When you’re choosing an IAM international moving company for your family’s relocation abroad, you’re not just hiring movers—you’re selecting a partner committed to the industry’s highest professional standards. The International Association of Movers (IAM) represents more than a trade association; it’s a rigorous quality standard that protects American families moving overseas.
Moving abroad is one of the biggest decisions an American family can make. Between coordinating visas, researching schools for your children, saying goodbye to loved ones, and managing the thousand details that fill your days, the last thing you need is worry about whether your belongings will arrive safely on the other side of the world.
This is where professional credentials truly matter. At BLUEmove International, we’re proud members of the International Association of Movers (IAM)—and today, we want to explain why that membership should matter to you and your family.
What is an IAM international moving company?
The International Association of Movers (IAM) is the world’s largest and most respected trade association in the international moving industry. Founded in 1962 in the United States (originally as the Household Goods Forwarders Association of America), IAM has evolved into a global network representing over 2,220 companies operating in more than 170 countries.
But IAM isn’t just another industry association. It’s a rigorous quality standard that protects families like yours when moving overseas.
Think of IAM membership as the international moving industry’s equivalent of a Michelin star—companies can’t simply buy their way in. IAM membership is earned through strict vetting, professional excellence, and peer recommendation.
Why choosing an IAM international moving company protects your family
When you’re researching international movers, you’ll see many companies claim to be “trusted” or “professional.” But an IAM international moving company has undergone peer validation that generic moving companies haven’t.
To become an IAM member, moving companies must:
- Demonstrate at least one year of operational experience in international relocations
- Receive recommendation letters from two current IAM members (membership is by invitation only)
- Provide proof of business registration, licensing, and tax compliance
- Submit to rigorous peer review where their application is posted publicly for 30 days for other IAM members to evaluate
- Pay membership dues and commit to ongoing professional development
- Adhere to the IAM Code of Ethics in all business dealings
This peer-recommendation system ensures that only companies with proven track records and reputations earn membership. Other IAM members are putting their own reputations on the line when they recommend a company—they won’t do that lightly.
The IAM Code of Ethics: What sets international moving companies apart
When you choose a BLUEmove International relocation, you’re choosing a company that has committed to IAM’s strict Code of Ethics. This isn’t marketing fluff—it’s a binding commitment we take seriously.
As IAM members, we pledge to:
- Conduct business in a responsible and professional manner at all times
- Deal fairly with all customers, association members, and business partners
- Adhere to honesty and integrity in accordance with professional conduct principles
- Be forthright and truthful in all professional communications
- Honour all lawful agreements with customers and partners
- Pay just obligations promptly and professionally
- Comply with all applicable laws and governmental regulations
- Compete fairly with other members
- Respect cultural differences amongst all members globally
What does this mean for your family? It means that when we say we’ll be there at 8 AM to pack your belongings, we’ll be there. When we provide a quote, it’s honest and transparent. When we commit to a delivery date, we honour it. And if any issues arise, we resolve them according to the highest professional standards.
How IAM International Moving Companies Protect Your Relocation
These protections are why selecting an IAM international moving company provides peace of mind that non-member companies can’t match. When problems arise—and occasionally they do in complex international relocations—IAM membership ensures…
1. The IAM Mobility Exchange (IAMX): Quality Assurance Through Transparency
The IAM Mobility Exchange isn’t just a directory—it’s a validation system. When you search for a moving company in IAMX, you can verify:
- Company credentials and certifications with supporting documentation
- Quality certifications (such as FAIM accreditation)
- Service capabilities and geographic coverage
- Years in business and operational history
- Professional affiliations and partnerships
This transparency eliminates the guesswork. You can verify that the company handling your family’s possessions meets documented standards before you even request a quote.
2. The Receivable Protection Programme (RPP): Financial protection through IAM international moving company membership
One of the biggest fears in international moving is what happens if your moving company faces financial difficulty during your relocation. IAM’s Receivable Protection Programme addresses this directly.
The RPP provides:
- Financial monitoring of member companies to identify early warning signs
- Claim procedures if an IAM member becomes financially insolvent
- Reimbursement options for unpaid commercial invoices
- Proactive alerts about companies facing financial challenges
Whilst we hope you’ll never need it, knowing this protection exists provides peace of mind. Your belongings won’t be held hostage in a warehouse halfway around the world because a moving company went bankrupt.
3. IAM Issue Resolution System (IIRS): Professional Dispute Resolution
Despite everyone’s best intentions, disputes sometimes arise in international relocations. IAM’s Issue Resolution System provides a professional framework for resolving conflicts fairly and quickly.
The IIRS enables:
- Filing and managing trade issues efficiently between member companies
- Promoting amicable resolutions within 30 days
- Neutral third-party mediation when needed
- Documented resolution processes that protect all parties
This system benefits customers indirectly by ensuring that if BLUEmove has a dispute with our international partner (say, the delivery company in your destination country), we have professional mechanisms to resolve it quickly—so your move isn’t delayed whilst companies argue over invoices.
4. IAMTrusted Moving Company (ITMC) Programme: The Gold Standard
BLUEmove is working towards IAMTrusted Moving Company certification—the highest standard in the international moving industry.
IAMTrusted companies commit to:
- Upholding the IAM Code of Ethics without exception
- Maintaining financial stability and transparency
- Resolving disputes professionally through the IIRS
- Demonstrating operational excellence through peer validation
- Continuous professional development and training
When you see the IAMTrusted shield, you know you’re working with a company that has voluntarily subjected itself to the industry’s most rigorous standards.
The Global Network That Makes Your Move Possible
Here’s something most families don’t realise: your international move involves multiple companies working together across borders. Even though you hire BLUEmove in the United States, your belongings may be:
- Packed by our local crew in Washington, D.C.
- Transported to port by our logistics partners
- Cleared through U.S. customs by licensed customs brokers
- Shipped internationally by ocean or air freight carriers
- Cleared through destination customs by local experts
- Delivered to your new home by our trusted partners abroad
Each handoff is a potential point of failure. This is where IAM membership becomes invaluable.
Through an IAM international moving company global network, BLUEmove has access to:
- Vetted, trusted partners in 170+ countries who share our commitment to quality
- Standardised professional practices across international borders
- Shared training and best practices from the IAM Learning platform
- Real-time alerts about operational issues worldwide
- Collaborative problem-solving when challenges arise
When your container arrives in Barcelona, our IAM partner in Spain isn’t just a vendor—they’re a professional colleague who shares our commitment to the IAM Code of Ethics and knows their reputation depends on treating your family with the same care we would.
Professional Training and Development: Expertise That Protects Your Belongings
International moving is complex. Regulations change. Customs requirements vary by country. Packing techniques evolve. Technology advances.
IAM members have access to:
IAM Learning Platform
- Webinars on industry best practices covering everything from proper packing techniques to international customs regulations
- Certification programmes for professional development
- Knowledge labs addressing specific challenges in international logistics
- Annual conferences where industry leaders share innovations
Country-Specific Guidance
- Comprehensive country guides detailing customs requirements, prohibited items, and documentation needed for over 170 countries
- Real-time regulatory updates when import/export rules change
- Specialised training on destination-specific challenges
Technology and Innovation
- Digital transformation resources helping companies modernise operations
- Customer service excellence training focusing on communication and transparency
- Sustainability initiatives promoting eco-friendly moving practices
What does this mean for your move? It means the BLUEmove team handling your relocation to Portugal knows the latest Portuguese customs requirements. We’ve attended training sessions on European Union regulations. We understand the documentation needed for pet relocation to Spain. We’re current on the newest packing materials and techniques.
Professional development isn’t optional for IAM members—it’s expected and supported.
Real-Time Protection: The IAM Alert System
Imagine if halfway through your move, your moving company’s partner in your destination country suddenly went out of business. Or faced legal issues. Or had their licenses suspended.
IAM’s Alert System prevents these nightmares by providing:
- Real-time notifications about companies facing operational, legal, or financial issues
- Company alerts when members are placed on watch for various concerns
- Alleged debtor lists identifying companies with unpaid invoices
- Prospective member reviews allowing current members to flag potential concerns
BLUEmove monitors these alerts continuously. If we’re planning to use a partner company and an alert is issued, we immediately pivot to another trusted IAM international moving company. Your move doesn’t become collateral damage in someone else’s business failure.
This proactive protection is invisible to customers—until the day you need it and don’t even know it protected you.
Why BLUEmove Invests in IAM Membership
We could save thousands of dollars annually by not maintaining IAM membership. The membership fees, conference attendance, continuing education, and commitment to professional standards all cost money.
But we invest in IAM membership because we believe it makes us better.
- Better trained through continuous professional development
- Better connected through a global network of quality partners
- Better protected through financial safeguards and dispute resolution
- Better held accountable through peer review and ethical standards
- Better informed through real-time industry intelligence
- Better positioned to serve families like yours with the quality you deserve
When you choose BLUEmove for your international relocation, you’re not just choosing a moving company. You’re choosing a company that:
- Voluntarily subjects itself to the industry’s highest standards
- Invests continuously in training and professional development
- Collaborates with vetted partners in your destination country
- Commits to ethical business practices backed by a global association
- Protects your interests through multiple layers of professional accountability
IAM Member vs Non-Member International Moving Companies: Key Differences
The Peace of Mind You Deserve
Moving your family overseas is already stressful enough. You’re managing visas, school applications, healthcare registrations, saying goodbye to family and friends, and trying to maintain some sense of normalcy for your children during a massive transition.
The one thing you shouldn’t have to worry about is whether your belongings will arrive safely, on time, and handled with care.
IAM membership doesn’t eliminate all risk from international moving—nothing can. But it dramatically reduces risk through:
- Rigorous vetting of member companies before they can join
- Ongoing professional standards and accountability during membership
- Financial protections if companies face difficulties
- Professional dispute resolution when issues arise
- Global quality standards across all partners and service providers
- Continuous improvement through training and peer collaboration
How to Verify an IAM International Moving Company’s Credentials
How to Verify IAM Membership
Don’t just take a moving company’s word for it when they claim IAM membership. Here’s how to verify:
- Look for the IAM logo on the company’s website (but remember, anyone can put a logo on a website)
- Search the IAM Mobility Exchange at mobilityex.com for the company name
- Verify IAMX validation which provides documented proof of credentials
- Check the company’s IAM member number and years of membership
- Review their IAM certifications such as IAMTrusted designation
When you search for “BLUEmove International Relocation” in the IAM directory, you’ll find our complete profile with validated credentials—because we have nothing to hide and everything to prove.
Questions to Ask Any International Moving Company About IAM Membership
When comparing international movers, always ask: “Are you an IAM international moving company?” If they hesitate or can’t provide their IAM member number, that’s a red flag.
About IAM Membership:
- Are you a current IAM member?
- How long have you been an IAM member?
- Can I verify your membership in the IAM Mobility Exchange?
- Do you have IAMTrusted certification?
- What IAM training have your staff completed recently?
The International Partners:
- Are your international partners also IAM members?
- How do you vet companies you work with overseas?
- What happens if your partner company has issues during my move?
- Can you provide references from recent customers who moved to my destination?
IAM Protection and Guarantees:
- What financial protections do you offer if issues arise?
- How do you handle disputes with international partners?
- What insurance options do you recommend?
- What’s your process if something goes wrong?
The answers to these questions matter. Companies with nothing to hide will answer confidently. Companies dodging questions or providing vague answers should raise red flags.
Your Move, Your Peace of Mind
At BLUEmove, we’re proud to be an IAM international moving company serving American families for over 20 years. Our membership isn’t a marketing badge—it’s a commitment to the professional standards your family deserves.
Why BLUEmove maintains IAM international moving company credentials
From our base in the Washington, D.C. metro area, we’ve orchestrated thousands of international moves—each one representing a family’s dreams, memories, and future. Our IAM membership isn’t merely a logo on our website. Rather, it’s a daily commitment to excellence.
A commitment to:
- Treating your belongings as if they were our own
- Honouring our promises without exception
- Partnering with quality companies who share our values
- Maintaining transparency throughout every relocation
- Providing support that extends beyond delivery day
Our commitment to American families relocating abroad
When you choose BLUEmove as your IAM international moving company, you’re selecting a partner who understands that international relocation involves more than transporting boxes across borders. Consequently, we provide comprehensive support including visa guidance, pet relocation coordination, and settling-in assistance.
Verified credentials you can trust
As an IAM international moving company, we maintain multiple layers of professional credentials:
- IAM membership with peer validation
- U.S. Government-approved relocation provider status
- FMC (Federal Maritime Commission) compliance
- BBB Accredited Business
- 4.9-star Google rating from 100+ verified customer reviews
Additionally, you can verify our IAM membership independently at mobilityex.com—transparency that demonstrates our commitment to accountability.
Ready to start your international relocation?
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BLUEmove International
Serving American Families Worldwide
About BLUEmove International
BLUEmove International Relocation, Inc. is a full-service international moving and move management company headquartered in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Specialising in corporate, diplomatic, and private relocations for American families moving abroad, BLUEmove provides comprehensive door-to-door services including professional packing, international shipping, customs clearance, pet and vehicle relocation, and settling-in support. As proud members of the International Association of Movers (IAM) and registered with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), BLUEmove maintains the highest standards of professional excellence in the international moving industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
IAM (International Association of Movers) is the world’s leading trade association for international moving companies, representing over 2,220 members in 170+ countries. IAM membership requires peer validation, ethical commitment, and adherence to professional standards.
IAM membership matters because it provides verified professional credentials, financial protection through the Receivable Protection Programme, access to dispute resolution systems, and commitment to ethical standards—protections that non-member moving companies don’t offer.
Verify IAM membership by searching the company name at mobilityex.com (IAM’s official Mobility Exchange database) or requesting their IAM member number and checking it against the IAM directory at iamovers.org.
The IAM Code of Ethics is a binding commitment that IAM international moving companies make to uphold professional standards including honest pricing, transparent communication, quality service, regulatory compliance, and ethical business practices.
The Receivable Protection Programme (RPP) is IAM’s financial safeguard that protects customer deposits if an IAM member company declares bankruptcy or fails to complete contracted services, providing up to $250,000 in coverage per claim.
IAM provides professional dispute resolution through the IAM Issue Resolution System (IIRS), offering mediation and structured problem-solving when conflicts arise between customers and IAM member moving companies, avoiding costly legal proceedings.
IAM membership is the foundational credential requiring peer validation and ethical commitment, whilst IAMTrusted certification is an elevated status requiring additional background checks, financial verification, and demonstrated service excellence—representing the industry’s highest standard.
AM international moving company costs vary based on volume, destination, and services, but typical American family relocations range from $3,000-$25,000 for door-to-door international moves to Europe or Latin America.
No, IAM membership is voluntary—many international moving companies operate without IAM credentials. However, non-member movers lack peer validation, ethical accountability, financial protections, and professional dispute resolution that IAM membership provides.
Whilst other associations like FIDI and OMNI exist, IAM is the largest international moving trade association with 2,220+ members in 170+ countries, offering the most comprehensive peer validation, financial protections, and global network coverage for American families relocating abroad.
