Quality Labor Program

Fry-Wagner’s goal is to make your move as stress-free as possible! And we’re committed to following the detailed requirements of United Van Lines’ Quality Labor program to ensure your goods are handled and transported in the best possible manner. We realize you have countless options when choosing a moving company, and we want to make sure you receive service from knowledgeable and well-trained Associates.

Our “Quality Labor Certification Program”, introduced in 1991 is a four-phase certification process for packers and movers.

Phase 1 - "Train-The-Trainer Certification Workshop”
This comprehensive, four-day workshop, facilitated by UniGroup personnel, prepares agency employees who administer training within their own organizations to front-line personnel. The workshop provides an introduction to United’s Five-Step Quality Service Process. In addition, the participants are provided:

  • Information on and practical skills for teaching adults
  • An opportunity to practice presenting modules to classmates and participate in eight modules as a trainee
  • Ideas and options for implementing the program at the agency level
  • Materials needed to implement the program

Trainers utilize a starter kit, which includes approximately 30 video training segments (orientation, packer, mover and inventory modules, etc.), facilitator guides, quizzes, exercises, certificates, and other collateral materials. Only authorized trainers conduct the Packer and Mover classes to protect the integrity of the program and to prevent a “watering down” of its contents as it is passed from one individual to another.

Phase 2 - "Coaches' Training Module"
After completing the workshop, the agency trainer identifies and trains "coaches" (lead people or senior packers and movers) at the agency location. Coaches are the individuals in the field responsible for reinforcing classroom training, coaching labor trainees on performance improvement, and determining when trainees have achieved certain proficiency levels. The new coaches review all modules and receive additional “coach” training.

Phase 3 - "Packer and Mover Classroom Training"
This phase represents the actual training of the work force by the agency trainer. Every agency packer and mover must attend all classes for their specific certification. For the packer, training includes identifying non-allowables, packing materials and carton construction, use of general cartons and labeling, packing non-breakables, preparation for packing, packing fragile items, packing home decorating accessories and packing electronics. Mover instruction includes safe lifting and carrying tech¬niques, lifting and moving equipment, basic wrapping, wrapping special items, protecting the residence, disassembly and wrapping, appliances and electronics, loading and tier building, and unloading and unpacking. Additionally, both certification programs cover orientation and the inventory modules: introduction to inventory, carrier-packed inventory, high-value inventory, van operator inventory and exceptions inventory. A total of 30 hours of classroom training are required for each certification.

Phase 4 - "In The Field..."
After acquiring and practicing a skill in the classroom, trainees then develop their proficiency further during actual household goods moves under the supervision of a coach. Final certification is awarded after the train¬ee's successful completion of classroom training, skill proficiency qualification, 200 hours of on-the-job field experience, and final review. Certification for employ¬ees will reflect the completion of a challenging, real¬istic program, which equips them to be, and identifies them as, qualified moving professionals.
For a trainer to become certified, he or she will have:

  • Completed a Quality Labor Train-The-Trainer workshop
  • Submitted a program implementation schedule to UniGroup Headquarters
  • Conducted a complete series of packer or mover classes
  • Completed an orientation review on each person
  • Completed 200 hours of field check-offs on their trainees
  • Completed a final review on each person
  • Signed the Request for Certification and completed the Certification List confirming all requirements have been completed and all standards maintained

For an individual to be certified as a packer or mover, he or she will have:

  • Completed 30 hours of classroom training
  • Completed an orientation review
  • Completed 200 hours of field training
  • Demonstrated mastery of 80 skills and competencies
  • Completed a final review for either packer or mover certification

For an individual to be certified both as a packer and mover, he or she will have:

  • Completed 50 hours of classroom training
  • Completed 400 hours of field training
  • Demonstrated mastery of 160 skills and competencies
  • Completed a final review for both packer and mover certification

Click here to download information about our Quality Labor Program and how it will positively impact your relocation.