At Trailers Channel, located at 2661 Stevens St, Houston, TX 77026, we prioritize your privacy and are committed to safeguarding your personal information in accordance with federal and state laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for EU customers, and Google Merchant Center’s data protection standards. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect your data when you visit trailerschannel.com, contact us at support@trailerschannel.com, make purchases, request services (e.g., trailer rentals or repairs), or interact with our Houston-based operations. By using our website or services, you consent to the practices described herein.

1. Information We Collect
We collect various types of information to provide and improve our services:
* Personal Information:
* Contact details: Full name, email address, phone number, and physical address (billing or shipping) provided during account creation, purchases, financing applications, or inquiries.
* Payment details: Credit card numbers, bank account information, or financing application data (e.g., Social Security Number for credit checks, with your consent) processed securely via PCI-compliant partners like Stripe or PayPal.
* Service-related data: Details about trailer preferences, repair requests, or rental agreements submitted via forms or support@trailerschannel.com.
* Non-Personal Information:
* Technical data: IP address, browser type (e.g., Chrome, Safari), operating system, device type (e.g., mobile, desktop), and geolocation data (approximate, based on IP).
* Usage data: Pages visited, time spent on site, click patterns, and search queries, collected via cookies, web beacons, and analytics tools like Google Analytics.
* Transactional Data:
* Purchase history: Trailer models (e.g., cargo, utility, RV), prices, quantities, and delivery details.
* Service records: Repair logs, warranty claims, or rental agreements linked to your account or trailer VIN.
* Marketing preferences: Subscription status for newsletters or promotional offers.
* Voluntarily Provided Data: Feedback, reviews, survey responses, or social media interactions

2. How We Collect Information
We collect data through:
* Direct Interactions: When you place orders, fill out forms (e.g., contact, financing), call (713) 555-1234, or visit our Houston location.
* Automated Technologies: Cookies, pixel tags, and server logs track site activity. Our cookie consent tool lets you manage preferences, per Google Merchant Center guidelines.
* Third Parties: Partners like payment processors, financing companies (e.g., Synchrony), or advertising networks (e.g., Google Ads) may provide data (e.g., creditworthiness, ad engagement).

3. How We Use Your Information
We use your data to deliver a seamless experience and fulfill business purposes, including:
* Order Fulfillment: Process trailer sales, rentals, or repairs, including payment processing, title transfers (per Texas DMV), and shipping coordination.
* Customer Support: Respond to inquiries, schedule appointments, or resolve issues via support@trailerschannel.com or phone.
* Communication: Send order confirmations, tracking updates, warranty details, or service reminders. Marketing emails (e.g., new trailer promotions) are sent only with consent, with clear opt-out options.
* Site Improvement: Analyze usage patterns to optimize trailerschannel.com (e.g., faster load times, better search filters).
* Personalization: Tailor content, such as recommending cargo trailers to logistics firms or RVs to campers, based on browsing history.
* Legal Compliance: Maintain records for tax reporting, audits, or regulatory requirements (e.g., UCC for financed trailers).
* Fraud Prevention: Verify identities and transactions to protect against unauthorized activity.

4. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data. We may share it in these cases:
* Service Providers: Trusted partners who assist with:
* Payment processing (e.g., Stripe, 2.9% fee).
* Shipping (e.g., FedEx Freight, R+L Carriers).
* Financing (e.g., Synchrony, LightStream for credit checks).
* IT services (e.g., SiteGround for hosting, Google Analytics for insights). All providers are contractually bound to protect your data.
* Legal Obligations: We may disclose data to comply with:
* Court orders, subpoenas, or government audits (e.g., IRS, Texas DMV).
* Safety or fraud investigations.
* Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale, your data may be transferred to a successor, with prior notice and consent where required.
* Aggregated Data: Non-identifiable, anonymized data (e.g., site traffic stats) may be shared with advertisers or partners for business analysis.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance functionality, personalize experiences, and support advertising:
* Essential Cookies: Enable core features like cart management and secure checkout.
* Analytics Cookies: Track site performance (e.g., bounce rates, popular trailers).
* Advertising Cookies: Deliver relevant ads via Google Ads or social platforms (e.g., X, Facebook). You can accept, reject, or customize cookie preferences via our consent popup, as mandated by Google Merchant Center. Disable cookies in your browser, but note this may limit site functionality. Opt out of personalized ads at google.com/settings/ads or networkadvertising.org/choices.

6. Data Security
We implement industry-standard measures to protect your data:
* SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmissions.
* PCI DSS-compliant payment processing.
* Firewalls, secure servers, and access controls for stored data.
* Regular security audits and employee training. Despite these efforts, no system is 100% secure. We are not liable for breaches beyond our reasonable control (e.g., third-party hacks). Report security concerns to support@trailerschannel.com immediately.

7. Your Data Rights
You have rights under CCPA, GDPR, and other laws, including:
* Access: Request a copy of your data.
* Correction: Update inaccurate information.
* Deletion: Request removal of your data, subject to legal retention requirements (e.g., tax records).
* Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing emails or opt out of data sales (we do not sell data).
* Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
* Non-Discrimination: We will not penalize you for exercising these rights. Submit requests to support@trailerschannel.com; we respond within 30 days (45 days for complex cases), per Google Merchant Center standards. Verification (e.g., order number) may be required.

8. International Data Transfers
If you’re outside the U.S., your data may be transferred to our U.S.-based servers. We comply with GDPR for EU customers, using Standard Contractual Clauses for safe transfers. Contact us for details.

9. Children’s Privacy
Our services are not intended for users under 13, per COPPA. We do not knowingly collect children’s data. If discovered, we delete it immediately. Email support@trailerschannel.com to report concerns.

10. Third-Party Links
Trailerschannel.com may link to external sites (e.g., financing partners, manufacturer portals). We are not responsible for their privacy practices or content. Review their policies before sharing data.

11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy to reflect legal, operational, or technological changes. Updates will be posted on this page with a new effective date. Significant changes (e.g., new data uses) will include email notifications or site banners, per Google Merchant Center guidelines. Review periodically to stay informed.