Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

United Transport Agency ("UTA," "we," "us," or "our") operates the platform available at uta.network (the "Platform"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal data when freight forwarders ("Users," "you," or "your") use our B2B freight broker services.

UTA is a B2B platform exclusively serving freight forwarders. We do not collect personal data from end shippers, cargo owners, or consignees.

By accessing or using the Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Platform.

2. Who We Are

UTA is incorporated and operates from Hong Kong:

United Transport Agency
Unit 2403, Tung Wai Commercial Building
109-111 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai
Hong Kong

Data Protection Contact:
Email: privacy@uta.network
Support: support@uta.network

3. Scope of This Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to:

• The website uta.network and all related subdomains
• The UTA web application accessible after registration
• All emails, notifications, and communications sent by UTA
• All API interactions with our Platform

This policy does not apply to:

• Third-party freight forwarders' own websites, services, or data handling practices
• Third-party services linked from our Platform
• Communications and transactions you conduct directly with freight forwarders outside the Platform

4. Information We Collect

4.1 Information You Provide Directly

When you register and use UTA, we collect:

Account Information:

• Full name and professional title
• Company name and legal entity details
• Business email address
• Business phone number
• Country and city of operation
• Professional memberships (FIATA, IATA, WCA, JCtrans, etc.)

Business Profile Information:

• Trade lanes you operate
• Services offered (FCL, LCL, Air, Cross-trade)
• Geographic coverage
• Company size and operational details

RFQ and Quote Information:

• Shipment details (origin, destination, mode, cargo type)
• Equipment specifications
• Pricing information
• Communication preferences

Communication Records:

• Messages exchanged through the Platform
• Email correspondence with UTA
• Support tickets and inquiries

4.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you use our Platform, we automatically collect:

Device and Connection Information:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Device identifiers
• Mobile network information

Usage Information:

• Pages visited and features used
• Time and duration of visits
• Click patterns and navigation paths
• Search queries within the Platform
• Date and time of access

Cookies and Similar Technologies:

• See our Cookie Policy for detailed information

4.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• Professional Networks: Verification of FIATA, IATA, WCA, JCtrans memberships
• Business Information Services: Company verification data
• Other Users: When other forwarders interact with your RFQs or offers

We do not purchase personal data from data brokers or marketing list providers.

5. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for legitimate business purposes:

5.1 Service Delivery

• Provide the freight broker service
• Match RFQs with qualified agents
• Facilitate quote submissions and comparisons
• Connect buyers directly with selected agents
• Track confirmed bookings for success fee calculation

5.2 Account Management

• Create and maintain your account
• Verify your professional credentials
• Process registration and authentication
• Manage your preferences and settings

5.3 Communication

• Send transactional notifications (new quotes, RFQ updates, booking confirmations)
• Respond to your support inquiries
• Send important service announcements
• Send marketing communications (with your consent, opt-out available)

5.4 Platform Improvement

• Analyze usage patterns to improve features
• Develop new services and capabilities
• Troubleshoot technical issues
• Conduct internal research and analytics

5.5 Legal and Security

• Comply with legal obligations
• Enforce our Terms of Use
• Prevent fraud and abuse
• Protect user safety and platform integrity
• Defend against legal claims

5.6 Success Fee Processing

• Calculate success fees due from selected agents
• Process invoicing and payment collection from agents
• Maintain transaction records for accounting and audit purposes

6. Legal Basis for Processing

Under applicable data protection laws, we process your data based on:

• Contract Performance: Processing necessary to provide our services as per our Terms of Use
• Legitimate Interests: Improving our platform, preventing fraud, ensuring security
• Legal Obligations: Compliance with Hong Kong PDPO and other applicable laws
• Consent: Where specifically required (e.g., marketing communications)

7. How We Share Information

UTA does not sell, rent, or trade your personal data. We share information only as described below:

7.1 With Other Users (Controlled Sharing)

When you submit an RFQ:

• Your company name and business contact details are shared with qualified agents who can quote on your shipment
• Your shipment details are visible to agents reviewing the RFQ

When you submit a quote:

• Your company information, services, and quote details are visible to the requesting buyer
• After acceptance, the buyer receives your direct contact information

When a booking is confirmed:

• Both parties (buyer and selected agent) receive each other's complete business contact details
• UTA steps back; the booking and execution happen directly between you and the partner

7.2 With Service Providers

We share data with trusted third parties who help us operate:

• Cloud hosting services (e.g., Salesforce, AWS) — data storage and processing
• Email service providers — transactional and marketing communications
• Payment processors — for agent success fee collection
• Analytics providers — Platform usage analytics
• Customer support tools — managing inquiries

All service providers are bound by contractual confidentiality obligations and process data only as instructed by UTA.

7.3 For Legal Reasons

We may disclose information when required:

• To comply with applicable laws, regulations, or legal processes
• To respond to lawful requests from public authorities
• To enforce our Terms of Use
• To protect the rights, property, or safety of UTA, our users, or others
• In connection with investigations of fraud, abuse, or violations

7.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, restructuring, or sale of assets, your data may be transferred. We will notify users of any such change and ensure continued protection of personal data.

7.5 With Your Consent

We may share data in other ways with your explicit consent.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes described:

After retention periods expire, data is either deleted or anonymized.

9. International Data Transfers

UTA is headquartered in Hong Kong, but our users and service providers are located globally. Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence.

We implement appropriate safeguards for international transfers, including:

• Standard Contractual Clauses (where applicable)
• Adequacy decisions by relevant authorities
• Binding corporate rules with service providers
• Encryption in transit and at rest

10. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

10.1 Universal Rights

• Access: Request a copy of personal data we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Objection: Object to certain processing activities
• Consent Withdrawal: Withdraw consent for marketing or other consent-based processing

10.2 Hong Kong PDPO Specific Rights

Under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486):

• Right to know whether we hold your personal data
• Right to access and obtain copy of data held
• Right to request correction of inaccurate data
• Right to know our data protection policies

10.3 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at:

Email: privacy@uta.network

We will respond within 30 days of receiving your request. We may request verification of identity to protect your data.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Hong Kong Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) at www.pcpd.org.hk.

11. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data:

Technical Measures

• Encryption of data in transit (TLS 1.2+)
• Encryption of sensitive data at rest
• Regular security audits and penetration testing
• Access controls and authentication
• Network monitoring and intrusion detection
• Regular software updates and patching

Organizational Measures

• Confidentiality agreements with employees and contractors
• Role-based access control
• Security training for staff
• Incident response procedures
• Vendor security assessments

In Case of Data Breach

If we become aware of a breach affecting your data, we will:

1. Notify affected users without undue delay
2. Notify relevant regulators as required by law
3. Provide information about the breach and steps being taken
4. Recommend protective actions you should take

Despite our best efforts, no system is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but commit to making reasonable efforts to protect your data.

12. Children's Privacy

UTA is a B2B service exclusively for freight forwarding professionals. Our Platform is not intended for use by individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If we discover that we have collected data from a minor, we will delete it promptly.

13. Marketing Communications

If you have consented to receive marketing communications, we may send:

• Newsletters about freight industry trends
• Platform updates and new features
• Educational content about freight forwarding
• Promotional offers (where applicable)

You can opt out at any time by:

• Clicking "Unsubscribe" in any marketing email
• Updating your communication preferences in your account settings
• Contacting us at privacy@uta.network

Opting out of marketing does not affect transactional emails (RFQ updates, booking confirmations, etc.) which are necessary for service delivery.

14. Third-Party Links

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites, services, or applications. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you access through our Platform.

15. Automated Decision-Making

UTA may use automated systems to:

• Match RFQs with qualified agents based on corridor, services, and credentials
• Detect fraudulent activity or policy violations
• Personalize platform experience

These automated decisions do not produce legal effects without human review. You have the right to request human review of automated decisions affecting your account.

16. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect:

• Changes in our services or business model
• New legal or regulatory requirements
• Improvements to data protection practices
• User feedback

When we make material changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top
• Notify registered users by email (for significant changes)
• Post a prominent notice on the Platform
• Require renewed consent where legally required

Your continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

17. Contact Us

For privacy-related inquiries, complaints, or to exercise your rights:

Email: privacy@uta.network
General Support: support@uta.network

Postal Address:
United Transport Agency
Data Protection Office
Unit 2403, Tung Wai Commercial Building
109-111 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai
Hong Kong

18. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, including the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486).

By using UTA, you confirm that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.

United Transport Agency © All Rights Reserved