70 Years Strong: Key Takeaways from the 2026 Convention

1. MRT2, one year in

The convention opened with a candid look at the first year under MRT2. Josh Shipman of Coastal Carrier Moving & Storage spoke for independent movers, Paula West of Coleman Worldwide Moving for the van lines, and NCMA President Kristie Allen, franchisee of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Fayetteville & Sanford, for the franchise side. Ben Greenberg of the North Carolina Trucking Association moderated. Each business model has felt the change differently. Sharing what has worked, and what hasn't, is one of the most valuable things this association can do.

2. Know your numbers

Brooke Wilson built a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK portfolio that does more than $16 million in annual sales. In “Operational Costs 101,” she walked through how to read your financials and what they're telling you about your business.

3. Your next customer may find you through AI

Travis Weathers of Rotate Digital showed how movers can turn ChatGPT and other AI tools into lead sources. As more customers ask AI where to find a mover, the companies that show up in those answers will win the business.

4. Housing drives moving

In our keynote, sponsored by Suddath Government Services, Dr. Cody Morris of UNC's Kenan-Flagler Business School and the Kenan Institute covered the housing, population and workforce trends that shape where North Carolinians move.

5. Stay ahead of enforcement

Michael Stewart, Division Administrator of FMCSA's North Carolina Division, covered recent regulatory changes and what inspectors are focused on. Friday afternoon, Sgt. Brian Baxley of the NC State Highway Patrol led a live truck inspection at Coastal Carrier Moving & Storage, with a truck provided by Ryder.

7. Taking on illegal movers

In Saturday's Open Q&A Forum, facilitated by Krishna Rajeev of the Public Staff's Transportation Division, members put their questions to the NC Utilities Commission and discussed NCMA's new process for flagging and reporting illegal movers. Unlicensed operators hurt consumers and undercut every legitimate mover in this state, and members' input will shape how this new service works.

NCMA scholarships went to Espen Aase-Farnum (four-year) and Lucas Morrison (two-year). Congratulations to both!

The 2026 Bill Trimble Vendor Service Award went to New Haven Moving Equipment.

The 2026 Anne Horne Mover of the Year award went to Les Wilson of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Raleigh-Durham.

David D. Rushing of All American Relocation received the 2026 James T. Dorman Distinguished Service Award.

We closed Friday's banquet by honoring Pam Stanley for 32 years of service to this association, with video messages from friends and colleagues across the industry. Pam's last day with NCMA will be December 30, 2026. Pam, thank you for everything.

Members approved a balanced 2027 budget with no dues increase and elected Lucky Anneheim, Christian Bundy, Lisa Rivard and Shannon Strickland to new terms as directors.

NCTA Member Rate — $50 per attendee

When: Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Where: The Factory at Congdon Yards, 4th Floor, Linen Room
400 W. English Road, High Point, NC 27262

Registration is required.

Starting in 2027, NCMA will be moving to an external printer for member forms, which will carry a minimum order of 100 forms.

If you order forms in smaller quantities, now is the time to get your final order in under the current process — especially for lower-volume orders that may fall under next year's 100-form minimum. Don't wait until the new year to place this order.