GDPR Compliance in Logistics: What You Need to Know

Understanding GDPR in Logistics Context

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has significant implications for logistics companies that collect and process personal data. From driver tracking to customer delivery information, logistics operations involve substantial data handling that must comply with GDPR requirements.

Key GDPR Principles

The Six Principles

Lawfulness, fairness, transparency: Clear legal basis for processing

Purpose limitation: Data collected for specified purposes only

Data minimization: Collect only what's necessary

Accuracy: Keep data accurate and up to date

Storage limitation: Don't keep data longer than needed

Integrity and confidentiality: Ensure appropriate security

Data Types in Logistics Operations

Personal Data You May Process

Data TypeExamplesGDPR Implications ---------------------------------------- Driver dataLocation, driving behavior, hoursEmployment relationship considerations Customer dataDelivery addresses, contact infoCustomer consent requirements Recipient dataNames, signatures, preferencesLegitimate interest assessment Vehicle dataLocation, speed, routesMay be linked to identifiable drivers

Special Considerations

Driver GPS tracking: Particularly sensitive due to continuous monitoring

Dash cameras: Video data with identifiable individuals

Biometric data: Fingerprint systems for vehicle access

Compliance Requirements

Legal Basis for Processing

Logistics companies typically rely on:

Legitimate interests: Business operations, security, fleet management

Contractual necessity: Delivery services, employment contracts

Legal obligations: Tachograph requirements, working time regulations

Consent: Where other bases don't apply

Transparency Obligations

You must inform data subjects about:

What data you collect and why

How long you keep it

Who you share it with

Their rights regarding the data

Data Subject Rights

Employees and customers have rights to:

Access: Obtain copies of their data

Rectification: Correct inaccurate data

Erasure: Request deletion in certain circumstances

Portability: Receive data in a portable format

Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests

Practical Implementation Guide

Step 1: Data Mapping

Document all personal data flows:

What data is collected

Where it's stored

Who can access it

How long it's retained

Who it's shared with

Step 2: Privacy Notices

Create clear notices for:

Employees (covering GPS tracking, performance monitoring)

Customers (covering delivery data handling)

Website visitors (covering cookies, contact forms)

Step 3: Data Protection Impact Assessment

Conduct DPIAs for high-risk processing:

Continuous GPS tracking of drivers

Video surveillance systems

AI-based driver scoring

Step 4: Security Measures

Implement appropriate security:

Encryption for data in transit and at rest

Access controls and authentication

Regular security assessments

Incident response procedures

Curesh and GDPR Compliance

Built-In Compliance Features

Curesh is designed with GDPR compliance in mind:

Data minimization: Collect only necessary operational data

Purpose limitation: Clear separation of data uses

Access controls: Role-based permissions system

Audit trails: Complete records of data access and processing

Data retention: Configurable retention periods with automatic deletion

Data Processing Agreement

As a data processor, Curesh provides:

Standard contractual clauses for data transfers

Technical and organizational measures documentation

Assistance with data subject requests

Breach notification procedures

Data Location

EU data centers: All data stored within the European Union

No third-country transfers: Without appropriate safeguards

Subprocessor transparency: Full list of subprocessors available

Common Compliance Challenges

Challenge 1: Balancing Monitoring with Privacy

Solution: Implement proportionate monitoring with clear policies and employee consultation.

Challenge 2: Data Retention

Solution: Establish clear retention schedules based on legal requirements and business needs.

Challenge 3: Third-Party Sharing

Solution: Ensure appropriate agreements with all partners and service providers.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

GDPR violations can result in:

Administrative fines: Up to €20 million or 4% of global turnover

Compensation claims: From affected individuals

Reputational damage: Loss of customer and employee trust

Regulatory orders: Requirements to cease processing

Conclusion

GDPR compliance is essential for logistics companies operating in the EU. By implementing proper data protection measures and using compliant solutions like Curesh, you can protect personal data while maintaining efficient operations.

Need help with GDPR compliance for your fleet operations? Contact our data protection team for guidance and support.