F I D I FOC U S . OR G 09/03/2021 14:44