Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

We collect information you voluntarily provide when you:

• Apply for certification as a moving company
• Contact us through our website forms
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Report issues or complaints about moving companies
• Participate in surveys or feedback requests

This may include:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, business address
• Business Information: Company name, USDOT number, license information, insurance details
• Documentation: Business licenses, insurance certificates, proof of operations
• Communication Records: Messages, emails, and correspondence with our team

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

• Technical Information: IP address, browser type, device information, operating system
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on site, referral sources
• Cookies: Small files stored on your device to improve site functionality

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

2.1 Certification Services

• Processing and evaluating certification applications
• Verifying business legitimacy and credentials
• Maintaining certification records and status
• Communicating certification decisions and requirements

2.2 Consumer Protection

• Publishing verified moving company information
• Investigating complaints and reports
• Maintaining transparency in the moving industry
• Providing consumer education and resources

2.3 Website Operations

• Improving website functionality and user experience
• Responding to inquiries and support requests
• Sending newsletters and updates (with consent)
• Analyzing website usage and performance

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

3.1 Public Information

As part of our transparency mission, we publicly display:

• Certified company names and certification levels
• Business addresses and contact information
• USDOT numbers and license status
• Certification badges and verification status

This information is published to help consumers make informed decisions about moving services.

3.2 Move Request Handling

If you submit a move request through our website, please note that this information does not directly go to the listed mover. Instead, it is shared exclusively with a Level 3 (Full Transparency Certified) mover in your area to ensure the highest standards of service and accountability. We do not guarantee the availability of a mover or the outcome of your request.

3.3 Limited Sharing

We may share information in these specific circumstances:

• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government request
• Safety Concerns: To protect the safety of individuals or prevent fraud
• Business Operations: With trusted service providers who assist our operations (under strict confidentiality agreements)
• Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share specific information

3.4 What We Don’t Share

We never sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: Sensitive data is encrypted in transit and at rest
• Access Controls: Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
• Regular Updates: Security systems are regularly updated and monitored
• Staff Training: Team members receive privacy and security training

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Your Rights and Choices

5.1 Access and Control

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Portability: Request your data in a portable format

5.2 Communication Preferences

• Unsubscribe from newsletters and marketing emails
• Opt out of non-essential communications
• Update your contact preferences

5.3 Cookies and Tracking

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

6. Data Retention

We retain information for different periods based on its purpose:

• Certification Records: Maintained for the duration of certification plus 7 years
• Communication Records: Kept for 3 years for customer service purposes
• Website Analytics: Aggregated data retained for 2 years
• Legal Requirements: Some data may be retained longer to comply with legal obligations

7. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

8. International Users

Our services are primarily intended for users in the United States. If you access our website from outside the U.S., please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from those in your country.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will:

• Post the updated policy on our website
• Update the “Last Updated” date
• Notify you of significant changes via email (if you’ve provided your email address)
• Provide notice on our website for material changes

Your continued use of our services after policy changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

11. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information is collected and how it’s used
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

12. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Certified Mover Association shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or exemplary damages, including but not limited to, damages for loss of profits, goodwill, use, data, or other intangible losses, resulting from:

• Your use or inability to use our services
• Any unauthorized access to or alteration of your transmissions or data
• Statements or conduct of any third party on the service
• Any other matter relating to our services

Our total liability for any claims shall not exceed the amount you paid us for the services during the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or want to exercise your rights, please contact us: