Switchbl (“Switchbl,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) provides AI-powered technology and workflow automation for international logistics, freight forwarding, customs-related operations, shipment visibility, document processing, demurrage and detention management, and related services.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect personal information when you use switchbl.com, our applications, APIs, AI services, and other products and services (collectively, the “Services”).
1. Information We Collect
Depending on how you use Switchbl, we may collect the following categories of information.
Account and business information: name, business email address, telephone number, company name, job title, account credentials, and billing and account information.
Shipment and logistics information: bill of lading numbers, container numbers, booking and shipment references, vessel, rail, terminal and trucking information, arrival and availability information, Last Free Day (LFD), demurrage and detention information, customs and cargo release status, pickup and empty-return information, shipment milestones, and exception events. This information may relate to shippers, consignees, carriers, drivers, employees, agents, or other individuals involved in a shipment.
Communications and documents: emails, attachments, bills of lading, arrival notices, invoices, delivery orders, customs-related documents, statements, proofs of delivery, payment records, and other logistics documents when needed to provide the Services.
Technical information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device information, access time, activity logs, and similar information needed for security, analytics, and operation of the Services.
2. How We Use Information
We may use information to:
- Provide and operate the Services;
- Identify and track shipments and containers;
- Process logistics documents and automate operational workflows;
- Monitor milestones, identify delays and exceptions, and generate alerts;
- Calculate or display logistics charges and facilitate payment;
- Communicate with customers and authorized logistics parties;
- Integrate with TMS, ERP, carrier, terminal, rail, customs, and other logistics systems;
- Improve reliability and performance, prevent fraud or security incidents, and comply with legal obligations.
We process information only for legitimate business purposes and in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
3. AI and Automated Processing
Switchbl uses artificial intelligence and automation to help customers understand and manage logistics operations. Our systems may analyze emails, documents, shipment events, structured data, and other customer-provided information to extract, understand, monitor, recommend, and execute logistics workflows.
Examples include identifying missing arrival notices, detecting approaching LFD deadlines, monitoring rail availability, detecting containers that have not been picked up, monitoring empty-container returns, identifying potential demurrage or detention exposure, reading invoices and logistics documents, preparing operational communications, and routing exceptions to human operators.
Where appropriate, customers may configure human review or approval before certain actions are completed. Switchbl does not intentionally use fully automated processing to make decisions producing legal or similarly significant effects on individuals unless specifically disclosed and permitted by applicable law.
4. Customer Content and AI Training
“Customer Content” means data, documents, emails, shipment records, and other information submitted to or processed through the Services by or on behalf of a customer. Customer Content remains the customer’s data. Switchbl processes it only to provide, secure, support, and maintain the Services, and as otherwise authorized in the customer’s agreement.
Switchbl does not sell Customer Content and does not use it to train general-purpose AI models without the customer’s prior authorization. Unless expressly authorized in writing, including through an order form or product setting, we do not use Customer Content to train or fine-tune AI models shared across other customers. We may use aggregated, anonymized, or de-identified information to improve our systems when it cannot reasonably identify a customer, individual, or specific shipment.
5. Our Role When Processing Customer Data
Depending on the circumstances, Switchbl may act as a data controller or business, or as a data processor or service provider. For account, website, sales, and our own business operations, Switchbl generally determines the purposes of processing. When processing shipment documents, emails, operational records, or other information on behalf of a customer, Switchbl generally follows the customer’s instructions and applicable contractual terms.
6. How We Share Information
We may disclose information when necessary to operate the Services, including to cloud infrastructure providers, AI and technology service providers, data and integration providers, payment processors, carriers, ocean terminals, rail operators, trucking providers, customs brokers, other authorized logistics parties, professional advisers, and government or regulatory authorities when legally required.
We require service providers handling personal information on our behalf to protect it in accordance with applicable contractual and legal requirements. We do not sell personal information for monetary consideration.
7. Third-Party Logistics Data
The Switchbl platform may display information obtained from carriers, terminals, rail operators, government systems, logistics partners, customers, or other third-party sources. We make commercially reasonable efforts to provide accurate and timely information, but shipment status, estimated arrival times, availability dates, LFD information, demurrage or detention amounts, customs status, and other operational information may be changed, delayed, corrected, or updated by the original provider. Unless expressly agreed otherwise, third-party operational information should be confirmed with the applicable official source.
8. Payments
Where payment functionality is available, payment information may be processed by Switchbl’s payment service providers. We may receive transaction information necessary to confirm, reconcile, and record payments but may not directly store complete payment card information when processed by an independent provider. Payment transactions may also be subject to that provider’s privacy policy and terms.
9. International Data Transfers
Because Switchbl supports international logistics operations, information may be processed in countries other than where it was collected. Where required by law, we use appropriate safeguards for international transfers, which may include contractual safeguards, data processing agreements, or other legally recognized mechanisms.
10. Data Retention
We retain personal information and Customer Content only as long as reasonably necessary to provide the Services, maintain business records, meet contractual obligations, resolve disputes, maintain security and audit records, and comply with legal requirements. After the applicable retention period, information may be deleted, anonymized, or securely archived as required by law.
11. Security
Switchbl uses reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards designed to protect information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, alteration, and disclosure. Measures may include encryption, access controls, authentication, logging and monitoring, role-based permissions, secure development practices, security reviews, and backup and recovery procedures. No information system or transmission method can be guaranteed completely secure.
12. Privacy Rights
Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, restrict or object to processing, withdraw consent, receive portable copies, or opt out of applicable sale or sharing activities. Requests may be submitted to coop@switchbl.com. We may need to verify your identity before processing certain requests.
13. California Privacy Notice
If the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended, applies to our processing, California residents may have additional privacy rights. Switchbl does not sell personal information for monetary consideration. If our activities are considered “sharing” under California law, we will provide applicable opt-out mechanisms and will not discriminate against individuals for exercising applicable privacy rights.
14. Cookies and Analytics
Switchbl may use cookies and similar technologies to operate the website, maintain sessions, protect accounts, understand product usage, analyze performance, and improve the Services. Where required by law, non-essential cookies will be used only after obtaining appropriate consent.
15. Children’s Privacy
The Services are designed for businesses and logistics professionals and are not intended for children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children where prohibited by applicable law.
16. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our Services, technology, business practices, or legal requirements. The “Last updated” date at the top indicates the latest revision. Material changes may be communicated through the Services or other appropriate means.
17. Contact Us
For questions regarding this Privacy Policy or Switchbl’s privacy practices, contact us at coop@switchbl.com.
Website: switchbl.com