Introduction
Overview: At Astral Express Courier, we are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal information. As a trusted logistics partner serving Louisiana and the greater Gulf Coast region, we understand that your privacy is fundamental to building lasting business relationships based on trust and transparency. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share your information when you use our courier and logistics services, visit our website, or interact with our team. We believe in clear, honest communication about our data practices, ensuring you have complete visibility into how your information is handled throughout our service relationship.
Scope of This Policy: This Privacy Policy applies to all personal and business information collected through our services, website, mobile applications, customer interactions, and business partnerships. It governs all data processing activities conducted by Astral Express Courier and our authorized service providers.
Local Laws and Privacy Rights: This Privacy Policy is specifically designed to comply with Louisiana state privacy laws, including the Louisiana Database Security Breach Notification Law (La. R.S. 51:3071-3077) and applicable federal regulations governing logistics and transportation services. Louisiana residents have specific rights regarding their personal information, which are detailed throughout this policy.
Our Commitment: We pledge to handle your information with the same care and precision that defines our delivery services—maintaining the highest standards of security, accuracy, and reliability in all our data protection practices.
Data Protection Principle
We implement comprehensive security measures including encryption, secure servers, access controls, and regular security audits to protect your information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.
Security Measures: SSL encryption for data transmission, secure data storage systems, employee access limitations, regular security training, and incident response procedures.
Data Retention: We retain information only as long as necessary for service provision, legal compliance, and legitimate business purposes, after which it is securely deleted or anonymized.
Special Circumstances
Emergency Situations: During natural disasters, extreme weather events, or other emergencies affecting Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region, we may process personal information differently to ensure safety and service continuity. This includes sharing location data with emergency services, expediting critical shipments without standard verification procedures, and implementing alternative communication channels.
Law Enforcement Cooperation: We cooperate fully with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies when legally required. This includes providing shipment information for investigations involving suspected illegal activities, customs violations, or threats to public safety. All disclosures are made in compliance with applicable legal processes and procedural safeguards.
Hazardous Materials Handling: Shipments containing declared hazardous materials require enhanced information collection and sharing with regulatory authorities, including the Department of Transportation, TSA, and relevant state agencies. Additional documentation and tracking protocols apply to ensure public safety and regulatory compliance.
International Shipments: Cross-border shipments may be subject to additional privacy considerations under international treaties and foreign jurisdiction requirements. We coordinate with customs authorities and international partners while maintaining appropriate privacy protections under applicable law.
Business Continuity Events: In the event of business disruption, system failures, or operational emergencies, we may engage backup service providers or temporary data processing arrangements to maintain service continuity. All emergency data processing maintains equivalent privacy protections.
Medical or Time-Critical Shipments: Shipments containing medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, or other time-critical materials may require expedited processing and additional information sharing with healthcare facilities, regulatory agencies, or emergency response teams to ensure proper handling and delivery.
Communication & Responsibilities
Our Communication Responsibilities:
- Transparency: We provide clear, timely communication about our privacy practices, policy changes, and any incidents affecting your information
- Accessibility: Privacy information is available in multiple formats and through various channels to accommodate different communication preferences
- Responsiveness: We respond to privacy inquiries within 48 hours for urgent matters and within 10 business days for standard requests
- Proactive Notification: We notify you of significant changes, security incidents, or service updates that may affect your privacy rights
Your Communication Responsibilities:
- Accuracy: Provide accurate, complete information when requesting services or updating account details
- Prompt Updates: Notify us immediately of changes to contact information, delivery preferences, or privacy preferences
- Incident Reporting: Report suspected privacy violations, security concerns, or unauthorized access to your account promptly
- Authorized Representatives: Clearly designate and verify any third parties authorized to access your account information or make privacy-related requests
Secure Communication Channels:
- Encrypted Email: privacy@astralexpress.com for sensitive privacy matters
- Secure Customer Portal: Access account settings and privacy preferences through our encrypted online platform
- Verified Phone Line: [Insert Number] with identity verification procedures for account-related discussions
- Written Correspondence: Secure mail processing for formal privacy requests and legal notifications
Communication Preferences:
- Delivery Notifications: Choose email, SMS, phone, or mobile app notifications for shipment updates
- Marketing Communications: Opt-in/opt-out preferences for promotional materials and service announcements
- Privacy Updates: Receive policy changes via your preferred communication method
- Emergency Alerts: Critical service or security notifications sent via multiple channels to ensure receipt
Language and Accessibility: We provide privacy information in English and Spanish to serve our diverse Louisiana customer base. Large print, audio, and other accessible formats are available upon request. Translation services can be arranged for other languages when needed.
Record Keeping: We maintain detailed records of all privacy-related communications, requests, and resolutions. You may request copies of your communication history for your records. All privacy correspondence is retained according to legal requirements and our data retention policies.