Have you ever wondered what really happens to your data when you use free IFTA tracking software online?
“If something is free, you’re not the customer — you’re the product.”
— Unknown
That quote hits hard, especially for truckers and small fleet owners who rely on free tools to save time and money. Many drivers turn to these programs to make tracking miles and fuel easier. But what they may not realize is that the real cost isn’t money — it’s privacy.
In this article, we’ll explain what kind of personal and business information you’re handing over, why that matters, and how to protect yourself from giving too much away.
What Is IFTA? (Quick Refresher)
IFTA stands for the International Fuel Tax Agreement. It’s a system that helps trucking companies pay fuel taxes when they drive through more than one state or province. Instead of filing taxes in each place, IFTA lets you report everything in one form.
That’s it — short and simple.
Why You Should Care About Who Accesses Your IFTA Data
When you use an IFTA program — especially a free one — you’re sharing a lot more than just miles and gallons.
Important Note: We’re not talking about official state websites where you file your IFTA reports — those are required and safe to use. What we’re warning about is free tracking software that helps you calculate miles and fuel before you file. These online tools often collect more data than you realize, and that’s where the risk comes in.
Here’s the kind of data these programs can collect:
- Your email address
- Where you drive and how often
- How long you stay in each location
- What kind of fuel you buy and how much
- Routes you take and delivery patterns
This is private business info. And yes, it’s very valuable to certain companies. If someone knows where you haul and how you operate, that’s data they can use — or sell.
The Hidden Cost of “Free” IFTA Software
Many trucking companies use tracking software because it helps automate IFTA reporting and makes the whole process easier. Others prefer to do it manually using spreadsheets, or they pay for a service that handles the reporting for them. These are all valid options — but this is where “free” software can become a problem.
Let’s take a closer look at what you might be giving up when you use a free tool.
Nothing’s Really Free
When a website offers a “free” service, there’s usually a catch. You might not be paying with money, but you are paying with your data.
Think about it:
- You give your email address
- You enter trip logs and fuel receipts
- You share info about how your business runs
That’s a gold mine for marketing companies. And most of the time, these sites don’t clearly explain what they do with that data.
What Happens With Your Data?
Once your info is in their hands, it can be:
- Sold to advertisers
- Added to email lists you didn’t sign up for
- Used to track your online behavior
This can lead to annoying spam emails, ads that follow you around the internet, or worse — someone using your info to guess passwords or access other accounts.
How Cookies Track Your Online Behavior
You’ve probably seen those pop-ups asking you to “accept cookies” when you visit a website. Most people just click “yes” to make it go away — but few actually know what cookies are or what they do. Let’s break it down in plain terms.
What Are Cookies, Really?
Cookies are small pieces of data that websites store on your computer. They keep track of where you go and what you click on. This helps websites “remember” you — but it also means they’re collecting info about you.
Why Do Websites Ask You to Accept Cookies?
Many websites now ask if you’re okay with cookies. This started because of privacy laws in places like Europe. But even in the U.S., most sites still track what you do unless you say no.
What are the Risks for Truckers?
If you use your computer or phone for both personal and work stuff, cookies can grab:
- Saved passwords
- Your favorite websites
- What you’ve searched for
- What you’ve bought online
That info can be used to send you ads — or worse, fall into the wrong hands.
Common Misconceptions About Online IFTA Tools
Let’s clear up a few things drivers often believe (but shouldn’t):
“It’s free, so it must be okay.”
Not always. Free tools often make money by selling your data instead of charging a fee.
“I’m not entering anything important.”
Think again. Your trip records, routes, fuel habits, and even your email are valuable business information.
“Everyone uses this site, so it’s probably safe.”
Just because a site looks popular doesn’t mean it’s secure. Always check their privacy policy. If they don’t have one, that’s a red flag.
How to Protect Your IFTA Data Online
You don’t need to be a computer expert to stay safe. Here are some simple tips:
- Use trusted software that clearly explains how your data is handled.
- Don’t give more info than needed — if a form asks for personal info that doesn’t make sense, skip it.
- Avoid using the same email for everything — keep one for personal and one for business.
- Say no to cookies unless you trust the site.
- Use strong passwords and don’t save them in your browser.
These small steps can help protect your business and personal life.
Protecting Your Data Starts With Awareness
Free tracking tools may seem helpful at first, but they can quietly collect more data than you intended to share. That data can be used, sold, or stored without your knowledge.
We’re not talking about the official state websites you use to file IFTA — those are required and secure. The real issue is with free online tracking software that gathers personal and business information behind the scenes.
Before using any new tool, ask yourself: “What am I giving them access to?” Take a minute to check the privacy policy, and when in doubt, use a method or service you trust — even a basic spreadsheet is safer than giving away too much.
At Superior Trucking Payroll Service, we want to help drivers and fleet owners stay informed and in control. And if you ever need help with compliance, permits, or IFTA filing, we recommend reaching out to our trusted partner, Wide Open Road Compliance. They know the ins and outs and can help you stay on the right side of the law without the stress.
Written by Melisa Bush
With over 15 years of experience in the trucking industry, Melisa is well-versed in the complexities of trucking payroll and adept at navigating special circumstances. Before joining Superior Trucking Payroll Service, Melisa worked at a trucking company, where she managed driver miles and expenses for a fleet of 50 trucks. This hands-on experience gives her unique insight into the challenges our clients face when preparing their payroll data.
Melisa’s top priority is customer service. She strives to treat each client as an individual with genuine needs, rather than just another number in the system. Her goal is to alleviate the burdens of our clients and make their daily operations smoother.