Coming Up in the Portal

In every issue of the Portal, we invite our authors to share their experiences, success stories, learning experiences, and vision with others in the moving and forwarding industry. In addition to our regular columns, feature articles for each issue are united by a central theme. This page contains the theme, guidelines, and deadlines for the upcoming issue of the magazine and will change regularly. Our editorial calendar will give you a glance further into future issues, and the Submit Your Story page details regular columns to which you may submit articles and news, as well as our submission guidelines and instructions.

January/February 2026

Selling Trust in an Age of Noise

In today’s marketplace, instant quotes, AI-generated pitches, and endless digital chatter compete for attention. In this age of noise, trust is no longer assumed, it must be built, earned, and proven at every step.

By anchoring this issue in behavioral science, we focus on the psychology behind how customers make decisions — what builds trust, captures attention, and drives loyalty. From trust signals and social proof to how choices are framed, these insights explain why certain sales and marketing strategies work. Combined with branding and innovation, they show how members can cut through the noise with approaches that feel both smart and human.

We are seeking contributors who will go beyond tips and tactics to share bold strategies, real-world experiments, and lessons learned. Submissions should demonstrate what truly works (and what doesn’t), and how your company is earning trust and standing out in a crowded, commoditized market.

Questions to Guide Your Contribution

You don’t need to answer them all. Use these prompts to spark ideas:

What unexpected strategies have helped you earn customer trust when buyers demand speed and transparency?
Where has AI or digital tech given you a sales/marketing edge, and where has it failed you?
How do you design customer experiences that cut through the noise and build lasting loyalty?
What story, campaign, or message has resonated most with your clients, and why?

How to Craft a Strong Submission

We’re looking for contributions that feel authentic and grounded in real-world experience. To make your piece stand out:

Tell a story, not just a process. Share a campaign, client interaction, or turning point that taught you something valuable.
Show results. Include data points, outcomes, or even failures that highlight impact.
Write in your own voice. Keep it practical and personal as if explaining it to a peer over coffee.

Submission Details:

Length: 500–750 words
Tone: Insightful, practical, and peer-to-peer (not promotional copy)
Format: Word document or editable Google Doc
Deadline: December 12, 2025
Send to: Portal Editor, Will Kohudic at william.kohudic@iamovers.org.

Please familiarize yourself with our Submission Guidelines to ensure your contribution meets standards for content and length.

Write a complete, concise (800 word maximum) article on the posted topic. Up to 10 high-quality submissions will be accepted for each feature story.
NEW Policy Regarding Use of AI: While AI-powered tools like ChatGPT can be useful in researching and outlining your contribution, we ask that you do the writing yourself; our readers want to hear your ideas in your own voice.
High-resolution digital photos (as separate image files, not embedded in your Word document) are welcome and will be used with your story as space permits.
The word limit for feature story contributions is 800 words. Remember that all submissions are subject to editing.
You may provide your text in an email message or as an attached Word document (no PDF files, please).
Be sure to include the author's name, job title and company with your submission.
Send your contribution and any questions to william.kohudic@iamovers.org.
Photos must be high-resolution for print; a mobile phone photo at actual/original size is usually acceptable.