IAM is the leading quality standard for international removals based in the USA, and membership ensures your move will be undertaken by an IAM trusted moving company.
The International Association of Movers (IAM) is one of the world’s largest trade associations for international removals and shipping companies, representing more than 2,200 members across over 170 countries. It brings moving professionals together to promote high standards, share industry knowledge and build trusted relationships worldwide.
For anyone moving overseas, IAM membership is a useful sign that a removals company is part of an established international network. Moving belongings between countries often involves several companies working together, so having reliable contacts at both ends can help make the process smoother.
IAM also supports its members through professional guidance, training, industry updates and a Code of Ethics. This helps international movers stay informed about changing regulations, shipping challenges and best practices, ultimately benefiting customers who want their belongings handled professionally and safely.
Get A Quote For International Removals
PSS International Removals is a long-term IAM member based in the UK. You can get a moving estimate using our free online cost calculator.
About The International Movers Association
The International Movers Association was founded in 1962 in the United States. It was founded as the Household Goods Forwarders Association of America, but changed its name in 2008. The change aimed to better reflect its international work. It hosts an annual industry conference – the IAM Movers Conference which is held in New York in 2026.
IAM currently partners with 2,220 companies in more than 170 countries. The association provides these companies with networking opportunities and the tools they need to achieve the best practices for their trade. Through IAM, removal companies like PSS International Removals can advocate for trade laws that benefit the company, the environment, and, most importantly, customers.
The association supports every member by helping resolve financial disputes, providing monetary assistance, and offering resources that increase productivity and efficiency. IAM does this through multiple means, such as:
- Scholarship programs
- Certification programs
- Annual conferences, meetings, and conventions
- Council representatives
When you use an IAM member for your overseas move, you’re not only choosing a single reputable company, but one backed by a system of large corporations and leaders. This is why IAM members can assure quality, safety, and efficiency.
Why Are Moving Associations Like IAM Needed?
Moving associations like IAM are necessary because moving overseas is risky. If you choose the wrong removal company, you risk losing your personal belongings or facing costly delays.
A lot can go wrong in overseas transit. The removal company you use can go bankrupt, your belongings and your property could be damaged, and your shipment could get mixed up with others.
Organizations like IAM were created to improve the quality of service their members provide and help avoid these problems. They reduce international shipping risks and give customers a wide range of trustworthy removal companies to choose from.
Associations like IAM significantly reduce the risks associated with international shipping. Both parties ultimately benefit: removal companies receive guidance, and customers receive the quality service they need.
At the IAM Annual Meeting and Conference, members can meet to discuss best practices and how to deliver the best service in today’s climate.
International Movers Association Membership Criteria
Removal companies that want to join the International Movers Association must meet the organization’s strict membership criteria. This ensures that every member represented by IAM can conduct their business to the highest caliber in the trade.
Here are the criteria for membership:
- Sponsorship letters from two current IAM members (membership is exclusive and based on recommendation only).
- A minimum of one year of experience trading
- Current country/state/province business license or registration and tax ID number
- Payment of initiation fee and dues
Once you submit the above, IAM posts the prospective member’s information on its website for other members to evaluate. IAM members all work together to lift each other and collectively provide the best services for their customers.
By allowing removal companies to join only by recommendation, the association ensures that only companies that deliver the best services can be part of the organization. After all, any company that does not abide by the standards could potentially hurt a large part of the association.
The Code of Ethics of The International Movers Association
With so many members working together, conflicts of interest may arise. For an international association like IAM, a code of ethics that members must follow helps prevent disputes and provides a significant advantage: all members are on the same page about how to conduct business in a way that reflects IAM policies.
According to the IAM Code of Ethics:
- Members shall acknowledge and respect the cultural similarities and differences among all members.
- Members shall conduct business in a responsible and professional manner.
- Members shall deal fairly with all customers, association members, and other business entities.
- Members shall adhere to a policy of honesty and integrity in accordance with generally accepted principles of professional conduct.
- Members shall be forthright and truthful in their professional communications.
- Members shall abide by all lawful agreements to which they are a party, including agreements with customers, the association, and association members.
- Members shall pay their just obligations. Members shall strive to comply with all applicable laws and governmental regulations.
- A Member shall not compete unfairly with other members. Members shall refrain from engaging in any activity which discredits the association or any of its members.
To ensure the IAM Code of Ethics represents all members’ needs, IAM has an Ethics Council composed of experienced volunteers from various membership categories.
IAM Mobility Exchange Directory – the IAM Movers Members List
IAM has over 2000 members in over 170 countries, representing every aspect of moving, relocation, and mobility-related services. They also host the industry’s Universal Service Provider Directory, known as IAM Mobility Exchange (IAMX) or, more simply, the IAM Movers Directory. IAMX includes listings of over 10,000 service providers worldwide in the moving, relocation, logistics, and mobility services industry.
This membership list and directory enables international removal companies, such as PSS, to partner with leading suppliers around the world and ensure the best continuity of quality of service for their customers.
The International Association of Movers Conference 2026 – the IAM Annual Meeting 2026
The IAM Movers conference and expo is a vital opportunity for moving companies to meet worldwide, make new connections, and learn best practices.
The theme of the 2026 IAM Annual Meeting & Expo is “Navigating the Current”, inspired by San Diego’s surfing culture. It reflects the challenges facing international moving companies, including global shipping disruptions, changing regulations and growing security risks, while highlighting the experience, adaptability and professionalism needed to keep international moves running smoothly.
Future conferences have already been arranged in North America, including:
- 64th Annual Meeting & Expo | October 21 – 24, 2026 at Manchester Grand Hyatt | San Diego, CA
- 65th Annual Meeting & Expo | October 4 – 7, 2027 at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center| Washington, D.C.
- 66th Annual Meeting & Expo | October 11-14, 2028 at Hyatt Regency Chicago, Illinois
- 67th Annual Meeting & Expo | October 10–13, 2029 at Hyatt Regency Orlando, Florida
In 2025, the 63rd Annual Meeting & Expo was held at Marriott Marquis, New York City, NY and the theme was “Sharpen your focus”.
Benefits of Using IAM Members for Your Move
Being an IAM Trusted Moving Company (ITMC) or IAM member offers many benefits to removal companies like PSS International Removals. These benefits not only help us keep our service quality consistent, but also help us elevate how we do business. As such, we stay ahead of the curve in the industry.
Some of the many benefits include:
Inclusion
IAM members can use the IAM Mobility Exchange (IAMX), a platform industry professionals use to network and do business.
Members can also attend the IAM Annual meeting and expo to connect with other professionals. IAM encourages members to build long-lasting business relationships and open doors for one another.
With so many business partners looking out for one another, IAM members are among the most connected and knowledgeable professionals in the removal industry. Thanks to the network, IAM members are first in line to receive and act on industry news, allowing them to prepare accordingly.
Protection
IAM protects its members from transactional mistakes and disputes through the Receivable Protection Program (RPP). Major financial disputes on the business side of the international removal industry can affect logistics.
IAM prevents this with a program designed to settle issues that could affect members and their customers. The program also enforces the IAM Code of Ethics.
Representation
As an international association based in the United States, IAM represents its members’ interests in front of the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and the Department of Defense.
The association ensures that international shipping from other countries to the United States runs smoothly and benefits everyone. IAM members are leading representatives on trade policies that affect the removal industry and anyone looking to move to the United States.
Improvement
IAM provides its members with a professional learning program. This program helps removal companies train their employees with some of the industry’s most informative learning resources.
From webinars to knowledge labs, IAM wants to ensure all members can train their employees as efficiently as possible. Removal companies that train their employees with IAM’s learning program can ensure the consistency and professionalism that define global leaders like IAM.
Choosing PSS International Removals
PSS International Removals is a certified member of the International Association of Movers and is listed in the IAM members directory. By choosing us to safely transport your belongings from the UK to another country, you’re trusting a member of one of the world’s most qualified international trade associations.
PSS International Removals has been in the removals and shipping industry for years. We pride ourselves on providing a friendly, professional service. Our passion for our trade shines through with every removal, and you can be certain we will treat you and your belongings with the respect they deserve.
Besides being an IAM partner, PSS is also accredited with various other national and international associations, programs, and partnerships, including:
- The British Association of Removers
- FIDI Global Alliance
- FAIM Quality Certification
- European Movers Partnership (Euromovers)
For a quick quote, use our online cost calculator to get an estimate in just 60 seconds. No matter where you’re moving, PSS International Removals offers you peace of mind.
