🔐 Privacy Policy

At Aussie General Freight, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or purchase our shipping containers. It complies with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

1. What Personal Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

Category	Examples	When collected
Identity & contact	Full name, email address, phone number, delivery address, billing address	Order placement, account registration, enquiries
Payment information	Credit card details (processed via Stripe), bank account numbers (for refunds)	Checkout, payment setup
Transaction data	Order history, container details, delivery records, invoices	Throughout our relationship
Technical data	IP address, browser type, device info, cookies, pages visited	Website usage
Communication	Emails, chat transcripts, call recordings (for training)	Customer support interactions
Commercial information	ABN, business name, credit history (for trade accounts)	Account applications, credit checks

If you are a business customer, we may also collect your ABN, business structure, and trade references for account purposes.

2. How We Collect Your Information

We collect information directly from you and automatically through our website:

• Direct interactions: When you fill out forms, create an account, place an order, contact us via phone/email/chat, or visit our depot.
• Automated technologies: Cookies, log files, and analytics tools (Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel) – see our Cookie section below.
• Third parties: Credit reporting agencies (for trade accounts), payment processors, delivery partners (to confirm delivery details).

3. Why We Collect Your Information (Purposes)

We use your personal information only where we have a lawful basis, including:

Where required, we will ask for your consent (e.g., marketing emails). You can withdraw consent at any time.

4. Disclosure of Your Information

We may share your information with trusted third parties to deliver our services. These include:

• Delivery partners – trucking companies, freight forwarders, crane operators (to arrange container delivery).
• Payment processors – Stripe, PayPal (to process payments securely).
• IT service providers – website hosting, email services, CRM platforms (e.g., Shopify, Mailchimp).
• Professional advisors – accountants, lawyers, insurers (as needed).
• Government authorities – when required by law (e.g., ATO, police, courts).

We require all third parties to respect your privacy and comply with Australian data protection laws. We never sell or rent your personal information to anyone.

5. Cross‑border Data Flow

Some of our service providers (e.g., cloud platforms, payment gateways) may store or process data outside Australia, including in the United States. Where we use overseas providers, we take reasonable steps to ensure they comply with privacy standards comparable to the Australian Privacy Principles. By using our website, you consent to such disclosures.

6. Data Security

We implement robust security measures to protect your personal information:

• SSL encryption on all website pages.
• PCI‑compliant payment gateways (we do not store credit card numbers).
• Access controls and secure servers.
• Regular security audits and staff training.

While we strive to protect your data, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. You also have a role – use strong passwords and keep your login details confidential.

7. Cookies and Similar Technologies

Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device. We use:

• Essential cookies – for shopping cart, login, and security.
• Analytics cookies – Google Analytics to understand site traffic and improve performance.
• Marketing cookies – Facebook Pixel, Google Ads to show relevant container ads (you can opt out via ad settings).

8. Marketing Communications

If you opt in (e.g., newsletter signup, order checkbox), we may send you updates about new container arrivals, specials, or industry news. You can unsubscribe at any time via the link in our emails or by contacting us. We do not use sensitive information for marketing.

9. Your Rights: Access, Correction, and Complaints

Under the Privacy Act, you have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you (subject to some exceptions).
• Correct any inaccurate or outdated information.
• Withdraw consent for marketing at any time.
• Request deletion (where legally possible).
• Lodge a complaint if you believe we have breached your privacy.

To exercise these rights, please contact our Privacy Officer using the details below. We will respond within 30 days. If you are unsatisfied, you may complain to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) – visit oaic.gov.au for more information.

10. How Long We Keep Your Information

We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes it was collected, or to comply with legal obligations (e.g., ATO record‑keeping: 5 years for tax invoices). After that, we securely delete or anonymise it.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on this page with an updated "last updated" date. Significant changes may be notified via email or a notice on our website.

12. Contact Our Privacy Officer

Privacy at a glance

Topic	Our commitment
Information collected	Identity, payment, transaction, technical, communication data
Primary use	Order fulfilment, communication, improvement, legal compliance
Sharing	Delivery partners, payment processors, IT providers – never sold
Security	SSL encryption, PCI compliance, access controls
Your rights	Access, correction, deletion, complaint
Retention	As long as necessary, up to 5 years for tax records