Privacy Policy

1. Overview

Direct Auto Ship ("we," "our," or "us") operates a car shipping comparison platform that helps consumers find and compare quotes from verified auto transport carriers. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you use our website, mobile applications, and services (collectively, the "Platform").

By using our Platform, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Platform.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We collect information you voluntarily provide when using our Platform:

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you use our Platform, we automatically collect certain information:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Usage Data: Pages visited, quotes viewed, carriers compared, time spent
• Location Data: IP-based location for regional pricing accuracy
• Performance Data: Loading times, errors, crash reports

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• Carrier Partners: Quote pricing, availability, service areas
• DOT Verification Services: Carrier safety records, operating authority status
• Payment Processors: Transaction status and fraud prevention data
• Analytics Providers: Aggregated usage patterns

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

3.1 Core Platform Services

• Generate and display shipping quotes from multiple carriers
• Enable side-by-side comparison of carrier options
• Facilitate booking with your chosen carrier
• Process secure payments through our platform
• Provide shipment tracking and status updates
• Display carrier reviews and ratings

3.2 Account and User Management

• Create and maintain user accounts
• Authenticate users and prevent unauthorized access
• Save quote history and preferences
• Enable saved searches and alerts

3.3 Safety and Quality

• Verify carrier licensing, insurance, and safety records
• Monitor and display authentic customer reviews
• Detect and prevent fraudulent activity
• Investigate and resolve disputes

3.4 Communication and Support

• Provide customer support and assistance
• Send booking confirmations and updates
• Respond to user inquiries and feedback
• Facilitate communication with carriers after booking

3.5 Platform Improvement

• Analyze usage to improve our comparison tools
• Develop new features and functionality
• Optimize quote accuracy and pricing algorithms
• Generate aggregate usage statistics

3.6 Legal and Regulatory Compliance

• Comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Respond to legal process and government requests
• Maintain required business records

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

4.1 With Carriers You Select

When you book a shipment, we share necessary information with your chosen carrier:

• Contact information (name, phone, email)
• Pickup and delivery addresses
• Vehicle details
• Scheduling preferences

4.2 Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating our Platform:

• Payment Processing: Stripe (for secure payment processing)
• Verification Services: DOT data providers for carrier verification
• Analytics: Usage analytics (anonymized data)
• Customer Support: Support ticket management

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law or to protect our rights:

• In response to valid legal process (subpoenas, court orders)
• To protect the safety of users or the public
• To investigate fraud or security breaches
• To enforce our Terms of Service

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user information may be transferred as part of the business transaction. We will notify users of any such transfer and any changes to this Privacy Policy.

4.5 Aggregate and De-identified Data

We may share aggregate, statistical, or de-identified information that cannot be used to identify you, such as:

• Average shipping costs by route
• Popular routes and destinations
• Platform usage statistics

5. Data Security

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your personal information:

5.1 Technical Safeguards

• Encryption: All data transmitted using TLS 1.3 encryption
• Data Storage: Personal information encrypted at rest using AES-256
• Secure Infrastructure: AWS cloud hosting with enterprise-grade security
• Access Controls: Multi-factor authentication and role-based access

5.2 Payment Security

• All payment processing handled by Stripe (PCI DSS Level 1 certified)
• We never store complete credit card numbers
• Fraud detection and prevention systems

6. Your Privacy Rights and Choices

You have several rights regarding your personal information:

6.1 Access and Portability

• View your personal information through your account settings
• Request a copy of your data in a machine-readable format
• Review your quote and booking history

6.2 Correction and Updates

• Update your profile information at any time
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Request assistance with data corrections through support

6.3 Deletion and Account Closure

• Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Some information may be retained for legal or business purposes

6.4 Communication Preferences

• Opt out of marketing communications
• Manage notification preferences in your account settings
• Choose frequency and types of updates

6.5 State-Specific Rights

California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

California residents have additional rights:

• Right to know what personal information is collected and how it's used
• Right to delete personal information (with certain exceptions)
• Right to opt out of the sale of personal information (we don't sell data)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your platform experience:

7.1 Types of Cookies We Use

7.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through:

• Browser settings to block or delete cookies
• Cookie preferences in your account dashboard

8. Children's Privacy

Our Platform is not intended for use by children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 years of age.

8.1 Age Requirements

• Users must be at least 18 years old to create an account
• Users must be at least 18 to book a shipment

8.2 Reporting

If you believe a child under 18 has provided personal information to us, please contact us immediately at contact@directautoship.com.

9. International Data Transfers

9.1 Data Processing Location

• Primary data processing occurs in the United States
• Cloud infrastructure hosted in AWS US regions
• All transfers comply with applicable privacy laws

9.2 International User Rights

For users outside the United States:

• GDPR (EU/UK): European users have rights under GDPR including data portability, erasure, and objection
• PIPEDA (Canada): Canadian users have rights under federal privacy legislation

10. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary:

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements.

11.1 Notification of Changes

• Email notification to registered users for material changes
• Prominent notice on our website
• Changes take effect 30 days after notification

11.2 Continued Use

Your continued use of the Platform after the effective date of changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

12. California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA)

This section provides additional information for California residents.

12.1 Categories of Personal Information

In the past 12 months, we have collected:

12.2 Sale of Personal Information

We do not sell personal information and have not sold personal information in the past 12 months.

12.3 Your California Rights

• Know: Request information about data collected and used
• Delete: Request deletion of personal information
• Correct: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Non-Discrimination: Not receive discriminatory treatment for exercising rights

13. Contact Information

13.2 Business Information

• Legal Name: Direct Auto Ship, LLC

14. Effective Date

This Privacy Policy is effective as of July 17, 2025 and applies to all information collected by Direct Auto Ship on or after this date.

By using our Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy.