Abstract: A database sends identification and dispatch orders to a ship or rail transport that powers a shipping container during the ship or rail segment of the container's journey. The database also sends identification and dispatch orders to gensets that power shipping containers on a motor vehicle transport during a vehicular segment of the container's journey. The database associates the identification and dispatch orders along with the container as the container moves from connection with a genset on a vehicular transport to a ship or rail transport, and associates the identification and dispatch orders along with the container as the container moves to connection with a genset on a vehicular transport from a ship or rail transport.

Abstract: A method of reusing a recyclable container comprises receiving information relating to a change in a location of a recyclable container based on a data device situated on the container and causing transfer of a deposit amount based on the change in location. A method of processing reusable materials comprises receiving a reusable packaging material with a data device associated with unique identifier data; associating a condition of the reusable packaging material with the unique identifier data; sorting reusable packaging material to send to manufacturers; and modifying the data associated with said unique identifier data to reflect the number of uses of the container and the destination of the container.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a locomotive (or other rail vehicle) owned by a first entity when borrowed and operated by a second entity. The locomotive includes an operating control system having a first mode and a second, different mode of operation, the first mode including settings configured for the first entity, the second mode including settings configured for a second, different entity. The method includes enabling the first mode and disabling the second mode of the operating control system when the locomotive is operated by the first entity, and enabling the second mode and disabling the first mode of the operating control system when the locomotive is operated by the second entity.

Abstract: An indication is received from a delivery client device that an order is accepted for delivery. Order delivery information is provided to the delivery client device. A notification is sent to a customer device that the order has been provided for delivery. An indication is received from the delivery client device of a present location on a delivery route. An order status update message is sent to the customer device based on the location.

Abstract: A system and methodology is presented for definitive routing of letters, packages and other physical deliveries to a user's preferred address by reference to personal universal address. The object of the invention is to allow recipients to centrally control and confirm the desired receiving address for various types of deliveries, by creating a user-managed database linking physical addresses to secure personal communications addresses, such as cell phone numbers and electronic mail addresses.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating the signature of documents. In various embodiments the system is configured to manage the transportation of the documents among users whose signature is required on the documents. The documents may include, for example, legal documents. In particular embodiments, the system is configured to deliver the documents to attended delivery/pickup locations associated with each user required to sign the document, facilitate each user's signature of the documents at the associated attended delivery/pickup location, and deliver the document to an end destination. The ultimate destination of the document may include an address associated with a user requesting signature of the document, or any other suitable location.

Abstract: An order placement and delivery system is provided in which a final delivery address of a recipient is obscured or not known to a sender. The sender places an order for a gift against the unique sender identity, relays to the administrator a recipient's virtual contact address, and constructs a personal message which is routed to the virtual contact address. The point of origin of the personal message is inferred to be directly from the sender. The personal message forewarns the recipient that they will be messaged by the administrator to acquire a real-world physical address that will be used for physical gift delivery and stored in the database against the virtual contact address, such that future orders identifying the recipient's virtual contact address can be dispatched expeditiously to the recipient's physical address with reduced messaging overhead and without having to reveal the recipient's physical address to the sender.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for coordinating shipping services for items. Generally, the methods and systems assist a user in determining the cost of shipping items where the user does not have all of the information generally necessary. The method includes receiving an inquiry for an estimated cost to ship one or more items and receiving a generic description of the one or more items, where the generic description omits a value for at least one characteristic required for generating a shipping cost estimate. The method includes identifying, responsive to receiving the generic description, an estimate for the omitted value for the at least one characteristic, generating a shipping cost estimate using the generic description and the identified estimated value for the at least one characteristic, and providing a quote of the shipping cost estimate. The method may be performed by a data processing system.

Abstract: A software system for supply chain management is disclosed. The system includes software operable to receive order data from an ordering device; receiving advance shipping notice data from a vendor device; determine that the advance shipping notice data meets certain criteria; generate and send an advance shipping alert to a receiving device; and generate and send a shipping request to a shipping device.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for a sender to use of a mobile device to interface with a shipping agent's environment for the purpose of generating a shipping label. The sender can identify shipping label information through a software application operating on the sender's mobile device. The application can facilitate the transfer of the shipping label information to the shipping agent's environment, such as a kiosk or a retail counter, and the like. The shipping agent's environment can then produce or print a hardcopy of the shipping label for use on the mail piece (e.g., parcel or package) to be shipped.

Abstract: The present systems and methods describe a computer system that collects user shipping preferences, including, for example, the shipping speeds (e.g., standard three to five day shipping) a user selects on various retailer websites. The system is configured to determine the one or more preferred shipping methods for the user based on the collected shipping preferences and to save the preferred shipping methods to memory (e.g., the user commonly prefers standard shipping). When the user visits an online retailer, the system, detects a shipping field (e.g., where the user may select or input a shipping preference), accesses the saved preferred shipping method (e.g., the user prefers standard shipping), and populates the shipping field with the saved preferred shipping method (e.g., the system automatically selects “standard shipping” for the user).

Abstract: According to some embodiments, methods, apparatus, systems and/or computer readable mediums are provided. According to some embodiments, a method includes generating at least one shipment request data object based at least in part on at least one outbound delivery data object; generating at least one freight unit data object based at least in part on the at least one shipment request data object; generating at least one shipment data object based at least in part on the at least one freight unit data object; generating at least one invoice data object based at least in part on the at least one shipment data object; and generating at least one customs export document based at least in part on the at least one invoice.

Abstract: Machines, systems and methods for delivering mail items are provided. The method comprises scanning route information, for delivery of a mail item, using a mobile communication device; generating a first unique identifier from data comprising the route information, wherein the first unique identifier identifies the mail item; recognizing a second unique identifier associated with the mobile communication device used for scanning the route information, wherein the second unique identifier identifies a user account to which delivery charges associated with delivering the mail item are applied; associating the first unique identifier and the second unique identifier so that having access to the first unique identifier as stored in a database provides access to the second unique identifier; and mailing the mail item without prepaid postage affixed to the mail item.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for operating a mailing machine. A permit mail imprint is generated in the mailing machine on the basis of input signals entered into the mailing machine via a user interface of the mailing machine. At least some of the input signals may represent alphanumeric characters. For example, the permit number may be entered via a keypad or keyboard in the form of numeric characters.

Abstract: Methods and systems for supporting the production of shipping labels are provided. Example embodiments provide a Shipment Management System (“SMS”), which facilitates the production of shipping labels. The SMS may be configured to generate a shipping uniform resource identifier (“URI”) that identifies a shipping protocol and includes shipment information and post-back information. The shipping URI may be provided to a shipping label module configured to produce a shipping label in accordance with the shipping protocol by outputting a shipping label based on the shipment information, and automatically posting information about the producing of the shipping label to a code module identified by the post-back information. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel systems and methods for processing packages through a delivery network using a hub assist label. Generally described, the hub assist label includes indicia of a sequence of sorting locations that designates the flow of a package through a delivery network.

Abstract: Example embodiments provide a Shipment Preparation System (“SPS”), which facilitates the preparation of shipments, such as by producing shipping labels. In one embodiment, the SPS is configured to receive shipment preparation information from a bar code or other machine-readable data block in a packing list. The shipment preparation information identifies a uniform resource identifier (“URI”) that identifies a code module that is remote from the SPS. The SPS determines the URI based on the shipment preparation information, such as by performing a local lookup or requesting the URI from a URI shortening service. The SPS then uses the URI to communicate with the code module in order to obtain information for the preparation of the shipment (e.g., obtaining a destination shipping address) and/or for transmission of information about the preparation of the shipment (e.g., posting an indication that a shipment is ready for pick up).

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure generally relate to an electronic cargo payment system and methods for electronically and automatically processing electronic payments for goods shipped by carriers for shippers. In embodiments, the accounts receivable system of the carrier transfers one or more invoices to a central payment system. The central payment system stores and organizes the invoices. A shipper communicates with the central payment system to view invoices related to that shipper. Upon approval of the invoice, the central payment system can automatically pay the invoice for the shipper and to the carrier.

Abstract: A novel and non-trivial system and method for restrictively exchanging and controlling vehicular data between communication devices of a private network is disclosed. A processor in communication with a plurality of user communication devices is used for controlling and restricting the exchange of vehicular data. In such network, the processor may establish a communication connection with an initiating communication device of an initiating user, receive initiating vehicular data from the initiating communication device and corresponding first users (e.g., defined trusted users) data, provide the initiating vehicular data to at least one available first user communication device, receive responding vehicular data responsive to the initiating vehicular data, and provide the responding vehicular data to the initiating communication device.

Abstract: A method of enabling anonymous shipment of a package containing goods purchased by a customer from a vendor for delivery to an address unknown to the vendor includes steps of receiving a request for a package code for the package from the vendor, sending the package code to the vendor, the package code being devoid of delivery address information and sending a shipping identifier and an associated address to the shipper. The shipper, after picking up the package for shipment from the vendor, matches the package code sent to the vendor with the shipping identifier and identifies the associated address as the delivery address of the package. A shipping label may then be printed out and affixed to the package.

Abstract: An equipment cabinet having a corrugation in the side panels is disclosed. The panels are affixed to a base by bolting or welding so as to be disposed opposite each other. Holes are provided in opposing surfaces the so that cross members may be secured in a position between the opposing side panels of the cabinet to form a support structure for equipment, such as batteries. Equipment may also be attached using mounting brackets. An equipment retaining bracket includes a retaining cross member, an L-shaped bracket and a bolt to joint the retaining cross member and the L-shaped bracket so as to secure the battery in two dimensions. Retaining brackets may be provided at the front and the rear surfaces of the equipment and, in cooperation with the cross members, retain the equipment in the cabinet.

Abstract: Example embodiments provide a Shipment Preparation System (“SPS”), which facilitates the preparation of shipments, such as by producing shipping labels. In one embodiment, the SPS is configured to receive shipment preparation information from a bar code or other machine-readable data block in a packing list. The shipment preparation information identifies a uniform resource identifier (“URI”) that identifies a code module that is remote from the SPS. The shipment preparation information and/or the URI further includes an access token. The SPS then uses the URI to communicate with the code module in order to access shipment information (e.g., to read a read a shipping address, to store an indication that a shipment is ready for pick up). The code module restricts access to the shipment information based on the access token, such as by only allowing a limited number or duration of access via the token.

Abstract: The present invention automates the process of receiving transportation documentation and producing advance loading manifests therefrom to optimize load planning and dynamic product shipment and delivery control. Methods provide for receipt of the transportation documentation, initial preparation, and transmission of the documentation from on board a vehicle or while the vehicle is in transit.

Abstract: A system and method that provides optimization of order and routing patterns that solves for optimal freight margin, not just freight cost. The optimization includes freight allowance information typically varying by item that is used to determine ordering and routing solutions. The solutions thus are based on freight impact to total landed product cost, not just load freight costs. Optimization results are then translated into performance targets based on freight margin, not just freight expense.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to techniques for order processing. A data feed including unique identifiers of purchased products, together with pairs of order numbers and product identifiers for products ordered from, but not delivered by, a store, is received at an electronic registration system. For each entry therein, a corresponding record in an ER database is created, and a message is transmitted to a supplier of an ordered product indicating that payment has been received for that product when it is determined that the entry is a corresponding order number/product identifier pair. This determination may be based on different masks used in creating a part of the unique identifier, and the order number, respectively. An indication that a product has been or is being shipped, along with a serial number for that product, is received from the supplier, and the ER database is updated as appropriate.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a shipping label are described. A shipping label application stores a shipping preset preference corresponding to an item listed by a seller on the marketplace, the shipping preset preference identifying one of a plurality of shipping carriers and one of a plurality of shipping services selected by the seller for the item. The shipping label application identifies the item in a transaction of the seller in the marketplace, retrieves the shipping preset preference of the seller corresponding to the item, and generates a shipping label for the item based on the shipping preset preference.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling direct transactions between a customer and a provider of goods and/or services. A plurality of suppliers or service providers provide data regarding offerings and services, and a database of selected information is collected and integrated for review and comparison by potential customers. An efficient distribution system delivers products and services to local service and pick-up centers where the customer retrieves them, or delivers the products and services directly to the customer, depending on customer preference. The cost of delivery is dependent on the customer preference and is based on proximity of delivery to customer.

Abstract: System and method for the addressing of mail pieces by a variable printing system. Information allowing a mail piece to be associated with a mailing list of address information is printed on the mail piece prior to processing of the piece by a variable printing system. As the piece is processed by the variable printing system, the information printed on the piece is read and used to identify a mailing list from among a plurality of available mailing lists. Address information for that mail piece is obtained from the identified mailing list and printed on the mail piece by the variable printing system.

Abstract: The selection of a shipping option responsive to an environmental preference is enabled. A user may indicate a shipping criteria preference including an environmental impact weighting. A cost value of each of a plurality of shipping options is determined including an environmental impact cost. A shipping option is selected and implemented for a shipping of an item as a function of the indicated environmental impact weighting. Each of the plurality of shipping option cost values may be dynamically recalculated and the status of at least one of the shipping options updated, the updating determining a change in value a shipping option cost value, an implemented selected shipping option changed to another of the plurality of shipping options as a function of the status updating.

Abstract: Among other things, a user of a mobile device who is delivering an ordered product from a store to a customer at a location can confirm that the customer is a proper person to receive the ordered product.

Abstract: An unmanned system for accepting mail and a method thereof are provided. The unmanned system for accepting mail includes: a weight and size measuring unit measuring, when mail is input by a user through a predetermined input unit, a weight of the mail by moving the input mail to a predetermined position and a size of the mail by using a plurality of sensors which is previously provided at the predetermined position; a delivery charge calculating unit calculating a delivery charge of the mail based on a delivery type selected by the user, and the measured weight and size of the mail; and a mail loading unit assigning the accepted mail to a predetermined loading space in accordance with the delivery type and the size of the mail when the mail is accepted and loading the accepted mail in the assigned loading space.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated computer-based notification systems.

Abstract: The principles of the present invention provide the ability to flexibly change the delivery point and time for a mail item, while the item is en route. The recipient, sender, or mailer may flexibly change the delivery point of the item alone or in combination with each other. While an item is en route between the sending point and the delivery point, a notification is sent to indicate that the item is in transit. In response, the delivery of the item may be changed. For example, the destination specified by the sender (e.g., the delivery address written on the item) may be changed or a delivery time may be specified. The item is then delivered to the new delivery point and/or at the specified delivery time.

Abstract: Example methods and systems to determine shipping costs using a logistics table are described. In some example embodiments, the methods and systems access a base cost associated with shipping an item to a destination at a base level (e.g., at a standard shipping method), select one or more destinations to which to ship the item, and determine shipping costs for every selected destination by inputting the base cost into logistics table. The systems and methods may also display an indication of the determined costs via a user interface, such as via a displayed map or other graphics that present shipping cost information along with destination information.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods for the computerized generation and printing of a U.S. Postal Service Shipping Label over the Internet that provides postage, shipping address, delivery address, and shipment and delivery tracking indicia. According to the invention, human-readable postage payment indicia is formatted in such a way that the actual price of shipping postage is obscured; postage payment can only be translated from the postage payment indicia by someone who knows the format template. The present invention further provides a United States Postal Service shipping label comprising a representation of paid postage, said representation of paid postage comprising a human-readable character string, said character string comprising imbedded postage price information. The present invention further provides a United States Postal Service shipping label, comprising a machine-readable representation of paid postage and a ship to address.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for shipping management. The computer implemented method commences upon identifying a set of orders to be shipped from a source region to a destination region using a transportation network, and determining candidate options for performing stops over possible routes between the source region and the destination region. A clustering analysis process is performed over the candidate options such that the clustering analysis considers many order consolidation possibilities while observing timing constraints. Low-cost options from among the candidate options are considered to identify one or more low-cost options, and a multi-stop route plan is generated to correspond to a selected low-cost option. The orders are shipped in accordance with the multi-stop route plan, and in accordance with the corresponding consolidation of the set of orders.

Abstract: A system and method for a dormant shipping label system are described. A shipper registers with the dormant shipping label system. Partial shipping information for a shipment is received from the shipper. The dormant shipping label system generates a dormant shipping label based on the partial shipping information and provides the dormant shipping label to the shipper, the dormant shipping label to be activated with a shipping service provider that generated the dormant shipment label upon receipt of additional shipping information to compute a shipping cost of the shipment, and upon receipt of payment of the shipping cost.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plurality of Enterprises with a single online user interface with which the Enterprise can provide Enterprise Shippers, shipping origination users and shipping intermediary users with an automated parcel management system for a plurality of supported Carriers for a plurality of services. The present invention provides for the hierarchical definition of users, including the hierarchical definition of organizational units within each Enterprise. The present invention further provides for a distinct definition of policies, privileges, and other types of specifications for each user level, each user, and each organizational unit. The present invention applies the user and organizational policies, privileges and other specifications as they apply to each particular user to drive the interactive interface with each particular user and to provide among other things, shipping options, shipping services, shipping rates, traveler and/or shipping label preparation, and shipment tracking.

Abstract: A system and method for a guaranteed shipping cost are described. A guaranteed shipping cost qualification module determines whether an item to be listed by a seller in an online marketplace qualifies for a guaranteed shipping cost listing. An estimated shipping cost computation module computes an estimated shipping cost of the item. A shipping cost reconciliation module reconciles an accrual of the estimated shipping cost received from the buyer with an actual shipping cost received from a shipping service provider for shipping the item. A learning module adjusts the estimated shipping cost computation module based on the reconciliation between the estimated shipping cost and the actual shipping cost.

Abstract: A system and method for determining an optimal number and size of standardized containers for shipping product items in a purchase order is provided. Shipping by using standardized containers is different from standard shipping since the shipping rate for a standardized container of a particular size may be fixed irrespective of the number of items that are actually put into such a container. With such standardized shipping containers, customers may simply place an item in a selected shipping container and ship the item at a fixed price, regardless of weight of the item or destination. The systems and methods may determine the optimal number by minimizing the number of standardized containers using a cornering technique. The systems and methods may determine the optimal size of the standardized containers by re-evaluating the size of each of the standardized containers within the determined optimal number of containers.

Abstract: A system and method for item delivery on a specified date is disclosed. A particular embodiment includes; receiving from a sender a request for delivery of an item to a specified recipient, the request specifying delivery of either a virtual item or a tangible item; obtaining an identifier of the specified recipient, a specified recipient delivery location, and a specified delivery date; uploading, by use of a data processor, a virtual item and rendering the virtual item in a physical form, if the request specifics delivery of a virtual item; receiving delivery of a tangible item from the sender, if the request specifies delivery of a tangible item; and causing delivery of the item to the specified recipient on a date near the specified delivery date.

Abstract: A method for aggregating mobile phone orders for shipping to a recipient comprising analyzing, by a server computer, orders placed via a plurality of ordering systems, wherein the orders may comprises a plurality of ordered items; identifying, by the server computer, recipient addresses with common destinations; unifying, by the server computer, the identified recipient addresses with common destinations; determining, by the server computer, criteria for when to release an order for shipment to a recipient; accumulating, by the server computer, ordered items for the recipient; combining, by the server computer, the accumulated ordered items into a shipment, wherein a shipment comprises at least one container; and releasing, by the server computer, the container for shipment when at least one of the criteria is met.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking items are provided. According to one method, a dispatcher receives from a courier, serving a customer, a request over a network to pickup an item addressed to the customer. A determination is made to see whether the dispatcher is available to process the item. If the dispatcher is available, the dispatcher notifies the courier, over the network, that the item is available for pickup by the courier when the dispatcher completes processing of the item. If the dispatcher is busy, the dispatcher notifies the courier, over the network, that the item is available for pick up by the courier at a later time.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for obtaining shipping services information over a network by a telephone call center receiving orders for merchandise. Instructions are received at the telephone call center, which permits the telephone call center to access the shipping information for shipment of the merchandise. The telephone call center sends the request over the network to the server for the shipping services information. Thereafter, the server sends the requested shipping services information to the telephone call center. The shipping service information may be in the format of a label, which may be attached to a package for shipment of the merchandise.

Abstract: A delivery management system and method enables an individual to create a delivery location and order a product offering from a delivery service provider, and enables the delivery service provider to create a unique delivery schedule by choosing at least one delivery day and time that it will deliver to at least one location, using an interactive communication network.

Abstract: The location of a user's device is first determined. An address corresponding to the location is then determined. When a user makes a purchase from the device location, a shipping address is automatically filled in based on the address determination from the device location. As a result, the user is not required to manually enter a shipping address for a purchase.

Abstract: The system and method described herein may securely disseminate and manage postal rate information, including discount or custom postal rates established in contractual agreements negotiated between a postal service and certain mailers, among other postal rate types. For example, the postal service may upload postal rates to a server associated with a postage vendor and optionally associate the postal rates with particular mailers. The postal service and/or postage vendor may then validate whether the postal rates were correctly uploaded, and the postage vendor may then enable applicable mailers to utilize the postal rates in response to validating that the postal rates were correctly uploaded. Additionally, the postage vendor may maintain records relating to postage transactions, which a mailer can use to support a request to negotiate the custom postal rates with the postal service and subsequently prove compliance with any terms and conditions associated therewith.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a reusable container, and specifically, a dual service reusable container. The containers may be prepositioned at a particular location until the items stored within the container are needed. This is possible because the dual service reusable containers may be both weather resistant and lockable. The containers are designed to be stackable when loaded, reducing the footprint occupied by the containers, improving shipping efficiency, and improving the utilization of the valuable floor space. When unloaded or when partially loaded, the containers may be nested so that valuable floor space is efficiently used.

Abstract: Computing systems, methods, and program products can support a closed retail network. A computing system can receive an inquiry from a first member entity of a retail network and identifying a product of interest. The system can use a datastore to determine if the product of interest is available for sale by a first member by determining if the product is available from a second member. If the product of interest is available for sale, the computing system can indicate that the product is available, receive data from the first member entity indicating that the product has been sold to a customer and including payment information, use the payment information to transfer funds from the customer, and initiate a distribution of the transferred funds to the first and second member entities. The system may consider distribution rules in determining if the product is available for sale by the first member.

Abstract: An improved method for providing a remote shipping cost estimate of goods is disclosed, the method including remotely receiving image data of a transferee's goods, obtaining a shipping cost estimate of the transferee's goods that is based on the remotely received image data, and making the shipping cost estimate available to the transferee. In preferred embodiments, image data is digital data that can be uploaded by a transferee through a user interface and received by an estimator over a computer network such as the Internet. In some preferred embodiments, the method can be computer-based, and in some embodiments it can be implemented by a software system stored on computer-readable media. This improved method adds a new level of convenience for both estimators and transferees, while also improving the efficiency of providing shipping cost estimates in general.