Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Freight Base ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you use our platform.

This Privacy Policy complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

We collect information that you voluntarily provide when using our platform:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, password
• Company Information: Company name, registration number, tax ID, address, business type
• Profile Information: Bio, profile photo, vehicle information (for carriers)
• Job Information: Pickup/delivery locations, cargo details, dates, pricing
• Bid Information: Bid amounts, messages, estimated delivery times
• Communication Data: Messages between users, support inquiries
• Payment Information: Billing address, payment method details (processed securely by third-party payment processors)
• Verification Documents: Business licenses, insurance certificates, identification documents

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

We automatically collect certain information when you use our platform:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Usage Information: Pages viewed, features used, time spent, click patterns
• Location Information: General geographic location based on IP address
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: See our Cookie Policy below

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from third-party services:

• Company verification services
• Payment processors
• Analytics providers
• Social media platforms (if you connect your account)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

3.1 Platform Services

• Create and manage your account
• Process and facilitate transactions between users
• Connect shippers with carriers
• Enable communication between users
• Process payments and generate invoices
• Verify company information

3.2 Platform Improvement

• Analyze usage patterns and trends
• Develop new features and services
• Improve user experience
• Conduct research and testing

3.3 Communication

• Send transactional emails (account notifications, job updates, bid alerts)
• Respond to inquiries and support requests
• Send marketing communications (with your consent)
• Conduct surveys and request feedback

3.4 Safety and Security

• Detect and prevent fraud
• Ensure platform security
• Enforce our Terms and Conditions
• Resolve disputes
• Comply with legal obligations

3.5 Legal Basis for Processing (UK GDPR)

We process your personal data based on:

• Contract: Processing necessary to provide our services
• Consent: When you provide explicit consent (e.g., marketing emails)
• Legitimate Interests: Platform improvement, fraud prevention, analytics
• Legal Obligation: Compliance with laws and regulations

4. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 With Other Users

When you post jobs or bids, certain information becomes visible to other users:

• Company name and profile information
• Ratings and reviews
• Job and bid details
• Messages (only with involved parties)

4.2 With Service Providers

We share information with third-party service providers who assist us:

• Cloud hosting providers
• Payment processors
• Email service providers
• Analytics providers
• Customer support tools
• Company verification services

4.3 For Legal Reasons

We may disclose information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal obligations or court orders
• Protect our rights, property, or safety
• Enforce our Terms and Conditions
• Investigate fraud or security issues

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes
• Enforce our agreements

When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within 90 days, except where retention is required by law.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure authentication mechanisms
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and monitoring
• Employee training on data protection

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights (UK GDPR)

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights:

7.1 Right to Access

You can request a copy of your personal information we hold.

7.2 Right to Rectification

You can request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.

7.3 Right to Erasure

You can request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal retention requirements).

7.4 Right to Restrict Processing

You can request limitation on how we process your information.

7.5 Right to Data Portability

You can request your data in a portable format.

7.6 Right to Object

You can object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing.

7.7 Right to Withdraw Consent

Where processing is based on consent, you can withdraw consent at any time.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [email protected]

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

8.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us provide and improve our services.

8.2 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality (authentication, security)
• Performance Cookies: Help us analyze platform usage and performance
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Marketing Cookies: Track marketing campaign effectiveness (with your consent)

8.3 Managing Cookies

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

9. Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

10. Children's Privacy

Our platform is not intended for individuals under 18 years old. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside the UK. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with UK GDPR, including:

• Standard Contractual Clauses
• Adequacy decisions
• Other approved transfer mechanisms

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by email or through the platform. The "Last Updated" date at the top indicates when changes were made.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

14. Complaints

If you believe your data protection rights have been violated, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):