Abstract: A system and method of retrieving shipment data uses destination information, as well as the carrier and level of service data models to retrieve the appropriate shipment data which complies with the selected parameters. The delivery commitment systems returns information concerning the number of days, the delivery, the latest time of delivery, whether the delivery is guaranteed based upon selected parameters concerning the origin and destination of the package. Carrier specific data can be stored in a common, carrier-independent form including an origin map, (optional) one or more destination maps, a service token map, a zone token map, and a delivery commitment matrix. Origins and destinations can be defined by five-digit ZIP codes and the service can be identified by a TokenID. Each origin can be mapped to a destination within the destination map, where each destination in the destination map is resolved to a service level index.

Abstract: A system for determining and accounting for the costs of transactions. The system is particularly suited for determining and accounting the costs of shipping goods. The system includes an input device which is located at the shipper's (or other buyer's) premises and a central data processing facility. The input device receives information defining a shipment sufficiently so that the cost of that shipment may be determined in accordance with the rates of a carrier (or other seller), and uploads the information to the central data processing facility. Preferably, the input device includes rate information and software for determining shipment costs locally. The central data processing facility maintains accounts for a shippers and carriers, appropriately debits and credits costs for each shipment and periodically issues statements of their accounts to all shippers and carriers.

Abstract: A system for determining and accounting for the costs of transactions. The system is particularly suited for determining and accounting the costs of shipping goods. The system includes an input device which is located at the shipper's (or other buyer's) premises and a central data processing facility. The input device receives information defining a shipment sufficiently so that the cost of that shipment may be determined in accordance with the rates of a carrier (or other seller), and uploads the information to the central data processing facility. Preferably, the input device includes rate information and software for determining shipment costs locally. The central data processing facility maintains accounts for a shippers and carriers, appropriately debits and credits costs for each shipment and periodically issues statements of their accounts to all shippers and carriers.