This Privacy Policy explains how FreightConnect – Global Trade Alliance (“FreightConnect”, “we”, “us” or “our”) collects, uses, stores and protects information provided by applicants, Members and users of our services.
1. Information We Collect
Depending on your interaction with FreightConnect, we may collect:
Company Information
- Registered legal company name
- Trading name, where applicable
- Country and city
- Registered business address
- Company registration/business registration number
- Company email
- Website
- Company logo
Authorised Contact Information
- Full name
- Job title/position
- Business email
- Phone number and country code
- WhatsApp availability
Business Information
- Business role
- Products and product categories
- Services and capabilities
- Countries and trade lanes served
- Target markets
- Business interests
- Specific business requirements
Verification Information
- Company registration/incorporation documents
- Business or industry licences
- Business activity evidence
- Business references
- Industry associations or memberships
We may also collect information provided through enquiries, referrals, communications and use of the FreightConnect platform.
2. How We Use Your Information
We may use the information collected to:
- Process and assess membership applications.
- Conduct KYC and business verification.
- Verify company information and business activity.
- Verify business references.
- Create and maintain Member profiles.
- Provide membership services and benefits.
- Facilitate relevant business introductions and opportunities.
- Connect Members with relevant trade or logistics requirements.
- Understand Members' business interests and requirements.
- Identify relevant opportunities and potential business connections.
- Bring relevant non-member businesses and enquiries into the FreightConnect platform.
- Communicate regarding membership, services and opportunities.
- Administer membership payments and accounts.
- Maintain the security and integrity of FreightConnect.
- Comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
3. KYC & Business Verification
FreightConnect conducts verification before approving Members.
As part of this process, we may verify:
- Company registration and legal/business information.
- Business licences and relevant authorisations.
- Evidence of genuine business activity.
- Information provided in the application.
- Business references.
FreightConnect may use information provided by the applicant, publicly available business information, company websites, business registries and other reasonable sources for verification purposes.
Verification information is used for internal due diligence and is not automatically displayed in the Member Directory or public company profile.
4. Business References
If you provide a business reference during your application, FreightConnect may contact that reference to verify your business relationship and other relevant information.
By providing a reference, you confirm that the information supplied is provided for legitimate business verification purposes.
5. Member Directory & Company Information
Approved Members may have selected company and business information displayed within the FreightConnect Member Directory or other Member-facing areas.
This may include information such as:
- Company name
- Company logo
- Country and city
- Website
- Business category/role
- Products or business areas
- Services and capabilities
- Countries or trade lanes served
- Relevant business interests
Verification documents, business references, KYC information and other information submitted solely for verification will not be displayed in the Member Directory or public company profile.
6. Business Opportunities, Leads & Introductions
FreightConnect may use relevant Member information and business enquiries to identify suitable business opportunities, potential counterparties and relevant business connections.
This may include:
- Connecting Members with other Members.
- Connecting Members with suitable non-member businesses.
- Identifying Members who may be suitable for a non-member enquiry.
- Identifying potential suppliers, buyers, traders or logistics providers for a Member requirement.
- Approaching relevant non-member businesses about suitable opportunities or FreightConnect membership.
- Developing relevant business leads and opportunities for the FreightConnect community.
Only information relevant to the particular business purpose will be shared where reasonably practicable.
7. Sharing Information With Members & Business Connections
FreightConnect may share relevant company and business contact information with other Members or users where reasonably necessary to facilitate:
- Business introductions.
- Trade opportunities.
- Sourcing or supply requirements.
- Freight and logistics requirements.
- Referrals.
- Other legitimate business connections.
Members are responsible for how they use information received through FreightConnect and must comply with the Membership Terms & Conditions.
8. Confidential & Verification Information
Information submitted specifically for verification, including registration documents, licences, business activity evidence and reference information, is treated as internal verification information.
FreightConnect will not publish such documents in a public Member profile or Member Directory.
Members should not submit information that they are not authorised to share.
10. WhatsApp & Other Communications
Where a Member provides a telephone number and indicates that it is available on WhatsApp, FreightConnect may use WhatsApp for relevant membership, business and platform communications.
FreightConnect may also communicate with Members through email, telephone or other contact methods provided by the Member.
11. Data Storage & Security
FreightConnect takes reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect information against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, alteration or disclosure.
However, no electronic storage or transmission system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
12. Data Retention
FreightConnect retains information for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, including:
- Membership administration.
- Verification and due diligence.
- Business communications.
- Accounting and payment records.
- Legal or regulatory requirements.
- Resolving disputes or protecting FreightConnect and its Members.
Verification information may continue to be retained after membership ends where reasonably necessary for these purposes.
13. Third-Party Service Providers
FreightConnect may use trusted third-party service providers to help operate its services, including providers for:
- Website hosting.
- Email and communications.
- Payment processing.
- Document storage.
- Customer relationship management.
- Verification services.
- Analytics.
- Other operational services.
These providers may process information only as necessary to provide their services and subject to applicable contractual or legal requirements.
14. International Data Transfers
FreightConnect operates as an international business community. Information may therefore be stored or processed in countries other than the country where a Member or user is located.
Where required by applicable law, FreightConnect will take appropriate measures for the protection of personal information when information is transferred internationally.
15. Cookies & Website Information
The FreightConnect website may use cookies and similar technologies to provide website functionality, security, analytics and an improved user experience.
We may also collect technical information such as browser type, device information, IP address and website usage information where necessary for these purposes and subject to applicable law.
16. Marketing Communications
FreightConnect may send Members information about relevant services, business opportunities, membership updates and other communications.
Members may opt out of non-essential marketing communications where applicable.
Necessary membership, transactional, security and service-related communications may still be sent.
17. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on applicable law, you may have rights concerning your personal information, including the right to:
- Request access to your personal information.
- Request correction of inaccurate information.
- Request deletion where legally applicable.
- Object to or restrict certain processing.
- Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.
- Request a copy of certain information.
Requests may be submitted using the contact details below.
18. Changes to This Privacy Policy
FreightConnect may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in its services, practices or applicable legal requirements.
The updated version will be made available through the FreightConnect website or platform.
19. Contact Us
For privacy-related questions, requests or concerns, please contact:
Email: [Insert Privacy/Official Email]
Address: [Insert Registered/Business Address]
Website: [Insert Website]
9. Social Media & Promotional Use
FreightConnect may use relevant Member company information and content for its promotional, marketing and communications activities.
This may include use on:
Such information or content may include company names, logos, business information, photographs, achievements, testimonials, success stories and other relevant promotional content.
Where personal photographs, personal testimonials, personal quotes or other personal content are used, FreightConnect may obtain appropriate permission or approval where required.