Abstract: Matches for transportation services with transportation service providers (TSPs) and providing tracking are combined with an option for location tracking of the load or transportation service. Bids are accepted for transportation services and, on acceptance, a request is made for the TSP or driver “opt-in” to location tracking through a mobile device. The system automatically communicates with the driver to confirm acceptance of mobile telephone tracking (opt-in) and location tracking is initiated. The location is reported according to a threshold, along with updated estimates of pick-up and of completion of delivery. The tracking provides substantially a “24/7” access to the location and updated estimated completion of delivery. Upon completion of delivery, the tracking is terminated (automatic opt-out).

Abstract: Matches for load or transportation services with transportation service providers (TSPs) are established, and estimated arrival times are provided. A transportation service request is provided and a received bid is received. An estimate of time of arrival is made based on an estimation of a time for performing a delivery of the load or provide the transportation service, and the time of arrival estimate is adjusted by at least one external factor expected to affect transit time. An anticipated turn-around time for availability of the TSP is made for a subsequent leg or backhaul and the adjusted time of arrival estimate and the anticipated turn-around time are used to estimate a time of availability of the TSP for the subsequent leg or backhaul. An accepted bid for the subsequent leg or backhaul is made based on an estimated time of availability.