Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method that helps a freight carrier to more efficiently determine if a shipment of freight has been classified with the correct freight classification. In one embodiment, the method includes the use of a handheld communication device that allows an operator of a freight carrier's vehicle to display a description of a freight classification that has been provided by the shipper at the point of origin. The operator can then compare the displayed description to the appearance of the shipment of freight to determine if they match. If they do not match, the operator can flag the shipment of freight for reexamination at the carrier's terminal facility.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method that permits information specific to a piece of freight to be encoded onto a label that can be attached to, and travel with, the freight as it moves from a point of origin to its final destination. This “identifying information” encoded on the label can be instantly recalled by scanning the label without the need to recall the information from a central database. As a result, the system helps provide a reliable method of retrieving information about a specific piece of freight in real time and at any point along the shipping route. The system includes a data entry device in which the identifying information is inputted. The inputted information is communicated to an encoding device that encodes the information onto a label, such as a RFID tag or a 2-D bar code. The encoded label is then affixed to the freight.

Abstract: In a freight shipment system and method, the lift trucks used by the freight carrier for handling and loading freight shipments are equipped with a weighing device capable of weighing each piece of freight handled by the lift truck. The lift truck operator also has a scanner for scanning coded identification information associated with each piece of freight. As each piece of freight is handled by the lift truck, the coded identification information for that piece of freight is captured along with the weight of the load. This information is transmitted to a computer system where it can be used for real-time invoicing. The system can also obtain dimensional information about the volume of the piece of freight.