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    CMMC Compliance for Transportation & Logistics

    Transportation companies by air, land, or sea play a critical role in national defense logistics. Whether you’re moving sensitive equipment or classified supplies, CMMC applies to you.

    If you’re handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Sensitive Security Information (SSI) about freight, routes, or schedules, compliance isn’t optional and it’s needed fast.

    Top CMMC Pain Points in Solution Implementers

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    Sensitive Freight Info

    Route data, manifests, and cargo specs often qualify as CUI/SSI.

     

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    Commercial + DoD Mix

    Most transport providers support both commercial and defense bringing the whole business into scope isn’t practical.

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    Subcontractor Risk

    You need to flow data downstream but without forcing every vendor into CMMC.

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    IT Gaps

    Your IT or cyber team might be large but may lack the tools, personnel, or bandwidth for defense-grade compliance.

    Options for Transportation & Logistics

    Enclave Approach (Most Common)

    Segment your defense-related users into a secure environment.

    • Microsoft Gov Cloud + Virtual Desktop (VDI)
    • Optional hybrid setup for printers, mobile devices, or on-prem tools
    • Full support, licensing, and managed services
    • Keeps commercial operations out of compliance scope

    Ideal for: Mixed-use transport providers or defense as <15% of operations

    All-In Approach

    Move your full business into a compliant environment.

    • Microsoft Gov Cloud for all users and endpoints
    • Includes mobile device management, security baselines, incident response
    • Supports full migration, support, and certification

    Ideal for: Defense-focused logistics companies or >15% CUI access

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do transportation and logistics companies need to comply with CMMC?
    If your company stores, transmits, or processes Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) on behalf of the Department of Defense (DoD), you are subject to CMMC requirements. This includes subcontractors handling shipping details, mission plans, schedules, or technical data associated with defense logistics. Many transportation companies are unaware that route optimization software, telematics platforms, and digital freight management systems may contain CUI and trigger DFARS 7012 and NIST 800-171 compliance.
    What types of CUI are common in logistics and freight?

    Common examples include:

    • Shipment manifests containing sensitive destinations or schedules
    • Routing or GPS data tied to DoD movements
    • Hazardous material transport details
    • Engineering drawings for custom defense packaging
    • Load plans related to troop or equipment transport

    Even if you don’t directly handle blueprints, supporting movement of CUI-classified items makes your systems part of the CUI environment.

    We don’t handle technical data. Do we still need to comply?
    Possibly. Technical data is only one type of CUI. If your systems contain operational plans, mission-critical delivery details, or even sensitive shipping metadata, you could be subject to compliance. It’s not about what you think is sensitive, it’s about how the DoD or your primes categorize it. Summit 7 helps you properly scope your environment and determine if compliance applies.
    How does CMMC impact our fleet management or dispatch systems?
    If fleet tracking or dispatch tools contain CUI (e.g., military destination info, timing of sensitive deliveries), then the systems must be within a compliant enclave. That includes your mobile apps, vehicle telematics, cloud platforms, and routing dashboards. Summit 7 frequently migrates these systems to secure environments like GCC High or isolates them in Azure Gov VDI for compliance.
    How can we maintain driver efficiency while meeting compliance?
    CMMC doesn’t mean sacrificing efficiency; it just means designing compliant workflows. For example, drivers can use approved mobile devices connected to the compliant environment, or access route info through secure apps that sync with GCC High. Summit 7 helps design field workflows that maintain productivity without risking CUI exposure.
    Can we continue using commercial SaaS tools for logistics planning?
    Only if those tools meet compliance requirements—especially around CUI storage, access controls, and audit logging. Many popular logistics and fleet management platforms (like GPS software or cloud-based routing tools) do not operate in FedRAMP High or are not suitable for CUI. Summit 7 assists in evaluating and replacing tools, or securing integrations within a compliant architecture.
    We use offshore developers and support—will that be a problem?
    Any offshore access—whether from developers, contractors, or support personnel—creates a compliance red flag. If they have access to systems containing CUI, even indirectly, your environment could be in violation. CMMC requires U.S. citizen-only access for ITAR or export-controlled CUI. Summit 7 will help you restructure access and support to meet regulatory requirements.
    What’s the best strategy for transportation companies with mixed IT environments?
    We typically recommend an enclave approach: isolate CUI-related systems into a secure environment like GCC High, while keeping commercial operations in your existing IT stack. This minimizes disruption while ensuring you’re compliant. Summit 7 builds these dual environments, with secure workflows for dispatch, fleet management, and DoD-related shipping functions.
    How can we avoid disrupting our contracts during CMMC rollout?
    Start by identifying CUI exposure and building a compliant path forward without impacting key operational systems. Summit 7 works with your team to plan phased migrations, create CUI-specific policies, and implement technical controls that meet NIST 800-171 requirements. We prioritize continuity while strengthening compliance—ensuring you stay eligible for future DoD contracts.
    What makes Summit 7 different for transportation and logistics providers?
    We understand the operational complexity of transportation companies, and we don’t apply a one-size-fits-all IT model. Summit 7 specializes in building custom enclaves that preserve your workflows while meeting CMMC requirements. From in-cab devices to fleet software integrations, we design secure environments that allow your teams to work efficiently without risking non-compliance or contract loss.

    "We wanted to be a company that was known for partnering with the best. We knew Summit 7’s Microsoft G5 License with its compliance suite would increase our value to a potential buyer – they would know we are aligned with a partner that is truly the best in class."

    – Jeff Smedley, J&J Worldwide Vice President and Chief Information Officer

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    J&J Worldwide Services: Enhancing CMMC compliance with Microsoft Purview and the M365 G5 License Stack

    J&J Worldwide Services (J&J) provides a variety of facility services, facility management, and operational support for Department of Defense military bases.

    As a prime DoD contractor and with federal contracts as their chief source of revenue, it was imperative that J&J find a premiere provider to maintain compliance and safeguard their top revenue stream.

    As a fast-growing company J&J saw their compliance posture as a key strategy for increasing their value to potential buyers.

     

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