Privacy Policy

Welcome to CargoLink, operated by TOPNOTCH CARGOLINK, a registered business entity under TOP NOTCH COMPANY LTD. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website, mobile applications (Android and iOS), and web-based platform (collectively, the "Services").

By accessing or using our Services, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access or use our Services.

We collect information that you provide directly to us, information we obtain automatically when you use our Services, and information from third-party sources.

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, company name, business registration details, and password.
• Profile Information: Profile photo, business type (shipper, carrier, driver, forwarder), vehicle details, and preferences.
• Payment Information: Billing address, payment method details (processed securely through third-party payment processors).
• Communications: Information you provide when contacting our support team, participating in surveys, or providing feedback.
• Documents: Shipping documents, proof of delivery photos, vehicle registration, driver licenses, and other documentation required for logistics operations.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Location Data: With your permission, we collect precise location data from your mobile device to enable real-time shipment tracking, route optimization, and delivery confirmation. You can disable location services through your device settings, but this may limit certain features.
• Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, mobile network information, and IP address.
• Usage Data: Pages viewed, features used, time spent on the Services, search queries, and interaction with other users.
• Log Data: Server logs including IP address, browser type, access times, and referring URLs.

2.3 Mobile App Permissions

Our mobile applications may request the following permissions:

• Camera: To scan documents, capture proof of delivery photos, and verify cargo condition. You can deny this permission, but you will need to upload photos from your gallery instead.
• Storage: To save documents, photos, and enable offline access to shipment information. This allows you to access critical information even without internet connectivity.
• Location: To provide real-time tracking, route navigation, and location-based services. This is essential for drivers and real-time shipment monitoring.
• Notifications: To send you shipment updates, delivery alerts, messages from other users, and important service announcements. You can manage notification preferences in your device settings.
• Phone: To enable direct calling between shippers, carriers, and drivers through the app.
• Network Access: To connect to our servers and provide real-time updates.

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: To provide, maintain, and improve our logistics platform, including freight matching, shipment tracking, and route optimization.
• Account Management: To create and manage your account, verify your identity, and authenticate users.
• Communication: To send you shipment updates, delivery notifications, service announcements, and respond to your inquiries.
• Matching and Coordination: To connect shippers with carriers and drivers, facilitate communication, and coordinate shipments.
• Payment Processing: To process transactions, issue invoices, and manage billing.
• Analytics and Improvement: To analyze usage patterns, improve our Services, develop new features, and enhance user experience.
• Safety and Security: To verify users, prevent fraud, ensure compliance with our terms, and protect the safety of our community.
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes.
• Marketing: With your consent, to send promotional materials and updates about our Services. You can opt out at any time.

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 With Other Users

When you use our Services, certain information is shared with other users to facilitate shipments:

• Shippers can see carrier and driver names, contact information, vehicle details, and real-time location during active shipments.
• Carriers and drivers can see shipper contact information, pickup and delivery locations, and cargo details.
• All parties can see ratings, reviews, and performance history.

4.2 With Service Providers

We share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, including:

• Payment processors
• Cloud hosting providers
• Analytics services
• Customer support tools
• Mapping and navigation services (Google Maps)
• Communication services (SMS, email, push notifications)

4.3 For Legal Reasons

We may disclose your information if required by law or if we believe such action is necessary to:

• Comply with legal obligations, court orders, or government requests
• Enforce our Terms of Service and other agreements
• Protect the rights, property, or safety of CargoLink, our users, or others
• Detect, prevent, or address fraud, security, or technical issues

4.4 Business Transfers

If CargoLink is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change in ownership or control of your personal information.

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest using industry-standard protocols (TLS/SSL)
• Secure authentication and access controls
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Employee training on data protection and privacy
• Restricted access to personal information on a need-to-know basis

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

6.1 Access and Portability

You can access and download your personal information through your account settings or by contacting us.

6.2 Correction

You can update or correct your information through your account settings or by contacting us.

6.3 Deletion

You can request deletion of your account and personal information. Note that we may retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes (e.g., transaction records, dispute resolution).

6.4 Objection and Restriction

You can object to or request restriction of certain processing activities, such as marketing communications.

6.5 Withdraw Consent

Where we rely on your consent, you can withdraw it at any time through your account settings or device permissions.

6.6 Location Services

You can disable location tracking through your device settings, though this may limit certain features of our Services.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@cargolink.tz or support@cargolink.tz.

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect and track information about your use of our Services. Types of cookies we use include:

• Essential Cookies: Required for the Services to function properly (e.g., authentication, security).
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how users interact with our Services to improve performance and user experience.
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may limit your ability to use some features of our Services.

Our Services integrate with third-party services, including:

• Google Maps: For mapping, navigation, and location services. Subject to Google's Privacy Policy.
• Payment Processors: For secure payment processing. Subject to their respective privacy policies.
• Analytics Providers: To analyze usage and improve our Services.
• Cloud Services: For data storage and hosting.

These third-party services have their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review their policies before using our Services.

CargoLink operates across East and Central Africa. Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from those in your country.

When we transfer your information internationally, we implement appropriate safeguards to ensure your information remains protected in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws.

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our Services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Retention periods vary depending on the type of information and the purpose for which it was collected:

• Account information is retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period thereafter.
• Transaction records are retained for accounting and legal compliance purposes (typically 7 years).
• Location data is retained for the duration of active shipments and for a limited period for analytics purposes.
• Communications and support records are retained for customer service and dispute resolution purposes.

Our Services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us, and we will delete such information.

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated Privacy Policy on our website and mobile applications
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Sending you an email notification or in-app notification for significant changes

Your continued use of our Services after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.