Relationship Between Shipper Or Supplier And A Carrier Patents (Class 705/336)
  • Patent number: 11783265
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for building a score plan for a healthcare organization, its providers, its payers, and/or its patients and presenting the results of the score plan on one or more score card user interfaces. Score cards graphically display an entity's progress towards meeting quality measure objectives. The score cards provide information on percentage completion of one or more quality measure objectives by the entity and/or quality measure objectives that may be difficult for the entity to achieve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: CERNER INNOVATION, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin David Wilkerson, Kevin Krizek, Patrick O'Brien, Bharat Sutariya
  • Patent number: 11612913
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides an exemplary system that includes a mechanism configured to create by a digital mailing services provider, DMSP, a recipient-specific handling information indicia and provide said recipient-specific handling information indicia to a recipient; a mechanism configured to allow the recipient to provide said handling information indicia in delivery address C/O line, on a mail item, thereby indicating to said service provider their desired handling route for the mail item so that a paper mail recipient to receive improved transmission of correspondence from said service provider via both paper and electronic channels solely via including said handling information indicia contained in the delivery address C/O line of the recipient's delivery address on the mail item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Broadridge Output Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank W. Delfer, Navdeep S. Dhillon
  • Patent number: 11449825
    Abstract: A computer-implemented systems and methods for automatic and intelligent parcel retrieval are disclosed. The computer-implemented system comprises a database, a memory storing instructions, and at least one processor configured to receive an order number, to receive from a seller a waybill number associated with the order number and a carrier delivering a package, to generate a unique identifier that may include the order number and the way bill number, to detect a cancellation of the order number, to determine a tracking number in the unique identifier based on the cancellation of the order number, to send a notification to the carrier delivering the package based on the unique identifier, to receive from the carrier a reverse tracking number confirming the cancel shipment of the package, and to send a notification to the seller including the reverse tracking number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Coupang Corp.
    Inventor: Remesh Vijayan
  • Patent number: 11334844
    Abstract: Systems and methods which provide for order fulfilment using drop shipping from participating suppliers in an electronic marketplace are described. A drop shipping management system may utilize various rules and information regarding merchants, suppliers, items, etc. in facilitating electronic marketplace drop shipping. Drop shipping management systems may, for example, utilize merchant drop ship rules with respect to merchant drop ship information for determining whether drop shipping is to be provided for a merchant with respect to one or more items in the electronic marketplace. Further, drop shipping management systems may utilize supplier drop ship rules with respect to supplier drop ship information in determining a supplier to provide drop shipping with respect to one or more items in the electronic marketplace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Stamps.com Inc.
    Inventors: Sebastian Buerba, John Roland Clem, James Nathan Jones, Amine George Khechfe
  • Patent number: 11210624
    Abstract: Generally described, one or more aspects of the present application correspond to machine learning techniques for generating predictions about how much of an item will sell to certain destination regions at certain shipping speeds. A machine learning model, such as a neural network, can be trained to make such predictions based on historical data. The predictions can be presented in a user interface that enables sellers to evaluate the predicted sales and opt in to supporting particular shipping speeds to particular destinations, for example enabling the sellers to create offers for the items with terms corresponding to desired shipping speeds and destinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Siyuan Wang, Nikhil Bhardwaj, Tanvir Talukder
  • Patent number: 10832202
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems, methods, and computer program products for dynamically monitoring transport of a plurality of packages potentially containing regulated goods so as to ensure compliance with one or more regulations within a plurality of jurisdictions. The embodiments utilize one or more computer processors or one or more executable portions to: receive transport data associated with the transport of at least one of the plurality of packages and regulatory data associated with the at least one jurisdiction in which transport occurs; determine whether the one of the plurality of packages contains at least one regulated good; if the presence of at least one regulated good is determined, validate consignor data and the transport data; whereby in response to an unsuccessful validation, at least one report is generated to prevent or otherwise mitigate transport of the one of the plurality of packages in the at least one identified jurisdiction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Gittings, Bradley Cook
  • Patent number: 10650384
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for using network data in an automated delivery system is provided. The method is implemented using a delivery validation server in communication with a memory. The method includes receiving an online order originating from a user computer device. The online order includes a delivery address and network information associated with a wireless network associated with the delivery address. The method also includes configuring a delivery device based on the network information and the delivery address, and receiving a delivery confirmation message transmitted from the delivery device through the wireless network associated with the delivery address. The delivery device is connected to the wireless network based on the network information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: MASTERCARD INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Manoneet Kohli
  • Patent number: 10019692
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems, methods, and computer program products for dynamically monitoring transport of a plurality of packages potentially containing regulated goods so as to ensure compliance with one or more regulations within a plurality of jurisdictions. The embodiments utilize one or more computer processors or one or more executable portions to: receive transport data associated with the transport of at least one of the plurality of packages and regulatory data associated with the at least one jurisdiction in which transport occurs; determine whether the one of the plurality of packages contains at least one regulated good; if the presence of at least one regulated good is determined, validate consignor data and the transport data; whereby in response to an unsuccessful validation, at least one report is generated to prevent or otherwise mitigate transport of the one of the plurality of packages in the at least one identified jurisdiction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Gittings, Bradley Cook
  • Publication number: 20150120599
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a computer implemented method of selecting a partner marketing communication. The method includes receiving, by a processor circuit, data of a first order. The method further includes determining, by the processor circuit, a first fulfillment warehouse location for processing the first order. The method further includes identifying, by the processor circuit, partner inventory located either at the first fulfillment warehouse location or at a second fulfillment warehouse location. The method further includes selecting, by the processor circuit, at least one partner marketing communication based at least in part on a comparison of at least two of the following: a first parameter associated with shipping the first order; a second parameter associated with shipping at least one item from the partner inventory; and a third parameter associated with shipping the first order with the at least one item from the partner inventory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Ajay A. Deshpande, Kimberly D. Hendrix, Herbert S. McFaddin, Chandra Narayanaswami
  • Publication number: 20150066798
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, system, methods and computer program products are configured for providing at least one customized communication to a recipient of one or more packages shipped by a consignor via a common carrier. One or more computer processors are configured to: receive at least a portion of customized content; retrieve at least a portion of consignee data, the portion comprising one or more parameters established by the recipient; compare the one or more components of the customized content with the one or more parameters established by the recipient so as to identify one or more correlations there-between; in response to identifying at least one correlation, generate at least one customized communication for provision to the recipient, the at least one customized communication containing at least a portion of the customized content; and in response to identifying no correlations, generate at least one standard communication containing no customized content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Robert J. Gillen, Jessica Catherine Grimes, David Daniel Alery, David Louis Molvik, Du Phung, Randy Campbell
  • Publication number: 20150006428
    Abstract: A method of establishing a freight shipment comprising interfacing with one or more transportation management systems and load boards. Data comprising one or more available freight loads and freight capacity is transmitted from the one or more transportation management systems in substantially real time. The one or more available freight loads and freight capacity are searched and one or more of the one or more available freight loads are matched with one or more of the one or more available freight capacity. The method continues with negotiating one or more details of a contract between the one or more of the available freight loads and one or more of the freight capacity, confirming the details between the one or more of the available freight loads and one or more of the freight capacity, collecting invoicing information, and inserting electronic receivables in one of the transportation management systems and load boards the one or more details of the contract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Toby Miller, John Basso, Travis L. Rhyan
  • Publication number: 20140337246
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicants: STAMPS.COM INC., iShip Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Williams, David Allison Bennett, Lynn Shaindell Goldhaber, Dennis Glavin, Lory Elizabeth Moon, Charles D. Mentzer, Stephen M. Teglovic, John M. Dietz, William W. Smith, III, Paul Bilibin, Jinyue Liu, Paul R. McLaughlin, Scott Meyer, Sean Hu
  • Publication number: 20140279658
    Abstract: A computer system for suggesting attended delivery/pickup locations to individuals (e.g., other than the individual's home and/or office) is disclosed. In various embodiments, the computer system receives location information associated with the individual (e.g., the individual's home, office, etc.) and the locations of various attended delivery/pickup locations (e.g., attended retail stores that have signed up to receive deliveries for individuals). The system determines which (if any) attended delivery/pickup locations are located near the location associated with the individual (e.g., near the individual's home) and which (if any) attended delivery/pickup locations are available to accept parcels for the user. The system then suggests attended delivery/pickup locations to the individual. In various embodiments, the system is configured to enable the user to select a default attended delivery/pickup location and/or an alternative attended delivery/pickup location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel Lievens, Vincent Dethier, Peter Henderickx, Luc Pirenne, Denis Payre
  • Patent number: 8825559
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Hans Chelniak, Torsten Stolz
  • Patent number: 8818915
    Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will provide computer systems and methods for customizing computer-based value-bearing items, such as, for example, customizing a computer-based postage-indicia-bearing item such as exemplary image-customized computer-based postage label 1 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, depicted in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1, the exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear an image 2 that would be provided by a corresponding user, namely by the user that orders the customized computer-based postage label. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear a human-readable indication of the country 4 for which the postage is approved. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will also bear a human-readable indication of an amount of postage 5. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will also bear a human-readable identifier 6 and a machine-readable set of information 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Stamps.com Inc.
    Inventors: J. P. Leon, John Roland Clem, Richard Stables, John Michael Boswell, Kyle Huebner, Daniel David Farino, Kenneth Thomas McBride
  • Publication number: 20140236856
    Abstract: Methods for coordinating the delivery of parcels by travelers, which may include providing shipment data servers storing traveler records associated with potential travelers, receiving from senders traveler queries including desired destination entries associated with locations to which senders desires to send parcels, selecting traveler records including arrival location data consistent with the desired destination data, and providing to the sender contact data associated with suitable travelers. Some examples may include providing shipment data servers storing parcel records associated with potential senders, receiving from potential travelers parcel queries including arrival location entries, selecting parcel records including desired destination data consistent with the arrival location data, and providing to potential travelers contact data associated with suitable parcels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Jakhongir Baykhurazov
  • Patent number: 8812381
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignees: First Data Transportation Services, Inc., Paycargo, LLC
    Inventors: Sergio Lemme, Eugenio Crespo, Juan Dieppa
  • Patent number: 8793194
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Hohyung Lee
  • Patent number: 8781927
    Abstract: A system and method for postage payment utilizes passive RFID tags as postage “stamps”, with the amount of the postage automatically billed to a previously-established customer account. The tags are stored in a separate stamp database and are “enabled” by linking the individual tag to a customer account. The use of the RFID stamps eliminates the need for the customer to know the proper postage beforehand. The existence of a customer account with a proper return address reduces the likelihood of a dead letter. Also, a special category of stamps may be used for automatic reply mail. By virtue of using an RFID tag, the mailed item's progress through the postal delivery system may be tracked from dispatch to delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas Killian, Cynthia Price Killian
  • Publication number: 20140188751
    Abstract: A system and method that stores a plurality of transportation agreements, associates a plurality of data objects with each of the plurality of transportation agreements, the plurality of data objects including a first rate table, receives an update instruction for the first rate table, and updates, in response to the update instruction, the first rate table and a second rate table, the second rate table incorporating the first rate table and one or more additional rate tables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: SAP AG
    Inventors: Maya Viswanath, Saurabh Chaturvedi, Karthikeyan Loganathan
  • Patent number: 8694389
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Formula Labs, LLC
    Inventors: Manish Chowdhary, Andrei Rosca
  • Patent number: 8676592
    Abstract: A system and method track both passenger and baggage during passenger trips, improving trip security, reducing lost baggage, allowing remote baggage check-in and retrieval, and allowing billing and financial transactions among system users. A passenger identification code (PIC) identifies a passenger, a trip starting location, and both a carrier and a final destination. A baggage identification code (BIC) is assigned to each piece of a trackable baggage set. At the trip starting location the PIC and BIC are wirelessly transmitted to an integrated travel information system (ITIS) using a wireless electronic device (WED). At a trip segment end the ITIS locates the baggage set and directs it to a transportation vehicle located by the ITIS. The ITIS directs the passenger to the transportation vehicle via a WED message. The WED transmits an end-of-trip signal to the ITIS at the final destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Marc L. Schoen, Stephen L. M. Hockaday
  • Patent number: 8655753
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ziti Technologies Limited Liability Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. McCormick, Jayne M. Kelly, Wesley J. Knoespel
  • Patent number: 8650087
    Abstract: A system and a method for delivering information related to the evaluation values of products. The system includes an evaluation database (DB) for storing evaluation information; a user terminal for reading the product codes of products; and an inventory information DB for storing inventory information. The evaluation information is read, based on a product barcode obtained by the user terminal, from the evaluation DB, and a retail store within a predetermined distance from the user is searched based of the positional information (GPS) of the user terminal. Then, the inventory information DB, which is connected to the POS server of the retail store, is searched to acquire and display the inventory status of the product on the user terminal. Additionally, when the product is purchased, the evaluator who provided the evaluation information of the product is given points and paid a reward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Fugaku Tsuun Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuhide Asanuma
  • Patent number: 8650132
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the distribution of single-product-type unlabeled packages are provided. For each distribution, the system coordinates the processes required for: (1) transporting unlabeled packages containing the product from a manufacturing location to a carrier hub; (2) printing and applying respective shipping labels to the unlabeled packages; and (3) sending the labeled packages to their various retail locations. By delegating the tasks of receiving, labeling, and shipping the packages containing the product to a single carrier, the systems and methods allow the carrier to receive the packages for continued processing without the presence of any identifying labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: James McClurg
  • Patent number: 8615473
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel R. Spiegel, Michael T. McKenna, Girish S. Lakshman, Paul G. Nordstrom
  • Patent number: 8600903
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Express Scripts, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Eller
  • Patent number: 8600910
    Abstract: A system and method for remote postage metering of postage indicia, including demanding a desired postage amount and subsequently printing the postage indicia onto a piece of mail. A user inputs certain necessary information, as well as additional desired information, into a local processor-based system. The local system then assembles a postage demand in suitable format and transmits the same to a remote postage metering device. The remote postage metering device then verifies the demand for authority to demand and valid funding. Upon verification, the remote postage meter assembles a data packet representing an authorized postage indicia. The data packet is transmitted to the local system for printing. Printing of the postage indicia may be unaccompanied, or may include additional information. Such additional information may include destination and return address, machine readable routing or identification information, or a complete document to be posted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Stamps.com
    Inventors: Salim G. Kara, Martin J. Pagel
  • Publication number: 20130275327
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing personalized delivery services by a carrier providing a package delivery service. For example, a consignee may indicate a delivery preference to be applied to delivery of a package, such as indicating a specific location where the package is to be left upon delivery, if the consignee is not present to accept the package. In one embodiment, the consignee may be notified by the carrier of the scheduled delivery of the package, and may be linked to the carrier's web site to indicate a delivery preference. Alternatively, the delivery preference may be indicated by the consignee proactively accessing the web site. After conveying a delivery preference, the carrier's systems communicate the delivery preference at the appropriate time to a portable computing device which informs the delivery personnel of the consignee's delivery preference. Other embodiments allow the consignor to indicate delivery preferences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: ROBERT LEE KLINGENBERG, JOE RIZZO, SUMEET PRADEEP SHROFF
  • Publication number: 20130275326
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing personalized delivery services by a carrier providing a package delivery service. For example, a consignee may indicate a delivery preference to be applied to delivery of a package, such as indicating a specific location where the package is to be left upon delivery, if the consignee is not present to accept the package. In one embodiment, the consignee may be notified by the carrier of the scheduled delivery of the package, and may be linked to the carrier's web site to indicate a delivery preference. Alternatively, the delivery preference may be indicated by the consignee proactively accessing the web site. After conveying a delivery preference, the carrier's systems communicate the delivery preference at the appropriate time to a portable computing device which informs the delivery personnel of the consignee's delivery preference. Other embodiments allow the consignor to indicate delivery preferences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: ROBERT LEE KLINGENBERG, JOE RIZZO, SUMEET PRADEEP SHROFF
  • Publication number: 20130212035
    Abstract: A system includes a sender application transmitting sender data for delivery items. A portable device carried by a courier transmits courier data for the items. Courier processors automatically generate a manifest which reconciles the sender data and courier data for each item. A courier database electronically stores the manifest. The system and included portable device, along with a corresponding method and computer readable medium, facilitate cost recovery for the items delivered by the courier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: PUROLATOR INC.
    Inventors: Cameron James LAIRD, Roger ALOUCHE, Kirk MOSS, Chris EVANSON-CANEPA, Sam HUTCHEON, Kirk Edward SERJEANTSON
  • Patent number: 8489472
    Abstract: A system and method for proactively monitoring the status of packages shipped by a package delivery carrier including intervening when certain conditions arise. The system identifies certain packages are requiring proactive monitoring and intervention, and monitors a variety of conditions, including system-wide impacts and package-level specific impacts, which may necessitate intervention by carrier personnel. Intervention may include various exception handling actions, including upgrading the level of service, stabilizing the temperature of the package, inspecting damage to the package. The carrier may notify the consignee or consignor of such detected conditions and may then communicate with appropriate individuals involved with the package delivery to ascertain the most appropriate action necessary. The system facilitates communicating such information to appropriate carrier personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Val Corday Boitet, Erik Paul Sebusch, Guy Ellingwood
  • Patent number: 8473425
    Abstract: Systems and methods for predictive drop shipping are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method may include maintaining inventory of an item that is offered for sale to customers via a webpage. A ratio may be calculated between a number of views of the webpage and a number of units of the item purchased over a first time period when a fast shipping or delivery option is available, and over a second time period when such option is not available. The method may identify the item as a candidate for drop shipping in response to the ratio being larger during the first time period than during the second time period. Upon receipt of an order, the received order may be fulfilled via drop shipping, in some cases, despite the inventory being sufficient to fulfill the order, and despite a cost of fulfillment via drop shipping being higher than fulfillment from inventory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Maurer, Jason W. Murray, Eric Mack, Devesh Mishra
  • Patent number: 8442869
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Formula Labs, LLC
    Inventors: Manish Chowdhary, Andrei Rosca
  • Patent number: 8438118
    Abstract: The present invention relates to transportation management processes and systems. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a method in a computer system for determining one or more routes for transporting items, including receiving multiple orders to transport items from an origination stop to a destination stop, generating one or more consolidations, and generating one or more shipments wherein each shipment includes a selected consolidation that meets at least one shipment parameter or an order. The method further includes generating one or more routes with an ordered sequence of stops wherein each route is associated with one or more shipments. The method still further includes selecting one or more routes based on one or more route parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: William P. C. Ho
  • Patent number: 8412642
    Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods Food Ingredients Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Mariniello, Edith D. Akins-Lewenthal, Ryan T. Grace
  • Patent number: 8386341
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods that apply to a single particular billing method selected by each of a plurality of users, in response to each particular user's request, a set of billing method rules for each carrier of a plurality of carriers and determines whether or not each carrier of the plurality of carriers supports the shipper's specified preferred billing method, and if so, any special pricing considerations for each particular Carrier. Each user of the present invention accesses the present invention over a global communications network using a client computer device, each user client computer device having an individual electronic connection to the global communications network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignees: Stamps.com Inc., iShip Inc.
    Inventors: David Allison Bennett, Paul Bilibin, Jinyue Liu, Charles D. Mentzer
  • Patent number: 8359218
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including systems and computer program products, for a services architecture design that provides enterprise services having supply chain control functionality at the level of an enterprise application. The design includes a set of service operations, process components, and optionally deployment units. Suitable business objects are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Andreas Poth, Stephan Hetzer, Achim Clemens, Bernhard Lokowandt, Alexander S. Adam, Christian Baeck, Martin J. Wilmes, Sabine Deimel, Renzo Colle, Andreas Bettin, Sascha Weber, Hao Zheng, Thomas Kretz, Volker Schott, Anton Ruskov Kaharkov, Jochen Steinbach, Thomas Gross-Boelting, Rainer Tomski, Sanjeev Mehta, Jens Freund, Frank Wagner
  • Patent number: 8301511
    Abstract: A system and method in which a buyer registers for a buyer's shipping account and uses the shipping account to pay shipping costs associated with purchases made over the Internet. When a buyer purchases merchandise over the Internet from either a retailer's website or from an individual through an online auction, the buyer is capable of controlling the shipping process by logging on to their buyer's shipping account. Among other things, the buyer can use their shipping account to select the desired type of shipping service (overnight air or ground) and populate a shipping label with shipping information such as delivery address, return address, and preferred delivery time windows. Once the shipping label has been populated and verified, the shipping label is electronically transferred to the seller for use in shipping the package. The system and methods of the present invention allow the buyer greater control over the shipping process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Sumeet Shroff, Nagesh Kadaba
  • Patent number: 8285609
    Abstract: Systems and methods to outsource service and support operations are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein includes electronically maintaining an inventory at an outsourced service and support partner (OSSP) without intervention by a separate manufacturing entity by ordering inventory items from a supplier separate from the manufacturing entity and the OSSP at a cost determined based on an amount of similar or substantially identical inventory items obtained separately by the manufacturing entity for manufacturing units, and using the inventory to at least one of service a unit returned to the OSSP by a customer or ship an inventory item from the OSSP to the customer in response to receiving an order notification from the manufacturing entity at the OSSP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David J. Pfeffer, Claude Laval, Steven R. Haney, Philippe Warembourg
  • Patent number: 8266070
    Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Mariniello, Edith D. Akins-Lewenthal, Ryan T. Grace
  • Patent number: 8260726
    Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods Food Ingredients Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Mariniello, Ryan T. Grace
  • Publication number: 20120179623
    Abstract: A data processing system (X) is adapted to confront an offer (O) and a demand (D), in particular in the field of transportation of travelers or goods. The system (X) receives requests corresponding to new offers/demands, formulated by users (Cx) of the data processing system and data corresponding to offers/demands not yet satisfied from a plurality of secondary data processing servers (A, B, C, E) themselves adapted to confront an offer and a demand. After receiving a request corresponding to a new offer/demand formulated by a user (Cx) of the data processing system (X), the system (X) verifies if there is an offer/demand (OA, DA, OB, DB, OC, OB, DB) not yet satisfied, received from a secondary data processing server (A, B, C, E) or transmitted previously by a user of the data processing system, that can respond to the request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Electronic, Mobile and Geographic B.V.
    Inventor: Eric Elgrably
  • Patent number: 8190533
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for managing fuel costs, along with a corresponding apparatus, and a corresponding medium are described. The method includes receiving transaction information at a Network Administrator, the transaction information being associated with: (a) a shipper who has arranged for a shipment of goods from an origin to a destination; and (b) a corresponding carrier that has agreed to transport the shipment using a pre-determined maximum number of eligible units of fuel, where the fuel is purchased by the carrier at a pre-set base price per eligible unit, and where the fuel is purchased from pre-selected fueling locations. The maximum number of eligible units of fuel and the base price per eligible unit for the shipment are established between the shipper and the carrier, while the fueling locations are established by the Network Administrator. The actual price paid for the fuel is set by the market.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Craig S. Dickman
  • Patent number: 8160972
    Abstract: A traveler can subscribe to a pick-up service (consolidator) that will pick-up purchases made at any number of different locations while the traveler is visiting a location, or series of locations. The consolidator then bundles all of the purchases from the various locations into appropriate sized packages for delivery to the traveler's desired location. The consolidator gathers the various purchases over a period of time and coordinates ultimate delivery to the traveler according to a pre-arranged itinerary of the traveler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Union Beach L.P.
    Inventor: Mary C. Tannenbaum
  • Patent number: 8150781
    Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media associated with using historic analytic data to identify shipping options for a user to use when shipping a package. Historic analytic data may be received and maintained by a package shipment facilitation system. The analytics may then be used to generate business rules which may be applied to parameters for a package that is to be shipped. Through application of the business rules, one or more preferred shipping options may be identified. Business rules may be received after being manually-generated by a user, or may be automatically generated based at least in part on the maintained historic analytics. After a shipping option is chosen for the package, a shipping label may be printed for the package, and the package may be entered into a carrier's system for processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Enroute Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Keith A. McCall, Meagan R. Zeman
  • Publication number: 20120072363
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Joel R. Spiegel, Michael T. McKenna, Girish S. Lakshman, Paul G. Nordstrom
  • Patent number: 8095474
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for automatically processing Advanced Ship Notices (ASNs). In one embodiment, the method receives a first set of data associated with an ASN. The method further compares one or more data fields included in the first set of data with a second set of data associated with a Purchase Order (PO). In addition, the method determines a status associated with a shipment of items based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Hoopes, Pauline C. Agbodjan-Prince, Douglas C. Meyer, Mary J. Swearingen
  • Patent number: 8082183
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventors: Manish Chowdhary, Andrei Rosca
  • Patent number: 8060452
    Abstract: A sales method includes accepting an order for goods from a customer, providing a code associated with the goods to the customer, and receiving the code from the customer prior to delivering the goods. A code verification method includes providing a code associated with goods ordered by a customer to the customer and receiving a verification request from a delivery agent tendering delivery of the goods to the customer. The verification request includes an asserted code provided by the customer. The method also includes determining whether the asserted code is the code previously provided to the customer. A repudiation resolution method includes receiving a request to reverse a credit charge for a purchase of goods from a customer and determining whether the customer provided a code associated with the goods to a delivery agent in response to the delivery agent tendering delivery of the goods to the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Comgateway(S) Pte. Ltd
    Inventor: Kay Hian Lim