With foreclosures on the rise and jobs on the skids, there's a lot of moving and shaking going on these days. If you've ever considered becoming a professional mover, now might be as good a time as any.

At least one Dallas phone directory lists more than 20 pages of moving and storage companies. Some advertise that they hire "starving students," while others feature "off-duty firefighters."

The Southwest Movers Association represents more than 350 moving companies and vendors in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Louisiana.

Late last year, it launched a site, www.mytexasmover.com, featuring advice for consumers and businesses, and industry information. There's even a "Helping Kids Move" section.

"As we enter the peak moving season of summer, the household goods industry will continue to see an influx of business," said John Esparza, Southwest Movers Association executive director. "The demand for employees who value quality, professionalism and high standards is great.

"Those starting out in the workforce or looking to try a different line of work will find the moving business a bustling, service-intensive industry," he said.

Busy season for the moving industry kicks in Memorial Day weekend and runs through Labor Day, says William Tobias, who has worked with Garrett's Moving & Storage in Rowlett for 16 years.

Garrett's, which is owned by William Garrett Ware and has been in business for 20 years, offers same-crew service, meaning the employees who pack up belongings are the same ones who deliver them. (And it is taking job applications.)

What Mr. Tobias likes about the work is that "you're not sitting behind a desk. You're on the go. You have fun while you're at work. And it's a never-ending story."

"It's a hands-on job," he says. "There are no pencil-pushers in this profession."

When looking for a job in the moving industry, ask questions similar to those recommended for consumers: How long has the company been in business? What is its track record with complaints? Does it handle large items that are difficult to move?

To help movers belly up to guidelines and best practices required by the Texas Department of Transportation, the Southwest Movers Association recently remodeled its Austin headquarters to make room for a "simulated move environment."

This mock home setting serves as a training facility for mover employees and is part of the curriculum for Move U, presented as a university-type training program that provides introductory and ongoing certification.

Move U training poses problems for participants to solve and techniques they must demonstrate properly. Videos, training manuals and hands-on instruction are offered to movers, loaders, packers, drivers and supervisors.

Professional Mover Training and Development Inc., which developed the program, provides the certification. The most recent session ended April 17 and cost $295 for two days of instruction (one-day sessions are also offered).

Garrett's sent four employees to Move U in March and plans to send at least four more.

The association also administers its Pinnacle Mover Program, which requires applicant companies to demonstrate that they have high levels of service. Any mover member company in good standing with Southwest Movers Association is eligible for consideration.

Certification requirements include insurance coverage minimums, criminal background checks, a satisfactory U.S. Department of Transportation Safety Rating, no bankruptcy filings in the last seven years and no unresolved Better Business Bureau claims on record. Certification criteria must be met each year.

"With the increased use of the Internet, the incidents of consumer scams or those conned by rogue movers has amplified," said Mike Lohner, owner of IMS Relocation in Carrollton and a Southwest Movers Association member. "The greatest protection is an educated consumer."

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