Abstract: A system and method for tracking tax and production-related information for a product is disclosed. The product and/or a package housing the product may include a memory device. The memory device may be configured to store production and tax information related to the product. The system may include one or more computers connected by a network and software to track the production and tax related information. A server may be configured to interface with the memory device (e.g., using a wireless link) in order to read data from and write to the memory device. The system may be portable or may be built into a stationary apparatus such as a conveyer belt or an automated assembly line. Production and tax related information may be generated, updated and accessed in real-time by using a network such as the Internet to communicate with the system and/or the memory device.

Abstract: A system and method for arranging shipment and insurance for items being shipped in containers with memory devices. An intelligent shipping agent may receive a request to ship an item. The intelligent shipping agent may search a database or solicit quotations to obtain shipping and insurance services for an item to be shipped from an origination to a final destination. The intelligent agent may find an entry in the database or may select a vendor based on received quotations. The selection may maximize value of a product or service at the lowest cost. The memory device may store shipping and insurance information related to the item being shipped in a data file. The memory device may include input devices and sensors to gather and store information before, during and after shipment.