01. Introduction
1.1 Our Commitment to Transparency
HSO Terminals ("Company," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and providing transparency about how we collect and use data. This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them on our website (www.hsoterminals.com), and your choices regarding their use.
1.2 Scope
This policy applies to all visitors of the HSO Terminals website, including users accessing information about our Terminal Operating System (TOS Platform) and our Procurement Trade Desk (PTD) services. It covers cookies set by us (first-party cookies) and by our trusted partners (third-party cookies).
1.3 Acceptance
By continuing to browse our website, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy. You have the right to accept or reject non-essential cookies at any time through the methods described in Section 6.
02. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer, tablet, or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide a better user experience, and give website owners valuable information about how their site is used.
Cookies can be:
Session Cookies: These are temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser.
Persistent Cookies: These remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them manually.
03. Why Does HSO Terminals Use Cookies?
We use cookies for several essential and beneficial purposes:
Strictly Necessary Functions: To ensure our website functions correctly, including secure login areas and maintaining your session state.
Performance and Analytics: To understand how visitors interact with our site, which pages are most popular, and how we can improve the user experience.
Personalization: To remember your preferences (such as language or region) so we can tailor content to you.
Marketing and Advertising: To show you relevant advertisements on other platforms (like LinkedIn or Google) and measure the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns.
Integration with Odoo ERP: Because our website and core business processes run on Odoo, we use Odoo's standard cookies to manage user sessions, forms, and website functionality.
04. Types of Cookies We Use
We categorize cookies into four main types. Below is a detailed breakdown of each category, including specific examples relevant to HSO Terminals.
4.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually set in response to actions you take that amount to a request for services, such as logging in, filling in forms, or setting privacy preferences. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not work.
Cookie Name / Provider | Purpose | Duration | Source |
session_id | Maintains your session state across page requests, allowing you to navigate the site seamlessly. | Session | First-party |
__utma, __utmb, __utmc | Google Analytics legacy cookies; used to distinguish users and sessions (when enabled). | Varies | First-party |
csrf_token | Security cookie to prevent Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks on forms. | Session | First-party |
Operational Data | Stores your cookie consent preferences so we remember your choices on subsequent visits. | 1 year | First-party |
4.2 Functional Cookies
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages.
Cookie Name / Provider | Purpose | Duration | Source |
lang (Odoo) | Remembers your language preference so you don't have to select it on each visit. | 1 year | First-party |
country_code | Detects your country based on IP address to show region-specific content or legal information. | Session | First-party |
hsoterminals_user_pref | Stores user-specific interface preferences within the website. | Persistent | First-party |
4.3 Performance and Analytics Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous.
Cookie Name / Provider | Purpose | Duration | Source |
_ga (Google Analytics) | Registers a unique ID to generate statistical data on how the visitor uses the website. | 2 years | Third-party |
_gid (Google Analytics) | Registers a unique ID to generate statistical data on how the visitor uses the website. | 24 hours | Third-party |
_gat (Google Analytics) | Used by Google Analytics to throttle request rate (limits data collection on high-traffic sites). | 1 minute | Third-party |
amplitude_id (if used) | Tracks user behavior within our TOS Platform demo environment for product improvement. | Persistent | First/Third-party |
Hotjar Cookies (_hj*) | If Hotjar is used, these cookies track user interactions (heatmaps, session recordings) to improve UI/UX. | Varies | Third-party |
4.4 Marketing and Targeting Cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other sites. They do not store directly personal information but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device.
Cookie Name / Provider | Purpose | Duration | Source |
_fbp (Facebook/Meta Pixel) | Used by Facebook to deliver a series of advertisement products such as real-time bidding from third-party advertisers. | 3 months | Third-party |
_linkedin_partner_id | Enables in-depth campaign reporting and unlocks valuable insights about website visitors. | 90 days | Third-party |
bcookie (LinkedIn) | Browser Identifier cookie for LinkedIn functional and marketing purposes. | 2 years | Third-party |
IDE (Google DoubleClick) | Used by Google DoubleClick to register and report the website user's actions after viewing or clicking one of the advertiser's ads. | 1 year | Third-party |
test_cookie (Google) | Checks if the user's browser supports cookies. | 15 minutes | Third-party |
MUID (Bing/Microsoft) | Identifies unique web browsers visiting Microsoft sites, used for advertising and site analytics. | 1 year | Third-party |
05. Third-Party Cookies and Integrations
As described above, some cookies are placed by third-party services that appear on our pages. These third parties are responsible for the cookies they set. We recommend reviewing their privacy policies for more information:
Odoo: Our core ERP provider. Odoo Privacy Policy
Google (Analytics, Ads, reCAPTCHA): Google Privacy Policy
LinkedIn: LinkedIn Privacy Policy
Microsoft (Bing, Clarity): Microsoft Privacy Policy
Stripe: For payment processing (may set session cookies on checkout pages). Stripe Privacy Policy
Hotjar: For user experience analysis. Hotjar Privacy Policy
06. Your Choices and Managing Cookies
6.1 Cookie Consent Tool (Cookie Banner)
Upon your first visit to our website, you will see a cookie banner that allows you to:
Accept All Cookies: Consent to all categories of cookies.
Reject All Non-Essential: Accept only strictly necessary cookies.
Customize Settings: Select or deselect specific cookie categories (Functional, Analytics, Marketing) according to your preference.
You can change your settings at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer of our website.
6.2 Browser Controls
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:
View cookies stored on your device and delete them individually.
Block third-party cookies.
Block all cookies (though this may affect website functionality).
Set preferences for specific websites.
To find out more about cookie settings for your browser, visit the provider's help pages:
6.3 Opt-Out of Targeted Advertising
You can opt out of targeted advertising from specific platforms by visiting:
Google: Google Ad Settings
Facebook: Facebook Ad Preferences
LinkedIn: LinkedIn Ad Preferences
Digital Advertising Alliance: YourAdChoices
07. Cookies Related to Our Services (TOS Platform and PTD)
7.1 TOS Platform Demo and Trial Access
If you access a demo or trial version of our Terminal Operating System (TOS Platform) through our website, additional cookies may be set to:
Authenticate your session securely.
Track feature usage to understand product engagement.
Remember your demo configuration settings.
These cookies are strictly necessary for the demo environment to function.
7.2 PTD Partner Portal
If you are an active partner or counterparty accessing the Procurement Trade Desk (PTD) portal, cookies are used to:
Maintain a secure login session.
Manage document uploads and downloads.
Remember dashboard preferences.
08. Updates to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or the technologies we use (such as new integrations with Odoo modules or marketing platforms). When we make changes, we will update the "Effective Date" at the top of this policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
09. Data Security
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us:
Department | Contact Information | Purpose |
Data Protection / Legal | General privacy and cookie inquiries |
|
Technical Support | Issues with cookie consent tool or website functionality |
|
Postal Address | Legal Department, Huron Smith Oil Co., Inc., 204 Hays St, Batesville, Mississippi, 38606, USA | Formal legal notices |