Privacy Policy

Last Minute Shippers ("we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information in compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and other applicable Canadian privacy laws.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

We collect information you voluntarily provide when using our services:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, company name
• Shipment Information: Origin and destination addresses, cargo details (dimensions, weight, description), special handling requirements
• Business Information: Company registration details, tax identification numbers (when applicable)
• Payment Information: Billing address and remittance details for invoicing (collected offline as needed)
• Communication Records: Emails, support tickets, call notes, and automated parsing of inbound quote requests

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information, operating system
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, navigation paths, quote requests viewed
• Cookies: Session cookies, preference cookies, analytics cookies (with your consent)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: Processing quote requests, booking shipments, arranging freight services, providing tracking updates
• Communication: Responding to inquiries, sending shipment notifications, providing customer support
• Compliance: Meeting legal obligations including customs, tax, and transportation regulations
• Business Operations: Maintaining records, processing payments, managing accounts
• Analytics: Improving our services, understanding user behavior, optimizing our platform (with consent)
• Marketing: Sending promotional communications about our services (only with explicit consent under CASL)

3. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information based on:

• Contractual Necessity: To perform our freight forwarding services
• Legal Obligations: To comply with Canadian customs, tax, and transportation laws
• Consent: For marketing communications and optional analytics (which you can withdraw at any time)
• Legitimate Interests: To improve our services and maintain business operations

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 Service Providers We Share With

• Carriers: Shipping lines, airlines, trucking companies (to execute shipments)
• Customs Brokers: For customs clearance and regulatory compliance
• Payment Processors: For invoicing or settlement when applicable
• Technology Providers: Hosting, email delivery, and analytics services that process data on our behalf

4.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, including:

• Canadian customs and border authorities (CBSA)
• Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for tax compliance
• Law enforcement agencies with valid legal requests
• Transport Canada and other regulatory bodies

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

5. Data Retention

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

• Active Business: Duration of active shipments and customer relationship
• Legal Requirements: 7 years after final transaction (CRA requirement for business records)
• Consent-Based: Until you withdraw consent for marketing communications

After retention periods expire, we securely delete or anonymize your personal information.

6. Cookie Policy

6.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for site functionality (login, quote sessions, security). These cannot be disabled.
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand site usage and performance (requires consent).
• Marketing Cookies: Track effectiveness of campaigns and enable remarketing (requires consent).

6.2 Managing Cookies

You can manage your cookie preferences through our cookie banner or browser settings. Note that disabling essential cookies may limit site functionality.

7. Your Privacy Rights (PIPEDA)

Under PIPEDA, you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal information we hold
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent for marketing or analytics at any time
• Complaint: Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
• Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, commonly used format
• Deletion: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements)

To exercise these rights, contact us at: support@lastminuteshippers.com

We will respond to requests within 30 days as required by PIPEDA.

8. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS) and at rest
• Access controls and authentication requirements
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Employee training on data protection and confidentiality
• Secure data centers with physical and digital safeguards

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be processed in Canada and the United States (through our service providers). When we transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

• Standard contractual clauses
• Service provider agreements with PIPEDA-equivalent protections
• Encryption and access controls

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on this page with a new "Effective Date"
• Sending email notification to active customers
• Obtaining renewed consent where required by law

12. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions, concerns, or to exercise your rights:

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may file a complaint with:

Note for Legal Review: This Privacy Policy is drafted in compliance with PIPEDA and Canadian privacy law. Please review with legal counsel to ensure alignment with specific business practices and any industry-specific regulations. Update contact information and business address as needed.