Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing and optimizing delivery networks. The method includes providing an intermediary between a consumer and a plurality of carriers, each carrier enabling items to be transported from pick up locations for the items to a delivery location associated with the consumer. The method also includes enabling, via a user interface for the intermediary, the consumer to request delivery of an order comprising one or more items to the delivery location. The method also includes communicating with the plurality of carriers to determine at least one available delivery time window according to carrier availability and a transit time for the requested delivery, the transit time being affected by inventory data and the delivery location. The method also includes initiating the delivery by a selected one of the plurality of carriers.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing and optimizing delivery networks. The method includes providing an intermediary between a consumer and a plurality of carriers, each carrier enabling items to be transported from pick up locations for the items to a delivery location associated with the consumer. The method also includes enabling, via a user interface for the intermediary, the consumer to request delivery of an order comprising one or more items to the delivery location. The method also includes communicating with the plurality of carriers to determine at least one available delivery time window according to carrier availability and a transit time for the requested delivery, the transit time being affected by inventory data and the delivery location. The method also includes initiating the delivery by a selected one of the plurality of carriers.