EVENTS  |  JOIN  |  SPONSORSHIP  |  DIRECTORY

Inside

President’s Message

Deadline Looming
Get on board for Kingston 2025

CAM News

Supplier Spotlight

AI The Future

CAM Education

Leadership
The Benefits of Employee Development

ICYMI

CAM Chairman Mike Kolberg is going to Kingston!

President’s Message

Estimating is about being certain about how much weight it is, which will help you know how much room it takes up in a truck, and how many people will be needed to do the job efficiently.  It's about observing, asking the right questions, and getting an accurate picture that you can relay to your coworkers.  We’ve all heard the phrase, “Happy wife, happy life.”  In our business it’s "Happy driver, happy everybody!"  I can’t overemphasize the importance of a well-planned move, where every detail is considered to ensure a smooth process for all involved.

I knew nothing about estimating – or the moving business for that matter – when I was sent to a house to observe a salesperson estimate a senior military member’s household on my first day, the last Monday in June 2005, twenty years ago.  Talk about a deer in the headlights. I had no idea what 23,000 lbs meant, and the 2” thick government handbook? Forget it!

Those first few weeks were filled with mistakes - forgetting about drawer contents, overlooking attics and crawl spaces, and misunderstanding customer plans.  Each error was a learning opportunity, and I improved through practice and feedback from crews and drivers.  I would often head into the dispatch office and ask how I could communicate better after each mistake.  Back then, we worked with clipboards and paper, so making jot notes or sketches helped. However, I believe it's even easier and more convenient now with digital tools.

In the last 20 years, our industry has seen significant changes, particularly in paperwork and communication. We've moved from clipboards and seven layers of carbon paper to digital methods that are more efficient and accessible.This shift has made accurate estimating easier and more convenient than ever before.

Many complaints in the moving industry can be traced back to poor estimates.  With today's technology, there's no excuse for not providing accurate quotes and essential operational details before loading. This is why continuous learning and adaptation are crucial in our field.

To help industry professionals improve their skills, CAM is offering two free webinars.  The first on Thursday, "A Beginner's Guide to Estimating," is perfect for new estimators and anyone handling customer inquiries about costs.  Peter McCullough provides a ground-floor look at how to assess a room by cube, weight, and hours.  The second webinar on Monday, "Moving Technology Landscape: What is Out There to Digitalize Your Business," led by Ramiro Quiros, explores the latest moving software solutions.  I'm particularly interested in this one, as it will guide us through the various tools available to enhance our business operations.

Registration for both webinars is free and remains open until they start at 1 pm Eastern, and we'd love to see you there.

CAM Webinar - A Beginner's Guide to Estimating

When:  Thursday, April 10, 2025 1:00 PM (ET)

Cost:  Free to CAM members, $30 for non-members

A timely webinar for moving coordinators and estimators looking to understand and master the art of household goods surveying. This webinar will cover the key methods—cubic feet, weight, and hours —while providing essential tips on conversions and accurate planning. Whether you're new to the industry or refining your skills, this webinar will help you create reliable estimates with confidence.

To register, click here.

CAM Webinar - Moving Technology Landscape: What is Out There to Digitalize Your Business

When:  Monday, April 14, 2025 1:00 PM (ET)
Cost:  Free to CAM members, $30 for non-members

In this session, Ramiro Quiros of MovingTech.ai will guide you through the latest off the-shelf software solutions designed specifically for the moving industry.  Learn about the different types of software - from scheduling and logistics to customer management - and understand how these solutions can help you embark on your digital transformation journey.  Gain practical insights into evaluating, selecting, and integrating these tools to streamline your business processes and drive efficiency.  Learn how these solutions work, what to look for when deciding on one, and how to onboard them.

To register, click here.

CAM Quickie Survey – Green Initiatives

Our second April newsletter falls on April 22nd coinciding with Earth Day. We have 6 quick questions to ask you about your company’s best practices around green initiatives. We’d love to hear from you! One lucky survey responder will receive a $50 gift card.  Deadline to enter is April 11th. Click here to link to our short survey.

WE Accelerate Project – Summer Student Opportunity

CAM has been in a conversation with the University of Waterloo about their WE Accelerate Program.  This is a great opportunity if you are interested in having some business analysis done for your company.  Their submission deadline is April 17th, 2025. Here’s their short program description…

Are you looking to find efficiencies in your business, gain insights about your customers, or increase resiliency during uncertain times? The University of Waterloo’s WE Accelerate program is the no-cost solution to engage with a team of six students on an actual project from your business for five weeks this summer. 

We are seeking industry partners for the Data Driven Solutions stream, which equips students to use tools like Power BI to analyze data, create visualizations, and propose solutions to your organizational challenges. If you have a problem that can be resolved with data, either book a meeting or email our team today.

Sunday, November 16th - Tuesday, November 18th

#CAM2024 in Mississauga smashed previous participation records, with 146 movers and suppliers taking in all or part of the action.  And there was lots of that… from the super fun Grey Cup Tailgate Party (with footballs flying everywhere), to all the presentations, to the excitement around the Super Stocking and Elf Sack, to the wonderful CAM Awards dinner where we celebrated eight individuals and moving companies who have shone in our industry.  Never been to our conference?  No worries, we had 57 first-timers join us in 2024. Here are just a few of the reviews:

"Fun, entertaining, engaging and an overall great experience.”
"The speakers were great and the vibe was amazing!"
“An incredible 3 days making friends, reconnecting with movers and learning from them.”

The 4 Building Blocks of a CAM Conference

learn.
We always strive to provide a lineup of quality speakers and topics, and 2025 will be no different! Presentations will all be about protection. Protecting your business, your reputation, your margins and your drivers.  And back, by popular demand... the "Chocolate Talks" roundtables - where you blind draw your tablemates for an afternoon of discussion about our industry and our businesses.

socialize.
There is plenty of time to wind down, relax, and enjoy time with your fellow CAM members.  Whether it's tailgating on Sunday night, touring the Kingston Pen on Monday afternoon, catching up with folks that evening at NFP Night, the hotel bar afterwards, or Tuesday's reception and dinner, you'll always find some fine folks to spend time with.

grow your network.
One of the more important aspects of a CAM conference is meeting movers and suppliers outside your circle. Make your connections during any social events, the 20 hours the suppliers are hosting the trade show, or "The Chocolate Talks" - a CAM favourite - where you blind-draw your table partners for a conversation about the challenges and triumphs we all face daily. The country is represented from coast to coast to coast. Come meet some new contacts!

have fun!
You can't be at a CAM conference and not have fun!  Whether it's in a quirky game with the exhibitors, testing your aim by throwing footballs, striving to win an "Elf Sack", breaking out of jail, or sharing a song with one of the area's most famous entertainers, CAM2025 will be good for a laugh or two.

A Fabulous Finisher - the CAM Annual Awards Dinner!

Don't forget the CAM Awards Banquet on Tuesday evening, where we celebrate the achievements of our distinguished award recipients. Full conference registration includes the dinner. Separate tickets and table registrations are also available for this evening.

Would you like to nominate a deserving individual or company for the 2025 Awards? Nominations are being accepted until August 31st. The categories are:

• Distinguished Service Award honouring a prominent member of the profession with a long, exceptional history of contributions to the moving industry and to CAM. 

• Industry Leadership Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates leadership and serves as an inspiration to others. 

• Influencer Award celebrating a promising young professional (under the age of 40) in the moving industry who embodies a commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and the future of the industry and community. 

• Mover of the Year Award recognizing an independent mover or a van line agent that demonstrates outstanding performance and service excellence with customers. 

• Public Service Award honouring an individual, group or organization who has performed a significant act or acts of moving-related service in the public interest. 

Click here</> for more information and the nomination forms for the Awards. 

CAM Trade Show

Elevate your brand and connect with key decision-makers in the Canadian moving industry over 20 hours of trade show time at CAM2025!  Our Trade Show provides a unique platform to showcase your products and services to a highly engaged audience of moving company owners, operators, and industry professionals. Generate leads, build relationships, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends shaping the future of moving. Secure your booth today and position your company as a leader in the Canadian moving landscape!  Click here for more information.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Become a CAM2025 sponsor and amplify your brand visibility while supporting the trade association for the Canadian moving industry.  Choose from a variety of sponsorship packages designed to meet your specific marketing objectives and budget.  Gain access to networking opportunities, prominent brand placement, and the chance to demonstrate your commitment to excellence. Partner with CAM2025 and solidify your position as a valued supporter of the Canadian moving industry. Click here for more information.

Check out the CAM2025 website for more information

Moving Seniors Week – a smash hit!

What we can measure.

• CARP sent out information on CAM to over 330,000 of its members.  

• We had a sold out live webinar and Q&A session on March 26th.  

• CAM’s LinkedIn page views were up 118% during March.

• Facebook saw over 7,500 views, 15% higher than the month before.  

• And, no surprise, www.mover.net had 12,259 hits in March.

• There was an uptick in real estate agents and others associated with the relocation industry sharing our posts.

One thing is certain. The participants on the webinar have been doing their homework!  The questions asked on the call were next level – they’ve been paying attention these past four years and are now interested in very specific information. So be prepared and be on your toes!  

There is so much information available on our Moving Seniors Safely webpage as resources for your clients.  Please feel free to use and share!  

Thanks to everyone who engaged with us during the last week of March when we had a social media blitz underway.  We especially want to thank the following CAM members who helped with content this year.  We can honestly say, we couldn’t do it without you!

• Dacia Rohlehr & Moe Abecassis, Paws En Route (Toronto - York)

• Judie Dahl, Your Moving & In Home Concierge (North Vancouver)

• Karen Bodoano, Move Coordinators Inc. (Edmonton)

• Limor Friedman, Vancouver in the Box (Vancouver)

• Lisa Robinson, Streamline Relocation Services (Ottawa)

• Moe Mowat, Mowat Logistics & Relocation (Wasaga Beach, ON)

Plus the many members who were interviewed at our conference…  

• Leon Johnson & Wayne Wishloff, Matco Moving (Edmonton)

• JC Casey, Sirva (Edmonton)

• Bob Hanna, Bob the Mover (Fort Erie, ON)

• Prabh Heer, MoveRight (Vancouver)

• Gilbert & Sébastien Auclair, Astral Moving & Storage (Québec et Goose Bay, Labrador)

Lori Geng Retires

On March 31, 2025, CAM bid Lori Geng a fond farewell as she finishes over four decades in the moving industry. Lori started in payroll and billing and then moved to office manager at Tippet-Richardson. After almost ten years there, she became Western Moving & Storage’s Office Manager for the next six years. In May 2001, Lori joined Sirva and was Manager Corporate Services and the National Director of the Government of Canada’s household goods contract.  After 18 years, in February 2019, Lori became the Director of Integrated Services at United Van Lines (Canada), where she remained to finish off her career.

Lori has been a valuable member of CAM’s membership committee carrying out site visits, providing astute observations about prospective movers and solid input on the various projects undertaken by this busy committee. We will miss her greatly and wish her well in her retirement. 

Thanks Lori!  

Lori Geng (L) with Carmen Stang, President of MoverOne Group at CAM’s conference last November

Thank You Chris Webber 

It is with much sadness that we announce that the venerable Chris Webber will be stepping away from the moving industry at the end of this week.

 
Chris got his start in insurance as an underwriter in 1997 and moved into a broker role in 2000.  From the beginning, he focused on providing advice and solutions to the moving and storage industry.  Chris was fortunate enough to be mentored by Chris Steer, who helped design the way insurance is written for movers in Canada and who was the winner of CAM's 2009 Innovator of the Year Award.

In 2016, Chris traded his white collar for a blue one and became a long-haul truck driver.  While brief, his experience gave him valuable insight into the "other side" of the transportation industry.

Chris returned to his role as a broker with Ogilvy Insurance, which was acquired by NFP in 2021. Chris rose to Transportation Team Lead at NFP.

As for CAM, Chris has been a mainstay at CAM golf events and conferences for a very long time.  “When I first met Chris, he was trying to get me to hit a frozen marshmallow as a tee shot,” recalls Nancy Irvine, President of CAM.  “It went three feet and left my team laughing uproariously for the rest of the round.” Chris’ humour shone throughout his involvement with CAM.  

Chris also was a huge contributor to CAM sitting on several committees and most recently on CAM’s Board of Directors.  Most will remember Chris’ amazing presentation at last year’s conference on navigating insurance and claims management.  He has been a constant resource for CAM’s office, often providing sage advice on tricky complaints or advising us of important information that would benefit the CAM family, whether or not they were NFP clients.

Thank you for everything. We are going to miss you, our friend. Enjoy travelling and having summers off!

Always smiling - Chris Webber (L) with CAM President Nancy Irvine and David Ogilvy, NFP Canada’s Senior Vice President

Winnipeg’s Masterminds Meet!

CAM members Jared Kozak (MoveRight) and Colby Kiss (Total Moving/Globe) recently hosted the first Winnipeg Movers Mastermind with some amazing young entrepreneurs within this city.  As Colby posted on social media, “Be thankful for your competition bringing out the best in you and your business everyday and even more thankful when they’re willing to collaborate to build up industry standards to higher levels while upholding strong individual brands. Winnipeg, the moving industry is in a good place now and heading into the future.” CAM couldn’t agree more!  (And we loved seeing all the CAM members around the table!)

Move Right - 5 Things Moving Business Owners Think Work (But Actually Don’t!) 

CAM supplier member Move Right offers this wisdom to you for your consideration.

1. Calling every lead manually – You’re burning time and energy when automation could follow up instantly, book more jobs, and keep your team focused on closing, not chasing.

2. Relying only on word-of-mouth – Referrals are great, but if you’re not using digital marketing, automation, and lead generation strategies, you’re leaving serious money on the table.

3. Offering the lowest price to win jobs – Competing on price alone attracts bargain hunters, not loyal customers. Stand out with value, service, and reliability instead.

4. Thinking more leads = more revenue – Leads are useless without a strong follow-up and sales process. The real money comes from nurturing, qualifying, and closing the right leads.

5. Ignoring online reviews and social proof – Potential customers check Google and social media before booking. If you’re not actively managing your reviews, you’re losing business to competitors who are.
   
   

Want to learn more?  Contact Jared Kozak at Jared@moveright.app

Top AI Tools for Moving Companies to Try

Using the right tool can set your company apart. AI offers exciting possibilities. There are use cases from streamlining operations to enhancing customer service.

AI can also automate bookings, optimize routes, assist you on sales calls, and easily create content for your social media channels. CAM Supplier Supermove has put together a list of the top tools you should try this year.

CAM Webinar - AI in Moving - Practical use cases

When:  Thursday, May 22, 2025 1:00 PM (ET)
Cost:  Free to CAM members, $30 for non-members

Explore how current off-the-shelf artificial intelligence tools can be a game changer for moving companies.  This session introduces real-world AI applications - from analytics to content generation and automation.  Ramiro Quiros of MovingTech.ai will share practical examples and actionable tips to help you implement AI solutions that improve decision-making and streamline operations.

To register, click here.

CAM Members Can Now Get Some Spring Training!

In preparation for peak season, CAM has some great education resources available to all active CAM members. Get your team ready!

Leadership Lessons from the Toronto Blue Jays:
The Cost of Inaction

Joe Campa, Strategic Excellence Office, Ontario Power Generation

The Toronto Blue Jays provide a stark example of how leadership—or lack thereof it—can shape an organization’s trajectory. Leadership is about decisiveness. It’s about taking risks, learning from missteps, and moving forward with purpose. Leaders who hesitate, lose not just opportunities, but also the trust of those they’re meant to inspire.

Whether you’re running a baseball team or a business, the lesson is clear: inaction can be far more damaging than making the wrong decision. Bold, informed choices are what separate good leaders from great ones.

Update:  Vladdy signs!  We learned yesterday during our breakfast bowl of cereal that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has signed the second richest contract in MLB history - $500 million – and he’ll be a Blue Jay until he turns 40.

Your employees are the lifeblood of your organization. Their knowledge and expertise are crucial to your company’s success and it takes time and effort to amass both. The good news is that most employees are willing — even eager — to learn and grow professionally. 

Investing in learning programs can help your organization and team members enjoy the many benefits of employee development.

7. Cultivating a more appealing company culture 

Learning and development contribute to a positive company culture where your team members feel supported and valued. LinkedIn’s 2022 Skills Advantage Report found that having opportunities to learn and grow is the top driver of a great work culture. 

A positive work environment comes with benefits of its own: Employees are 31% more likely to recommend working for their organization and 25% more likely to report being happy at work. In other words, a positive company culture can help you attract, engage, and retain talent.

The most successful organizations cultivate a transformative learning culture where employees know development isn’t just encouraged — it’s prioritized. This emphasis on continuous learning empowers employees to seek out opportunities for skill development and professional growth.

Stay tuned for part 8 on Maintaining compliance and mitigating risk coming in the next issue.

Social Media Connections

Have you liked us yet?

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

MovingTech.ai

Through our intuitive platform, moving companies can:

•    Consolidate shipments by filling empty truck and container space.
•    Book ocean freight with ease, with plans to expand into truck and air freight.
•    Bi-weekly updates adding more features to drive value for users.

By leveraging smart technology and industry collaboration, Movd helps movers increase profitability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. 

Contact:
Tabish Raza, Founder, Movd Technologies Inc.
T: 202-738-1886
E: tabish@getmovd.com

Supplier Spotlight - Paws En Route

Paws is IPATA and IATA certified for pet travel and has partnerships with all of the major airline carriers worldwide including Air Canada, WestJet, CargoJet, British Airways, Emirates, KLM, Air France, Qatar airways and many others.  Paws services include planning and logistics for ground and air pet transportation within Canada, cross border and internationally.  Paws also has a pet travel nanny service and a customs broker service for pets arriving from international destinations.  The company has been featured in major publications and the media including Financial Post, Toronto Star, Toronto Life, CAA and more.

Dacia recently sat down with Nancy to discuss their services and general information about moving pets.  You can watch this 11-minute conversation here.

 
For more information, contact Dacia.
T: 416-303-7261
E: info@pawsenroute.com
A: 23 Brumell Ave, Toronto (York), ON M6S 4G3

The Benefits of Employee Development 

Your employees are the lifeblood of your organization. Their knowledge and expertise are crucial to your company’s success and it takes time and effort to amass both. The good news is that most employees are willing — even eager — to learn and grow professionally. 

Investing in learning programs can help your organization and team members enjoy the many benefits of employee development.

Boosting employee engagement 

More than four in five employees (83%) say that improving their skills is one of their top priorities. While 88% are already putting a significant amount of time and effort toward this goal, offering development support can help you boost employee engagement.

Investing in your team members’ development demonstrates your organization’s commitment to their growth and success, motivating them to go above and beyond in their work. In fact, Gallup found that development is a top driver of employee engagement.

Organizations often see further benefit by pairing learning opportunities with internal mobility. Employees who move into new jobs within their organization are 3.5x more likely to be engaged than those who stay in their current roles. 

Boosting employee engagement comes with additional benefits of its own. For example, higher employee engagement can lead to lower turnover, higher productivity, higher customer engagement — and higher profitability.

Stay tuned for part 7 on Cultivating a more appealing company culture coming in the next issue.

Getting Ready to Hire?  Careful About How You Offer the Job!

HCAMag.com, October 11, 2024

'If you send a bare-bones offer letter and the employee accepts, you're stuck with that,' says lawyer offering tips for HR folks.

A recent British Columbia Supreme Court ruling in Adams v. Thinkific Labs Inc. highlights the importance of comprehensive employment offer letters. Madeline Adams accepted an initial offer lacking termination clauses, and a subsequent document with these clauses was deemed unenforceable due to a lack of fresh consideration.

This decision warns employers that initial offer letters are often binding contracts. Employers should include all necessary terms from the start to avoid legal issues.

FMCSA New Blood Pressure Targets

Penske Bulletin, February 21, 2025

Truck drivers tend to live sedentary lifestyles, and sitting for 10 hours (or more) a day raises the risk for both heart attacks and strokes. For this reason, groups like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) now require drivers to meet new blood pressure targets during their Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals.

There is a massive handbook you can leaf through, but it boils down to this :

To keep your blood pressure in check :
1.    Move more often
2.    Watch what you eat
3.    Cut the nicotine
4.    Ease your mind
5.    Get enough sleep
6.    Go see a doctor

EV Charging Expo 2025 - CAM Discount Available

Expo:  May 14-15, 2025, Toronto

Now in its third year, the EV & Charging Expo brings together over 2000 registered delegates representing over 800 organizations to drive the transition to zero-emissions transportation and electrification. Their audience cuts across sectors, including municipalities, utility fleets, delivery companies, educational institutions, parking lots, ports, real estate developers and more. The Expo experience includes 100+ speakers over 2 days sharing expertise and case studies, a Ride & Drive with commercial-suitable electric vans, cars and trucks, and a giant exhibit hall featuring vehicle displays, charging hardware and other products and services focussed on electrification. 

Once again, CAM has been offered an exclusive $100 discount on each Expo Pass. When registering, use the code CAM100 to receive the discount. Register at this link. 

Cargo Theft Surges in Canada

Trucknews.com, February 25, 2025

Cargo theft remains a growing concern in Canada, with Ontario accounting for 85% of all reported incidents in 2024, according to Overhaul’s newly released annual cargo theft report, that summarizes and analyzes theft data collected in 2024 across Canada and the U.S.

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) remains the country’s biggest hotspot, while the remaining 15% of thefts were spread across British Columbia (5%), Saskatchewan (4%), Alberta (3%), Quebec (1%), New Brunswick (1%), and Newfoundland (1%).

In fact, cargo theft in the Greater Toronto Area’s Peel Region has taken a disturbing turn, placing it third in North America for high cargo theft activity behind California and Florida. 

Legal Disclaimer

The Canadian Association of Movers and/or any of its staff or members cannot and will not accept any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information and details given in this newsletter which information has been obtained or given in good faith.

www.mover.net | cam_national@mover.net | Media Kit

Canadian Association of Movers (CAM)

Copyright © 2025. All Rights Reserved.

This message was deployed by MediaEdge Communications Inc.
MediaEdge Communications, 251 Consumers Road Suite 1020, Toronto, Ontario M2J 4R3, Canada
Email: subservices@mediaedge.ca

Click here to unsubscribe.