In our industry, we toss around the word partnership like a badge of honor. But let’s face it, when it comes to getting paid, these partnerships sometimes feel like one way streets. I’ve seen the darker side of these so-called partnerships, having been forced to use the IAM Issue Resolution System (IIRS) twice in the last six months to chase after payments that were long overdue and owed to us by one particular company.

The process of chasing payments is not only tedious but also disheartening. First, your emails vanish into a black hole, ignored as if they never existed. Then, when you play hardball and halt customer shipments, suddenly there’s a flurry of responses. These responses often came with promises of payment, but these promises were rarely fulfilled. It’s like being stuck in a loop of false hopes. How long can one wait, clinging to professional courtesy, before it becomes downright foolish?

While the IIRS has proven effective in resolving our payment issues, it is not a solution we relish using. It feels like a betrayal of the very concept of partnership we all value so much. It’s a last resort, a step taken with a heavy heart. Yes, the system works, we got our money. But at what cost? Each report against this company for non-payment is like acknowledging a partnership failure. Although effective in securing our dues, it’s a path laden with reluctance and regret.

And here’s the kicker—this isn’t about some little-known, back-alley firm. We’re talking about major players in the U.S. moving scene. It’s a slap in the face. Despite the successful resolution of past cases, we continue to face the same problem of non-payment and non-responsiveness.

So, what now? Do we keep playing this tiresome game, or do we finally put our foot down and say ‘no more’? It’s a tough call, especially when it means cutting ties with big names. But how much can one bend before breaking? Our industry prides itself on trust and cooperation, but these repeated breaches force us to question the very foundations of these relationships.

This predicament begs a larger question about the ethos of our industry. If partnership signifies mutual respect and trust, why are we compelled to rely on formal mechanisms like the IIRS for something as fundamental as payment? The need for the IAM Receivable Protection Program, while providing a safety net, also underscores a troubling trend in our industry.

As a company, we have elevated our commitment to the IAM Code of Ethics by embracing the IAMTrusted program, which clearly outlines a moving company’s agreement to pay for services rendered. An IAMTrusted moving company also pledges to address issues swiftly through the IIRS or risk losing their designation. This model not only ensures that ITMCs honor their commitments and pay their bills promptly, but it also embeds an additional layer of security within the IAMTrusted network. Therefore, working within the IAMTrusted network brings additional security in the knowledge that ITMCs will stick to their commitments and pay their bills on time.

It’s high time we take a hard look at ourselves. Why are we allowing this culture of evasion and empty promises to persist? Are we so entangled in the pursuit of business that we’ve forgotten the basic tenets of respect and honesty? It’s not just about getting paid—it’s about maintaining the dignity and integrity of our industry. We need to do better, be better. And it starts with holding each other accountable, not just in words, but in actions.