Abstract: A dimensional weighing apparatus is disclosed which has a weighing scale for determining the actual weight of a carton, and a conveyor means along which cartons are moved after being weighed to pass the cartons through a measuring station at which the length, width and height of the cartons are measured. A first measuring means measures both the height and length as the cartons move through the measuring station by means of a member that rides up the leading vertical face of the cartons to measure the height and then across the top surface thereof to measure the length. A second measuring means measures the width of the cartons as they move through the measuring station by means of carton contact members mounted along the side surfaces of the carton and move in and out of contact with the carton.

Abstract: The invention is a method for brokering carrier capacity. The method comprises a dual path; one path that allows entry into a data processing system of available carrier capacity which is comprised of a list of parameters which define that capacity, and the second path which allows access to that capacity. Each entry point to the system has data entry means for either entering carrier capacity or entering a request for available routes, or both. Available capacity entries are confirmed, saved in a transportation database, and assigned a pre-transaction code. Path two involves entering a request for available capacity by defining a requested route based upon a list of parameters. The system compares available capacity with the requested route to determine whether or not a match exists. The system operator selects an appropriate matched entry which must then be confirmed. Upon confirmation, selected matches are saved to a transaction database and assigned a transaction code.