IAM White Paper Highlights Dramatic Moving Industry Cost Increases

The International Association of Movers (IAM) has released a white paper detailing the cost increases impacting the moving and storage industry in the United States over the last five years.

In a recent press release, IAM highlighted the “Understanding Cost Pressures in the Moving Industry (2020–2025)” White Paper. This document serves to provide industry stakeholders, including DoD officials and the Permanent Change of Station Task Force, with clear, credible data that explains the rise in costs across the sector and help shape future program design that sustains industry participation and protects the capacity needed to meet the Department of Defense’s personal property shipping needs.

The analysis shows that costs of everything from trailers and insurance to labor, fuel, and warehousing have risen by as much 80%. Reflecting cost increases faced across the United States, these economic shifts shape how the moving industry responds to pricing challenges and makes long-term investments.

The data used in the White Paper comes from insurance underwriters, national wage data, fuel pricing databases, logistics research firms, and supplier partners in packaging and equipment. All data included is sourced from credible, independently verifiable sources and reflects key economic indicators that have reshaped the industry’s operating environment.

IAM believes that alignment between pricing policy and operational cost is essential to the viability of the Defense Personal Property Program (DP3). Without it, the DoD risks losing access to reliable, experienced, and quality capacity especially among small and mid-sized firms.

Download the full white paper here.

Reprinted by permission.