SMA Association
The History of the Association
SMA – Swiss Movers Association
The SMA was founded during the First World War as CVSM (Central Association of Swiss Furniture Removers). From the outset, the goal was to unite leading moving companies and ensure quality and know-how. Even then, cross-border transports took place – by horse-drawn carriage, train, or inland waterway vessel; later, air traffic and container logistics were added.
After the Second World War, the industry grew strongly: mobility increased, and international moves became the norm. In 1950, FIDI (Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux) was founded in Switzerland. In the 1990s, competition intensified, especially due to foreign providers. In 2003, the CVSM was rebranded as the Association of Swiss Moving Companies (VSU). In 2016, the association celebrated its 100th anniversary.
At the General Assembly in November 2019, the association was renamed SMA – Swiss Movers Association, and cooperation with the Swiss Commercial Vehicle Association ASTAG was reorganised. Certified companies of ASTAG (ASTAG Plus) and VSU were integrated into the SMA.
Today, the Swiss moving industry offers two complementary association options:
- Member of ASTAG (no entry barrier)
- Certified Member of SMA (ASTAG membership recommended, but not mandatory)
Chronicle – 100 Years of VSU
On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Association of Swiss Moving Companies (VSU) in 2016 – one of the two associations from which the SMA emerged in 2020 – Andreas Amiet-Keller compiled a comprehensive chronicle. You can order the complete VSU chronicle here.
Or download an excerpt of the VSU chronicle from 1916 to 2016 here.
