Editorial Policy

Mission & Scope

The Certified Mover Association (CMA) exists to elevate professionalism, safety, and consumer trust in the moving industry. Our content provides evidence‑based guidance, standards updates, safety practices, regulatory information, and resources for certified movers and the public.

Editorial Standards

• Clarity & relevance: Plain language and actionable steps.
• Accuracy: Verifiable claims; reputable sources for statistics.
• Balance: Present appropriate perspectives; avoid sensationalism.
• Safety‑first: Prioritize safety guidance over speed.
• Accessibility: Descriptive headings, alt text, inclusive examples.

Sourcing & Verification

Editors corroborate material facts with independent sources where feasible, favoring primary documentation from regulators, standards bodies, academic research, and certified operators. Web citations include access dates.

Editorial Independence & Conflicts

• Contributors disclose relevant financial or employment interests.
• CMA retains full editorial control; business relationships do not dictate conclusions.
• Conflicted assignments are reassigned; disclosures appear prominently.

Accuracy, Corrections & Updates

• Pre‑publication checks: Copyediting for clarity, compliance, and style.
• Corrections: Material errors corrected promptly with a visible note.
• Updates: Time‑sensitive pages carry a review date; reviewed ≥ every 6 months.
• Takedowns: Avoid removals; if required, leave an explanatory placeholder.

Expert Review & Fact‑Checking

Safety‑critical or technical content is reviewed by subject‑matter experts (SMEs). Fact‑checking is documented in an internal checklist; SMEs may be credited by name and credential.

User‑Generated Content

• Comments/forums are moderated for civility, legality, and safety.
• Remove doxxing, harassment, hate speech, and unsafe advice; repeat violators may be banned.
• Testimonials/case studies require permission; edits for length/clarity do not change meaning.

Use of AI

• AI may assist ideation, outlining, grammar, and formatting.
• Human editors remain accountable for accuracy and tone; disclose meaningful AI assistance.
• No AI content implying endorsements or fabricated statements by real people.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• Use inclusive language and representative examples across sizes, geographies, and customer types.
• Avoid stereotypes; imagery reflects industry diversity.
• Provide translations or summaries for key safety content when feasible.

Advertising, Affiliates & Sponsored Content

• Sponsorships/ads are clearly labeled and visually distinct from editorial content.
• Affiliate links, if used, are disclosed near first mention and never influence conclusions.
• Sponsored articles meet editorial standards; sponsors do not control conclusions.

Legal & Compliance

• Comply with consumer protection, advertising, accessibility, and data‑protection laws.
• Safety guidance aligns with recognized standards where applicable; seek counsel for claims.
• Prohibit defamation, plagiarism, and unlawful instructions.

Privacy & Data Handling

• Collect only necessary personal data; store securely; retain for the stated purpose only.
• Personal data in stories requires consent or clear public‑interest basis.

Copyright & Licensing

• Use licensed, original, or public‑domain materials with proper attribution.
• Unless noted, CMA content is © Certified Mover Association; reuse via editor@certifiedmover.org.

Governance & Accountability

• Ownership: Editorial Board (Editor‑in‑Chief, Managing Editor, SME Panel Lead).
• Review cadence: Semiannual, or sooner if regulations change.
• Versioning: v1.0 — October 5, 2025.