INTERSTATE ACCEPTED INTO FIDI
Interstate Awarded FIDI/FAIM Affiliation to Worldwide Moving Federation

Interstate's pursuit of FIDI/FAIM affiliation, not only required it to meet the stringent guidelines for affiliation to FIDI, but also mandated that it subscribe to an independent examination by Cap Gemini Ernst & Young. "We are very honored to be part of this most prestigious international organization," stated Bob Matthews, Interstate International Vice President. "We are committed to providing our customers with the highest standards of service, whether they are here in the United States or in an overseas location. Our team looks forward to working with our fellow FIDI members to facilitate this level of service on a worldwide basis for our customers."

The aim of FIDI is to ensure the highest possible quality standards amongst its 750 affiliates around the world, providing a network of professional international moving facilities for people relocating abroad. Companies affiliated with FIDI are expected to maintain the highest financial, managerial and operational standards. In support of this, FIDI monitors its membership to ensure high standards of customer care and operational efficiency. Additionally, FIDI carries out programs and studies designed to help promote its affiliates' competitiveness within the international moving and storage marketplace.

To receive FIDI-FAIM certification, Interstate was required to achieve high standards in each of sixteen parameters of the quality assurance program established and managed by FIDI and independently audited by Cap Gemini Ernst & Young. FIDI's program focuses on quality; as such, it is not only dedicated to international moving, but also exceeds the requirements of any other quality standard such as ISO. The 16 parameters for FIDI-FAIM certification are:

Basic QualificationsStandards Facilities, Equipment & Materials Qualified Staff Quality Management Documentation Risk Management Operating Authorities (Local & International) Financial Security Environmental Policy

International Moving Components Product & Service Knowledge Service Processes Outsourcing Proposal and/or Contract Documentation Claims Measurement of the Claims Ratio Responsiveness Customer Survey Report

Established in 1943, the Interstate family of companies today comprises a worldwide group of relocation management, transportation and logistic entities facilitate more than 20,000 relocations over the next year. The Interstate team presently consists of 300 employees and 1,000 service partners worldwide. Interstate is distinguished with ISO-9002 certification for all entities and facilities, an accomplishment achieved by less than 1% of those within its industry. As further acknowledgement of its high standards, in April 2001, Interstate International received RIM Certification as awarded by the international component of the American Moving and Storage Association. Also in 2001, Interstate received several prestigious awards, including the 2001 National Capital Business Ethics Award, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority's 2001 Blue Diamond Quality First Award and numerous Safety in the Workplace honors from the American Moving and Storage Association.