Abstract: An illustrative example method of controlling use of a portable cooling container includes determining at least one characteristic of an amount of use of the cooling container. The at least one characteristic is determined by at least one of a processor at a location remote from the cooling container and a container controller of the cooling container. A relationship between the at least one characteristic and continued use of the cooling container is determined. An indication to a user of the cooling container is provided regarding continued use of the cooling container based on the determined relationship.

Abstract: An illustrative example method of controlling use of a portable cooling container includes determining at least one characteristic of an amount of use of the cooling container. The at least one characteristic is determined by at least one of a processor at a location remote from the cooling container and a container controller of the cooling container. A relationship between the at least one characteristic and continued use of the cooling container is determined. An indication to a user of the cooling container is provided regarding continued use of the cooling container based on the determined relationship.

Abstract: A method for delivering one or more orders of goods (42) to one or more customers using a one or more coolers (100), each cooler having a compartment (212) and an environmental control unit (290). The environmental control unit has: a temperature sensor (390); a radio (370); a controller (330) coupled to the temperature sensor and radio. The method comprises: loading the at least one cooler with goods; after the loading, transporting the one or more coolers to one or more destinations; unloading the one or more coolers at the one or more destinations; during the transporting, monitoring, via the associated temperature sensor, respective temperatures of the one or more coolers; determining noncompliance of the measured temperature with at least one standard; and responsive to the noncompliance sending a communication to one or more of the customers whose orders were subject to the noncompliance.