Tag: Household Goods Movement Management

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Domestic Relocation Tips Domestic Relocation Trends Household Goods

What is a Video Survey for Household Goods Moves?

Have you heard about a video survey for household goods moves? Relocating employees who are participating in a household goods move as part of their relocation usually work with a household goods moving provider who completes a general or summarized inventory (also known as a “cube sheet”) as part of the in-home survey. The goal of the cube sheet is to create a list of contents that will be moved.  This will help increase the accuracy of the moving cost estimate. It will also provide a record of the items the relocating employee is moving.

Also, the in-home survey helps determine what services are needed, and the amount of those services (based on a combination of the company’s relocation policy, situational requirements, and relocating employee needs). The services may include packing, crating, appliance service, and determining how to address any residential access challenges.

Important information a household goods moving provider writes on a cube sheet:

  • Inventory should be complete for each room
  • Describes every item
  • Notes items that are not a part of the move

So what is a Video Survey for Household Goods Moves?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides guidelines and regulations for the Household Goods (HHG) Moving Industry. The HHG Working Group Paperwork Subgroup Minutes show the household goods moving industry has been at the forefront of discussing and recommending video surveys. The FMCSA also provides many helpful resources for relocating employees, including a Moving Checklist. As a result, relocating employees can more fully prepare for their move. Also, they can learn about all phases of the move experience, and know what they should do to help ensure a smooth process.

In a video survey for a household goods move, relocating employees use video technology to record the contents of each room. This survey is usually completed through an app, and includes guidance from a household goods moving estimator or specialist throughout the entire process. A video survey gives moving estimators clarity as to the volume, condition, and size of household goods. Estimators can take note of Items that appear particularly delicate for special packing. Video surveys are increasingly in use throughout North America for household good moves.

2019 Industry Update Includes Video Survey for Household Goods Moves

In Global Mobility Solutions’ White Paper: 2019 Industry Update – Talent Mobility, Real Estate, Household Goods, and Immigration, our experts explain the use of a video survey for household goods moves.

Four key reasons why relocating employees find a video survey convenient:

  1. They do not have time during their work week to complete an in-home survey
  2. Moving out of a remote location
  3. They are moving small shipments
  4. Have a quick turnaround time for their move

Along with this convenience is the increase in information a video survey provides. This information is easily sharable and extremely helpful for every participant in the household goods move.

Participants who may use a video survey during a move include:

  1. Dispatchers
  2. Van line drivers
  3. 3rd party service providers
  4. Planners and coordinators
  5. Relocation Management Companies
  6. Others who may need the information

Relocating employees may be able to complete a video survey for their household goods move quickly and easily. The video file may provide valuable documentation of item condition. This will give the relocating employee peace of mind that their item will arrive to their new location as planned. Any questions can easily be addressed by viewing the video survey. The video survey provides as much detail information as an in-home survey. Also, it is a far better option than a phone survey.

What Does This Mean?

A video survey is a valuable tool for household goods moves. They are also extremely convenient for relocating employees, and may help them easily document items. Participants in a household goods move, from the packers to the movers to the RMC, may all benefit from a video survey.

What Should Employers do?

Companies with relocating employees participating in a household goods move should encourage the use of a video survey if this is of interest to their relocating employees. Companies should work with an experienced and knowledgeable Relocation Management Company (RMC). RMCs provide extensive solutions when it comes to relocating employees who are participating in a household goods move as part of their relocation. Companies should review their relocation programs. This will help ensure their program provides the highest level of relocation benefits and services for their employees.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how they can provide an exceptional relocation experience to their relocating employees. Our team can help your company understand how to implement the use of a video survey for household goods moves for those relocating employees who are interested.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com. The company also created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation™ technology platform.

Global Mobility Solutions is proud to be named and ranked #1 Overall, and #1 in Quality of Service by HRO Today’s 2019 Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online to discuss how to implement a video survey for any of your interested relocating employees’ household goods moves, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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Domestic Relocation Challenges Domestic Relocation Tips Domestic Relocation Trends Talent Mobility

2019 Corporate Relocation Survey Results Show Greater Demand for Spouse and Partner Assistance

Atlas World Group’s 52nd Annual Atlas 2019 Corporate Relocation Survey provides a wealth of information on relocation trends. The survey analyzes several responses from over 400 decision makers who have responsibility for their company’s relocation. Survey responses are representative of a wide range of industries including manufacturing, financial services, and retail trade. Responses were also received from companies of various sizes. They ranged in size from small (with less than 500 employees) to large (over 5,000 employees).

2019 Corporate Relocation Survey Results Show Impact of Spouse and Partner Employment

65% of respondents indicate that spouse and partner employment frequently or nearly always directly affects an employee’s relocation. This figure is the highest level recorded over more than a decade’s worth of data. As a result, various types of industries as well as small, medium, and large companies feel the impact. Also, small companies reported the highest percentage, at 68%.

A new job for a transferee often may result in a job change for their spouse or partner. When an employee is offered a relocation opportunity, it is important to consider their spouse or partner’s needs.

What Does This Mean for Spouse and Partner Assistance?

With historically high levels of spouse and partner employment impacting employee’s relocation, demand for employment assistance is high. The 2019 Corporate Relocation Survey notes several types of assistance including:

  1. Job Networking
  2. Outplacement Services
  3. Career Services
  4. Resume Preparation
  5. Interviewing Skills Training
  6. Finding Employment Within/Without Company
  7. Reimbursement for Career Transition Expenses
  8. Pay for Work Visa in New Location

Importantly, usage trends range from 25% to 33%. More companies are offering this benefit, and usage is now comparable across all companies regardless of size.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that among married-couple families, both spouses were employed in 48.8% of families. Therefore, the possibility of a relocation impacting a working couple is high.

What Challenge Does the 2019 Corporate Relocation Survey Illustrate?

Companies should understand that relocation decisions are often family matters and require input and buy-in from spouses and partners. Global Mobility Solutions’ Case Study on Education Institution Relocation Programs describes the challenge clients face when spouses of transferees feel left out of the decision-making process. Our experts helped our client learn that many dual career couples that moved to their new location had a difficult time adapting if there was no job for the spouse. Many newly hired employees would leave the client after several months of employment because their family could not settle into life in the new location.

What Should Companies do About The 2019 Corporate Relocation Survey Results?

Companies should review their relocation programs to ensure they provide employment assistance for spouses and partners. A well-designed relocation policy will include Pre-Decision Services. As a result, spouses and partners will receive consultation on a range of topics including location, job market information, and nearby companies and organizations that may align with their career goals.

Also, structured programs help spouses and partners create online personal brands with Linkedin profiles and job search engines. As the 2019 Corporate Relocation Survey shows, successful relocation programs include a number of resources. Direct job search assistance, resume writing, professional development, and entrepreneur support are helpful tools. Relocation Management Companies (RMCs) can provide expert assistance to companies looking to benchmark their relocation program to learn best practices for spouse and partner assistance.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients develop relocation programs that attract and retain qualified employees and provide spouse and partner assistance. Our team can help your company determine how to ensure successful relocations by providing spouse and partner assistance programs as noted in the 2019 Corporate Relocation Survey.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com, created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation™ technology platform.

Global Mobility Solutions is proud to be named and ranked #1 Overall, and #1 in Quality of Service by HRO Today’s 2019 Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts. Our experts dedicate themselves to informing and connecting our clients with highlights from the 2019 Corporate Relocation Survey. Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s relocation program. We can help you determine if your program provides industry-leading spouse and partner assistance resources to ensure successful relocations, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Tips

Massachusetts May Retain Deduction for Moving Expenses

The state of Massachusetts may retain deduction for moving expenses that the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA) eliminated at the Federal level. According to the Massachusetts Revised Working Draft TIR 19-XX: Impact of Selected Provisions of the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on Massachusetts Personal Income Tax under Chapter 62 published on April 1, 2019:

Section B., “Amendments to which Massachusetts does not conform for the purposes of G.C. c. 62,” notes in sub-section III that the exclusion from gross income afforded under IRC § 132(a)(6) and (g) and the deduction allowed under IRC § 217 are still allowable for eligible Massachusetts taxpayers.

What does the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act Require?

Beginning in 2018, the TCJA requires the following changes:

  • Eliminates the deduction for moving expenses
  • Unreimbursed moving expenses are also not deductible
  • Employer reimbursed moving expenses are:
    • Not deductible (this is the basis for Massachusetts choosing to retain deduction)
    • Included in income
    • Taxable to the taxpayer

What is the Impact of Massachusetts Choosing to Retain Deduction for Moving Expenses?

Massachusetts taxpayers may benefit from the state choosing to retain deduction for moving expenses. These taxpayers may also benefit from the state choosing to exclude moving expenses from gross income calculations. Governor Charlie Baker signed the state of Massachusetts’ Fiscal Year 2019 budget into law in July 2018. The plan supports his administration’s full commitment to balancing the state budget from a structural standpoint. Since Massachusetts currently has a healthy budget status, the ability to retain deduction for moving expenses should not materially impact state finances.

What Should Employers do Since Massachusetts is Choosing to Retain Deduction?

Employers in the state of Massachusetts should keep aware of changes to local tax laws. They should highlight the state’s interest to retain deduction for moving expenses to new hires and transferees. This is a favorable benefit for those choosing to relocate to Massachusetts.

Massachusetts has a need for workers. Recently Massachusetts had the largest construction worker shortage in the United States. Employers should work with a qualified Relocation Management Company (RMC) that has the experience and knowledge to help them understand how to leverage tax law changes for their relocation program.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how local tax laws may impact their relocation programs. Our team can help your company determine how to highlight the benefit of Massachusetts choosing to retain deduction for moving expenses to new hires and transferees.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com. The company also created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation™ technology platform.

Global Mobility Solutions is proud to be named and ranked #1 Overall and #1 in Quality of Service by HRO Today’s 2019 Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s relocation program and ways to highlight Massachusetts choosing to retain deduction for moving expenses, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Challenges

What is the Best Way to Overcome Reluctance to Moving?

Employers must find ways for transferees to overcome reluctance to moving. Relocation to a new home, city, state, or country may be stressful for transferees and their family members. During periods of strong economic growth and tight labor markets with plentiful jobs, job seekers may not have to leave their homes for new employment. Employers should have access to a range of tools and resources to help overcome reluctance to moving.

How Talent Acquisition Programs can Help Overcome Reluctance to Moving

A strong talent acquisition program will include pre-decision services. Global Mobility Solutions is the pioneer of pre-decision services. GMS experts know that putting in the extra effort upfront helps employers as well as transferees in the relocation process. These services are an important tool to help retain new hires and ensure successful relocations. Relocating employees benefit from pre-decision services and are more likely to report being highly engaged with their company and new home.

Family Does Matter in Helping to Overcome Reluctance to Moving

For employees with families, the decision to relocate is a family matter. Many families have both spouses working, so any relocation should include career support for spouses and partners. GMS recently published a Case Study on Educational Institution Relocation Programs. In this Case Study, GMS describes how working with the client to engage spouses in the relocation process increases relocation success. In fact, the client’s biggest challenge in their hiring process was that spouses felt left out of the decision-making process. As a result, many dual career couples moving to the new location had a difficult time adapting if there was no job for the spouse.

Pre-decision Services for Transferees

Pre-decision services assist both the employee and the company in determining the benefits and challenges of a potential relocation to help overcome reluctance to moving. The general process is:

  1. Relocation Management Company (RMC) engages the transferee early in the process.
  2. RMC identifies points that are important to the transferee and their family members.
  3. The RMC arranges community tours, housing information, and cost of living analyses.

Pre-decision services help remove all of the unknowns, and generate positive excitement for the transferee and their family members to help overcome reluctance to moving.

Organizational Benefits of Pre-Decision Services

For employers, pre-decision services are proven to increase offer acceptance and decrease time to acceptance. Also, built-in programs like Candidate Expense Management help reduce the final cost of relocation. Employers can more accurately budget for relocations. They can also eliminate the cost of non-acceptance by the transferee.

What Does This Mean?

Employers can help overcome reluctance to moving by utilizing pre-decision services. Transferees who have access to pre-decision services are more likely to accept offers for relocation. Relocating employees report higher levels of engagement when they have access to pre-decision services.

What Should Employers do to Help Overcome Reluctance to Moving?

Employers should work with a qualified Relocation Management Company (RMC) that can provide a full range of pre-decision services. Employers considering relocating new hires or transferees should provide them and their family members with as many valuable resources as possible. This will help increase relocation success.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how they can gain the benefits of using pre-decision services to overcome reluctance to moving. Our team can help your company understand how to provide your relocating employees and their family members with pre-decision services. As a result, relocation success rates will increase, and transferees’ satisfaction will improve.

Global Mobility Solutions is proud to be named and ranked #1 Overall, and #1 in Quality of Service by HRO Today’s 2019 Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s need for pre-decision services to overcome reluctance to moving, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Challenges Domestic Relocation Tips Domestic Relocation Trends Home Purchase

What is a Concierge Utility Service?

Employers can help their relocating employees by providing direct access to a concierge utility service. Relocating employees often spend a significant amount of time and effort to set up new utility accounts or transfer services. This is time the employee could use for much more worthwhile pursuits. Providing access to a concierge utility service gives employees a valuable time saving tool. Also, they may be able to save costs through various utility bundle pricing options, or through provider package comparisons.

How Does a Concierge Utility Service Work?

A concierge utility service constantly monitors the utility market, service providers, and product offerings. For each home, the service performs research to identify various options the relocating employee is eligible to choose.

When a relocating employee enters their new address, the portal quickly shows comprehensive results. With information at their fingertips, relocating employees can quickly and easily choose the packages and options they prefer.

Once options are chosen, the service provider will:

  • Connect the services for the relocating employee
  • Compile information on the start dates
  • Summarize details for each utility connection

Relocating Employee Time Savings

A concierge utility service lets relocating employees schedule and set up their utility services in less than five minutes, without ever waiting on hold. Since the service does all of the setup work, the relocating employee can save from four to six hours of time.

Relocating Employee Cost Savings

The technology pulls prices and plans directly from utility providers, guaranteeing accurate data. As a result, relocating employees can obtain cost savings of up to 25% on their utility connection spend.

Concierge Utility Service Experts Readily Available for Consultation

A relocating employee has quick and easy access to concierge utility service experts. Whatever communication method is most convenient for the relocating employee, the experts will respond, including:

  • Phone call
  • Online chat
  • Text message
  • Email

Client Experience and Savings

Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) introduced its concierge utility service to a select group of clients in March 2018 as part of a pilot test run. During the pilot test run time period, several clients participating in the program achieved outstanding results. On average, clients achieved savings of up to nearly $250 for each relocating employee. Also, 100% of these savings accrue directly to the client, since GMS offers the service at no cost.

All Clients Now Eligible for Concierge Utility Service

As a result of the favorable pilot test run, GMS will roll out its new service to all clients. This way, every client and all of their relocating employees can utilize this exceptional program and enjoy significant time and cost saving benefits.

What Should Employers do?

Companies should inquire as to whether their relocation program provides a concierge utility service at no cost. A qualified Relocation Management Company (RMC) with knowledge and experience should offer valuable services that provide time and cost savings for companies and their relocating employees.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients learn about industry-leading programs and services. Our team can help your company understand how to gain all the benefits of a concierge utility service for your company and your relocating employees.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com. The company also created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation™ technology platform.

Global Mobility Solutions is proud to be named and ranked #1 Overall, and #1 in Quality of Service by HRO Today’s 2019 Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s interest in a concierge utility service, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Challenges Domestic Relocation Tips Domestic Relocation Trends

Top 5 Points an Employer Should Consider When Employees Choose to Self-Move

What are the Top 5 points an employer should consider with a self-move by a relocating employee? Usually a self-move occurs when an employer offers a Lump Sum payment in their relocation program. In traditional Lump Sum relocation programs, relocating employees receive a specific amount of funds for relocation. They also work with a Relocation Management Company (RMC) to select the services they want to use for relocation, within the parameters of their employer’s relocation policy. Some relocating employees may choose to use their lump sum payment to arrange a self-move.

What does a Self-Move Entail?

A self-move may include the relocating employee and others such as their family members doing any number of the following physical tasks:

  1. Packing boxes
  2. Disconnecting appliances and electrical equipment
  3. Lifting and moving furniture and appliances
  4. Loading items into a truck or vehicle
  5. Driving long distances
  6. Unloading items from a truck or vehicle
  7. Unpacking boxes
  8. Reconnecting appliances and electrical equipment

Considering these tasks, any number of them could result in injuries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Nonfatal Occupational Injuries and Illness by Industry, most occupational injuries that employers log and report fall into one of these three categories:

  1. Sprains
  2. Cuts
  3. Fractures

A self-move could easily result in similar injuries to a transferee or one of their family members. It is easy to imagine such injuries if you have any experience with moving anything yourself.

Top 5 Points an Employer Should Consider About Self-Move

Looking at the tasks and logistics of a self-move, an employer should consider whether it is a good option to allow relocating employees to direct their own moves. Points to consider include:

  1. Potential for injury to the employee or their family member and resulting claims
  2. Loss of employee productivity due to the self-move
  3. Liability against the company that may result from unforeseen incidents
  4. Declining employee morale if company culture is seen as uncaring
  5. Public relations issues for any catastrophic occurrences

What Does This Mean?

Employees and their family members may be at risk of injury during a self-move. Employers may have liability for any issues that otherwise could have been preventable. Morale may decline if employees perceive the company does not care for their well-being.

What Should Employers do?

Employers should consider the potential for any risks that may arise if a transferee chooses to self-move as part of their Lump Sum relocation program. They should consider the duty of care they owe to employees who are managing a self-move. Employers should work with a qualified RMC with the knowledge and experience to help them examine issues, risks, and concerns. As a result, employers will reduce risks to relocating employees and their family members.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients develop relocation programs to ensure successful moves for transferring employees. Our team can help your company understand how to reduce risks to employees and their family members that may result from a self-move.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com. The company also created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation™ technology platform.

Global Mobility Solutions is proud to be named and ranked #1 Overall, and #1 in Quality of Service by HRO Today’s 2019 Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s relocation program and issues relating to employee self-move, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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Domestic Relocation Tips Household Goods Relocation Best Practices Relocation Challenges

Household Goods Moves and Your Relocation Management Company

Household Goods Moves and Your Relocation Management Company

Transferees and new hires often require household goods moves from their current location to their new location. Usually this move must adhere to a specific time schedule. It is in the employer’s best interest to ensure that the transferee has a positive and successful relocation experience. A qualified Relocation Management Company (RMC) can ensure that household goods moves are conducted professionally within specific timeframes, and provide service guarantees.

What might transferees and new hires experience by arranging their own household goods moves?

Transferees and new hires that arrange their own household goods moves face several challenges. They may need to set aside a significant amount of time to research qualified transportation options. Once they complete this research, they must obtain estimates for their move. While the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has a number of excellent resources, tips, and guidelines to help people as they look into household goods moves, many employees have little time to spare doing the requisite amount of work to choose a reputable moving company. Additionally, while helpful checklists are useful to understand the basic processes, it may be challenging for an employee to fully understand and be able to compare the information and responses they receive from several moving companies. In some cases, employees may be inadvertently exposed to less than professional services by disreputable moving companies.

How can your RMC help with household goods moves?

Employers should work with a qualified RMC that can provide guidance and assistance for household goods moves. Transferees and new hires should be able to focus on their new position. Also, they should take care of their family and professional responsibilities. A qualified RMC should obtain multiple bids for household goods moves, to ensure best pricing. Also, RMCs should have programs in place to ensure they meet service levels and suppliers meet specific performance criteria.

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts, in a major corporate initiative led by Ann Knapp, Director of Transportation Services, created Curbside Manner™, which is the standard of quality that all GMS Transportation Partners are measured against. Curbside Manner™ requires transportation partners to always treat each customer with the utmost fairness and respect throughout their relocation process. Also, every member of the transportation team must treat each move with the highest level of professionalism, decorum, and service.

What should employers do?

Employers should ensure that transferees and new hires have access to a qualified RMC. The RMC can obtain multiple transportation estimates and arrange household goods moves. They can ensure the highest level of professional courtesy and performance. The RMC will manage household goods moves, so the employee can focus on their new responsibilities.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts helps thousands of our clients with household goods moves for transferees and new hires. As a result, we can help your company understand how to utilize the full range of Pre-Decision Services, including moving cost estimates, to help ensure successful relocations. Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

Electronic Logging Devices and the Impact on the Household Goods Moving Industry

"18 Wheeler shot from a low perspective with a Canon digital camera. Exposure is 1/80s, f/22, ISO100. Work path is included."

Beginning in December of 2017, all drivers with applicable tractors had to install and operate Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). These devices replace the outdated and cumbersome log-book that drivers had been using for several years.

The ELD offers many benefits for both drivers and their respective carriers

Benefits of Electronic Logging Devices

  • Limits the hours a driver can be behind the wheel, which should reduce the number of Tractor Trailer accidents.
  • The device does all of the work and drivers no longer need to keep a log.
  • The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will be able to track and report on driver trends and statistics with greater accuracy.

However, despite the many benefits that ELDs provide, there are several disadvantages which have negative impacts on the household goods moving industry.

Disadvantages of Electronic Logging Devices

  • Drivers may not drive/work for more than 11 hours in a 24 hour period. There is also mandatory rest time per week. These new restrictions will lengthen the time it takes for the driver to make it to destination, which may increase other costs such as per diems, corporate housing, and rental cars.
  • ELDs start tracking with the pre-trip inspection, which had not typically been included in log books. This will reduce the length of time a driver will be on the road.
  • When the ELD notifies the driver that they are done for the day, they must stop immediately or be subject to fines from not just FMCSA, but also their own van lines.
  • Routes with heavy motor vehicle traffic will be greatly impacted because ELDs measure total time on the road whether the driver is moving or at a stand-still on the freeway. Traffic jams will cause drivers to time out faster.

What should employers with relocating employees expect with ELDs?

Employers who have plans relocate employees should prepare for longer times related to their relocating employee’s household goods move. This may impact employee starting times at their new location, as well as lead to higher costs for the relocation.

What else should employers be aware of?

Driver and Labor Shortage: An additional challenge facing the Household Goods Moving Industry is the driver and labor shortage. Over 40% of drivers are over 50 years old, and are aging out of the business at a very high rate due to the physical demands of the job. The industry has been facing this problem for the past 10 years, and attracting more talent continues to be challenging. According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), only 4.4% of drivers are in the 20-24 year age range. This could impact the availability of drivers to move household goods for relocating employees, possibly lengthening the time needed to reach the final destination and delay positon start times.

Tax Rule Impact: Also, employers should be aware of the tax rule change impact on moving costs. Employers who choose to gross up moving costs for relocating employees will face higher costs as this benefit is now taxable. IRS Code Section 217 no longer creates a tax payer deduction for the Qualified Moving Expenses of household goods moving costs and final move expenses. These formerly non-taxable employee reimbursements and payments to third party vendors are now taxable income to the employee. If employers choose not to gross up, then going forward these expenses should be treated just like other taxable relocation expenses – reported as earnings to the employees, subject to income and payroll taxes, and reported on their annual W-2 as wages.

What should employers do?

Employers should review their hiring and relocation plans and timelines to account for possible delays related to any household goods moving processes, and the cost impact of the tax rule change eliminating the tax payer deduction for Qualified Moving Expenses.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts have helped thousands of our clients with household goods moves and everything a relocating employee and their family need during the process. We can help your company understand how to plan for the impact of ELDs as it relates to your relocation program, and the cost impact of tax rule changes. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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Corporate relocation tips Global Mobility Global Relocation Global Relocation Challenges Global Relocation Trends

New Documentation Requirements for Household Goods Moves into the United Kingdom

The City of London, financial district of the Metropole, just after sunset with illuminated buildings and cloudy sky, United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has pushed forth changes and new regulations for shipping household goods to England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The UK has implemented these changes, even though their exit from the European Union is not complete, thus making the old C3 (Relief) form no longer valid.

Now, in order to obtain Relief under the Transfer of Normal Residence (ToR) to the UK, a transferee and his or her personal effects need to meet the following criteria:

  • Transferee must have resided for at least 12 months in country of origin outside the EU, prior to shipment packing date
  • The consignment consists of all normal, household effects that have been used by the transferee for at least 6 months prior to shipment packing date.
  • Transferee is moving his or her normal home to the UK
  • There are no effects which would be liable to duty or tax
  • The effects are expected to arrive no more than 6 months prior or 12 months after the transferee’s arrival date in the UK
  • The transferee intends to reside and use all effects for at least 12 months in the UK

The Relief does not apply to:

  • Taxable or dutiable goods such as alcohol, tobacco, business materials
  • Furnishings from secondary home
  • Inheritance goods

In order to apply for tax relief on household goods, one must complete the ToR1 form, which can be obtained by visiting this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-transfer-of-residence-tor-relief-tor01 


Mobility Made Easy™
What this means for relocation managers and transferees

At Global Mobility Solutions (GMS), we strive to get you the latest information to help you relocate your mobile workforce from point A to point B as easily, efficiently, and stress-free as possible. The new rule for shipping household goods to the UK will determine what items are eligible for tax relief. This will affect the final cost of a relocation to the UK and can influence what a transferee may decide to bring along to his or her new assignment. Be aware, applying for the ToR takes a lot of time and goods can’t be imported without the ToR, so plan accordingly by speaking with your relocation management company and household goods providers.

To ensure that your relocation policies are up-to-date and take into account the new documentation requirements on household goods for the UK, ask for your complimentary policy review today!

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