Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for on-line accepting a postal matter. The apparatus for on-line accepting a postal matter according to the present invention includes a user terminal configured to transmit acceptation information for accepting a postal matter through a communication session for on-line accepting a user's postal matter or receive a control command for accepting the postal matter; and a postal matter processing unit configured to extract the acceptation information from the postal matter or perform an operation for accepting the postal matter according to the acceptation control command.

Abstract: Techniques are described for facilitating delivery and adjustments of customer orders at a customer delivery site. A delivery courier is assigned a mobile field computing device for facilitating delivery and order adjustments of customer orders associated with that courier's delivery route. The mobile field computing device includes memory for storing customer order history data and delivery route data downloaded from a server system. The delivery route data stored in the mobile field computing device may be used by the delivery courier to facilitate delivery of the customer orders. Further, the delivery courier may use the mobile field computing device to process a variety of different order adjustment transactions at a customer delivery site.

Abstract: Provided are a system and a method for automatically setting sorting boxes for automatic mail sorting, and as the position of a sorting box of mail is informed by automatically changing sorting band information depending on a change of a postal area and using address information and barcode information of mail and the system is designed so as for a mailman not to perform PDA work for registered mail, so that the mailman needs not modifying sorting box information with the change of the postal area all the time and the mailman can easily find the sorting box of the corresponding mail although the position of the sorting box is changed by informing the mailman of the position of the sorting box of the corresponding mail, and the corresponding sorting box can be automatically known even though the postal area is changed or a new postal area is assigned.

Abstract: A method and system for providing services to a mail delivery point are presented. According to the method, a delivery point identifier is acquired from a device located at the delivery point. Then, delivery point data is accessed corresponding to the delivery point identifier, and mail delivery services are provided in response to the delivery point data. The delivery point data are modifiable by a recipient who receives physical mail at the delivery point, and the delivery point data includes recipient preferences.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for predicting a future location of a mobile user. A recent location of a mobile user is received. Past location data for the mobile user is retrieved from storage. A future location of the mobile user is predicted based at least in part on the recent location and on the past location data. The prediction is provided in response to a query or by subscription.

Abstract: Illustrated embodiments provide a computer implemented method, an apparatus and a computer program product in an order by proxy service for managing shipments. In one illustrative embodiment, the computer implemented method identifying a set of initial orders received at the proxy service and responsive to identifying the set of initial orders at the proxy service, identifying a set of delivery preferences associated with each order in the set of initial orders to form a set of identified delivery preferences. The computer implemented method further aggregates the set of initial orders based on the set of identified delivery preferences to produce an aggregated order, and releasing the aggregated order for shipping based on predetermined criteria to create a released order.

Abstract: Systems and methods for shipping a package from a package sender to an intended recipient, utilizing Internet communications to place shipping orders, request on demand package pickup, maintain and utilize pre-stored profile information, view shipping history, track orders, etc. A package sender with an Internet-accessible computer accesses an Internet site and associated shipping system operated by a shipping service provider. The package sender enters information required for shipping the package, including shipping options and methods for payment, and the shipment transaction is validated. If the transaction is validated, printer indicia are communicated to the customer's computer, which is enabled to locally print a prepaid label containing special machine-readable as well as human-readable indicia.

Abstract: A computer system that is configured to: (A) define a geofence surrounding a geographic area; (B) gather information associated with the geofenced area; and (C) assign one or more parameters to the geofenced area based on the information gathered, wherein at least one of the assigned parameters is used to monitor the performance of a delivery vehicle driver while the delivery vehicle driver is operating a delivery vehicle within the geofenced area. In particular embodiments, the parameters include a backup limit defining a number of times a delivery vehicle operating within the geofenced area is permitted to back up while operating the delivery vehicle within the geofenced area (e.g., during a particular delivery cycle). In other embodiments, the parameters include a maximum speed limit for the geofenced area. The system may be adapted to automatically generate an alert in response to the delivery vehicle operating outside of the defined parameters.

Abstract: A system and method for a social shipping system are described. An item offered by a seller and selected for purchase by a buyer of a marketplace is identified. From a social network of the buyer, at least one local user geographically located within a predetermined distance of an address of the buyer is identified. A single shipping transaction from the seller to the buyer and the at least one local user is generated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for real-time pricing of shipping vendors are provided. Various shipping vendors may be queried concerning shipping specifications. Some embodiments provide for a query to be transmitted to a shipping vendor through an interface associated with the particular shipping vendor. In response to the query, real-time pricing information associated with the shipping specifications is received and displayed to a user. Upon the user designating a shipping vendor, customized shipping labels for each shipping vendor may be generated.

Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and computer-implemented method for providing augmented reality shipping features is provided. A parcel is identified based on input received from a user. Presentation data including content having interactive elements specific to the parcel is generated. The presentation data is transmitted to a client device. The client device is instructed to overlay the presentation data on an image of the parcel.

Abstract: The present invention related to a system and computer-implemented method directed to cargo handling services. A stakeholder captures airline data and customer related cargo data and transmits the data to at least one other stakeholder through either a customer service portal or a mobile warehouse management system. The system is a cargo management system comprising three parts. First, a messaging engine adapted to transmit airline data. Second, a customer service portal receives data from the messaging engine for a stakeholder, such that the stakeholder may manage, track, or reconcile a cargo shipment. Finally, a mobile warehouse management system implemented for recording data and tracking cargo in real-time.

Abstract: An electronic commerce protocol stack includes a connectivity layer that receives business data from a first entity. The business data indicates that the destination of the business data is a second entity. The protocol stack also includes a translation layer that receives the business data and that translates the business data as appropriate for the second entity using one or more translation rules. The protocol stack also includes a semantic routing layer that receives the translated business data, determines the semantic meaning of at least a portion of the business data using one or more semantics rules, determines one or more appropriate destinations for the business data based on the semantic meaning, and communicates the business data the determined destinations to the connectivity layer. The connectivity layer communicates the business data to the determined destinations.

Abstract: A consolidation yield management system and method is provided in the present invention, which is applicable to a network system to implement a real-time consolidation. The consolidation yield management system includes at least one skirt server and a hub server. The skirt server chooses whether to build consol of its skirt Master Air Waybill or skirt Master Air Waybill to a hub Master Air Waybill of the hub server, and generates a hub Master Air Waybill number according to the hub Master Air Waybill, thus finishing the operation of building consol.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for optimizing a business transaction between a selling vendor and a shipping vendor. The method includes receiving a query from a selling vendor. The query includes customer order data. The method also includes identifying at least one possible shipping vendor based on the customer order data and determining shipping information for each of the at least one possible shipping vendors. The method further includes selecting a preferred shipping vendor from among the at least one possible shipping vendors and completing the transaction between the selling vendor and the shipping vendor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system and method for monitoring lost items, includes a database configured to store lost item information, the lost item information pertaining to lost items recovered at one or more establishments; and a computing device operatively connected to the database, the computing device operable to: (i) receive lost item information for a given lost item that has been recovered at the one or more establishments; (ii) entry of a lost item record for the given lost item into the database, the lost item record includes the lost item information for the given lost item; (iii) browse or search the database to locate lost item of a current or prior patron of the one or more establishments; and (iv) facilitating transmission of an electronic recovery notification to the current or prior patron when the lost item of the current or prior patron has been located in the database.

Abstract: An automated item notification device is described. The automatic notification device is configured to be secured within a drop box and comprises a communication module, a deposit sensor, a camera and processor. The communication module communicates with a remote resource. The deposit sensor senses deposit of an object and provides a wake-up signal in response thereto. The camera captures an image of an interior of the drop box in response to the wake-up signal. The processor is configured to compare the captured image with a previously acquired reference image stored in memory to determine if the object has been received in the drop box. In response to detection that the objected has been received in the drop box, a message is transmitted to the remote resource that the drop box needs to be serviced, and the processor enters an extended sleep mode. In response to detection that the objected has not been received in the drop box, the processor enters a sleep mode.

Abstract: In a computerized method and apparatus for processing digital information for display on a display unit, digital information representing a number of items of first superordinate information and a number of items of second detailed information, respectively associated with an item of superordinate information, are read from a memory. These items of first and second information are processed such that the first information can be displayed in a first display region the display unit and the second information can simultaneously be displayed in a second display region of the display unit, with a display of the information in one of the display regions causing no modification of the size of the other display region. The first and the second display regions interact such that the associated second information regarding a number of items of information displayed in the first display region can be displayed in the second display region.

Abstract: One or more images of items for an order being processed at processing station of an order fulfillment center may be captured and associated with the order. Alternatively, a short video clip may be captured of the order being packaged. An electronic notification that the order has been processed may be sent to a customer associated with the order. The electronic notification may include a reference to one or more of the captured images or video clips. The customer may use a reference included in the notification to view the captured images. The customer may view captured images to verify that the order has been correctly processed. The captured images may include images of the items being packaged for shipment and may show the shipping address on the package allowing the customer to verify that indeed it is his package in the images.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system, method, and medium for automatically analyzing response pieces. The system may scan the response piece, identify the response piece, and generate an image from the response piece. The system also processes the image. Processing the image may include determining response piece identification information and sending the response piece identification information to an accounting system to update an account associated with the response piece identification information. Processing the image may also include reading information from the response piece.

Abstract: A transportation problem solving device for solving a transportation problem to optimize the end-to-end physical distribution consisting of a regional transportation and an inter-depot transportation, comprising a transformation section for adding a regional representative node representing a plurality of collection and delivery spots belonging to a depot to a model of inter-depot transportation, and incorporating the regional transportation between each of the plurality of collection and delivery spots belonging to the depot and the depot into a part of the model of inter-depot transportation as the inter-depot transportation between the depot and the regional representative node, an inter-depot transportation computing section for solving the transportation problem, based on a transformation model in which the regional transportation is incorporated into the inter-depot transportation, and computing a transportation plan for each delivery order in an inter-depot transportation portion, when a plurality of t

Abstract: A system generates an encoded identifier representing shipping data associated with the first party, wherein the shipping data is associated with a transaction between the first party and a second party. The system then communicates the encoded identifier to the second party and the second party creates a shipping label including the encoded identifier. The encoded identifier is decoded by a shipping service provider thus providing the shipping data of the first party.

Abstract: Information of articles to be loaded is received, indicating and numbers of the articles to be loaded. A historic loading plan record is read. An item of the historic loading plan record includes at least a loading plan and an adaptive index corresponding to the loading plan. A loading plan suitable for the current transportation is generated based on the historic loading plan record and the information of articles to be loaded. The technical solution of this invention may reduce the requirements on storage and computing resources.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention may reduce the amount of time a consumer spends coordinating a move. A system is provided which may guide the consumer through the process of planning the move, including developing an inventory of items to be transported. Based on the consumer's plan, quotes for the move may be provided from multiple movers, and each quote may be an exact price that a mover will charge, rather than merely an estimate. To enable movers to provide exact quotes, some embodiments of the invention implement a standard pricing methodology. The system may allow movers to define pricing information in accordance with the methodology, and this information may be used to calculate a quote for a move when a consumer requests one.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention may reduce the amount of time a consumer spends coordinating a move. A system is provided which may guide the consumer through the process of planning the move, including developing an inventory of items to be transported. Based on the consumer's plan, quotes for the move may be provided from multiple movers, and each quote may be an exact price that a mover will charge, rather than merely an estimate. To enable movers to provide exact quotes, some embodiments of the invention implement a standard pricing methodology. The system may allow movers to define pricing information in accordance with the methodology, and this information may be used to calculate a quote for a move when a consumer requests one.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention may reduce the amount of time a consumer spends coordinating a move. A system is provided which may guide the consumer through the process of planning the move, including developing an inventory of items to be transported. Based on the consumer's plan, quotes for the move may be provided from multiple movers, and each quote may be an exact price that a mover will charge, rather than merely an estimate. To enable movers to provide exact quotes, some embodiments of the invention implement a standard pricing methodology. The system may allow movers to define pricing information in accordance with the methodology, and this information may be used to calculate a quote for a move when a consumer requests one.

Abstract: A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to a freight request, a house shipment, a shipment request, a supplier freight invoice request, and/or a transportation booking request business object.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatus, systems, and non-transitory, tangible computer-readable media associated with utilizing a central storage and maintainer which has knowledge of one or more reusable boxes, and maintains information about the boxes. The system maintains reusable box information with respect to a unique identifier or tracking code which is associated with each tracked box. The association between a unique identifier and a box allows future shipping using the box to be tracked using the identifier. This enables a narrative of the box's travels to be developed through the addition of narrative entries or comments provided by recipients of the box. The narrative may in turn be searched for and displayed via one or more web-based interfaces, providing a snapshot of the box's travels.

Abstract: A method is described that provides a notification to the sender or mailer of a mailpiece when the addressee of the mailpiece has changed address. One step in the method includes creation of an updated delivery code that may comprise both the forwarding address of the addressee, the sender's address information, and corresponding barcodes. The postal delivery system sends the mailed item to the forwarding address and provides the sender with the updated information for the addressee. The notification can occur by electronic message systems or delivery of a physical notification.

Abstract: An improved technique for managing offsite data storage avoids the need for tapes or other media arriving at an offsite storage location to be mounted. The improved technique includes generating a list of data objects stored on each piece of media of a first set of media sent from a first site to a second site. A reply list is generated, which identifies any data objects that did not arrive at the second site. The missing data objects are stored on a second set of media being prepared for shipment from the first site to the second site. The second set of media typically contains not only the missing data objects, but also additional data objects.

Abstract: Inventory replenishment that levels the flow of products from a collection of supplying distribution centers (DCs) to a receiving DC. Products are shipped in calculated, predetermined quantities at calculated, predetermined intervals to match the outflow rates at the receiving DC. Inventory levels at the receiving DC are monitored daily, and exceptions or adjustments to the shipment pattern (e.g., quantities and time intervals) are executed in a systematic manner when they stray outside of calculated minimum and maximum levels.

Abstract: Systems and methods of insuring payment of a proper amount of postage, comprise receiving payment for an amount of postage, affixing a postage indicia to a piece of mail, wherein the postage indicia includes the postage amount in a format readable only by machine, and adjusting the postage amount at a time subsequent to receipt of payment.

Abstract: Various systems and methods that may relate to referral and/or delivery services are described. Some embodiments may include auctions and/or other ways of assigning service providers. Some embodiments may include mobile applications used by one or more participants in a delivery endeavor.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems of identifying suppliers of applicable modes of transport that meet specified business requirements, providing a means to compare and evaluate these suppliers. Some forms of the invention provide computer-based methods for assisting a logistics decision of a potential customer, the method comprising the steps of: receiving at least one logistics related requirement from the potential customer, calculating at least one suitable logistics option from a plurality of supplier-provided logistic options, and providing an output of at least one logistics option in a form readable by the potential customer.

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 business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to a site logistics confirmation and a site logistics request business object.

Abstract: A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to an outbound delivery business object.

Abstract: Network-centric systems and methods for monitoring the security of a cargo container during shipment from an origination point to a destination are described. The cargo container includes a container security unit (CSU) having an electronic container identifier. As the container is loaded with various contents, a container processing system obtains produces a manifest of the contents using wireless data collection. The manifest, which also includes the container identifier, is sent to a central server for storage. As the cargo container is shipped through a port, warehouse or other shipping location, the CSU provides a status update to the central server. The status update may include a location of the cargo container, the container identifier and a status of a door seal, hazard detector and/or the like. As the cargo container arrives at its destination, another container processing system creates an arrival report of the received contents that can be compared to the manifest at the central server.

Abstract: A garment box is described, the box having a plurality of side wall panels, a ceiling panel and a floor panel, and at least one retainer or a plurality of retainers for securing a garment. The retainer(s) may be (each) arranged to cooperate with (a respective) one of the panels of the box, for example with respective adjacent panels. A drop and collect cleaning system is also described. A garment to be cleaned is placed in a garment box and the garment box dropped off at a drop off location. The cleaned garment is collected in a garment box from a pre-arranged collection location.

Abstract: A method and system for anticipatory package shipping are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method may include packaging one or more items as a package for eventual shipment to a delivery address, selecting a destination geographical area to which to ship the package, shipping the package to the destination geographical area without completely specifying the delivery address at time of shipment, and while the package is in transit, completely specifying the delivery address for the package.

Abstract: A system to determine shipping information is described. The system including memory, one or more processors, and one or more modules stored in memory and configured for execution by the one or more processors. The modules including a shipping options module configured to determine at least one shipping option based on an input received from a user device. A date determination module coupled with the shipping options module. The date determination module configured to determine at least one delivery date of a shipment responsive to the input. And, a format module configured to transform the at least one shipping option and the at least one delivery date into a format for the user device.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and storage medium associated with providing location service, are disclosed. In various embodiments, a method may include receiving, by a location server, location information associated with a user of a mobile device or a party associated with user; and receiving, by the location server, from a delivery service server, a request for the location information. The request may include a credential indicative of eligibility of the delivery service server to receive the requested location information. The method may further include providing, by the location server, to the delivery service server, the location information, on confirmation of the eligibility of the delivery service server based at least in part on the credential. Other embodiments may be disclosed or claimed.

Abstract: A document delivery system for electronic and physical documents with proof of service. The system may receive uploaded electronic documents for delivery to one or more electronic and/or physical endpoints. After the electronic documents have been received, the delivery system determines whether the received electronic documents should be delivered electronically or physically, based on recipient data in the delivery system. If physical documents are to be delivered, the system may intelligently decide whether to aggregate some documents into a multi-document package. The system provides for delivery by commercial carrier, postal service, and/or electronic delivery. Optional services available to the sender include, but are not limited to, certified mail, proof of service, and email confirmation.

Abstract: A delivery service system and methods of use are described. The system and methods eliminate needs for a user to wait on a service provider's assistance to determine the cost of sending a package while protecting the service provider with prepayment before delivery. The processes described enable a new efficiency in package delivery wherein the users no longer need to wait in a queue at a delivery service and the delivery service no longer needs to have customer service representatives determining the cost to deliver the package and accepting payment from customers prior to the delivery service accepting the package. Such systems enable automated delivery of packages with minimal human intervention.

Abstract: A system and method of determining an earliest delivery date for a demand on the basis of a fact table stored in a database, where the demand indicates both a desired date and a desired quantity for items from a stock, where a fact time series is comprised by and/or deducible from the fact table, and where the fact time series comprises fact tuples indicating both a fact date and a change in quantity of stock items that occurred on this fact date. The method includes generating an aggregated time series from the fact time series by defining and/or obtaining discrete time intervals, and generating, for at least one discrete time interval, an aggregated tuple indicating both its corresponding discrete time interval and the aggregated change in quantity of stock items that occurred in its corresponding discrete time interval.

Abstract: A system generates an encoded identifier representing shipping data associated with the first party, wherein the shipping data is associated with a transaction between the first party and a second party. The system then communicates the encoded identifier to the second party and the second party creates a shipping label including the encoded identifier. The encoded identifier is decoded by a shipping service provider thus providing the shipping data of the first party.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and containers for transporting products, such as medical products are disclosed. The methods and systems involve identifying an environmental condition of a place to where a product is to be shipped, identifying an environmental condition of a place from which the product is to be shipped, identifying the amount of time that the product is expected to be in transit during shipping, and determining the type of container and cooling element that should be employed to transport the product.

Abstract: Techniques for providing extended shipping options are described. In some embodiments, a user may specify extended shipping options that are not otherwise provided by or accessible via an existing shipment information specification user interface. In one embodiment, the user accesses a module configured to facilitate specification of extended shipping options and in response, provide an indicator of the specified extended shipping option, such as a tag or uniform resource identifier. The indicator of the extended shipping option is then incorporated into a user interface element, such as an address field, of the shipment information specification user interface. Once the user finalizes the order, the indicator of the extended shipping option is transmitted along with other shipment information items to a merchant and/or carrier system, where services specified by the extended shipping option are initiated.

Abstract: A system and method for using product profiling to maximize load capacity of a vehicle. The method includes defining product profiles and retrieving product information associated with the product profiles. The method further includes performing cubing operations for products associated with the product information. The system includes components to perform the method steps.

Abstract: A method for accepting return deliveries in an electronic parcel deposit box facility, which integrates various logistics service providers and/or customers and various user authorizations, while safeguarding the operator of the parcel deposit box facility against the abuse of the return delivery process. To verify the customer authorizations, the method for operating a parcel deposit box facility comprising several lockable deposit boxes compares recorded customer data with a stored customer profile. Operating functions for the deposit of return deliveries are only released for the customer if the verification is positive. Before a mail item can be deposited, the validity of the mailing information that is contained on the return delivery is also verified. Valid mailing information is assigned to a logistics service provider and is stored, whereas if the mailing information is invalid, no deposit box is released for the deposit.