Abstract: A tracking system and method uses a multi-threaded controller to automatically and periodically generate tracking objects that are presented to carrier tracking websites. The tracking objects are retrieved from input queues that receive tracking requests from a scheduler. The carrier tracking website updates the status of package delivery which in turn updates the data in the shipping system server with respect to tracking information. This updated information can be used to automatically generate E-mail notification of package delivery as well as for updated purposes. An instant track component allows a user to obtain prioritized tracking information from the associated carrier tracking website.

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: The invention is a method and system of updating a set of data objects within a Data Access System (DAS). The method begins by initiating a communication link between a client and a host data processing system. Once a communications link is established, a set of object tables is uploaded from the client data processing system to the host. The object tables are read at the host; and, a determination is made as to which data objects in the set of object tables are to be updated. It is also determined which data objects in the set of object tables is to be simply maintained. A new set of object tables is then constructed at the host data processing system and transmitted to the client data processing system. Upon receipt of the new file tables, the client system performs the task of verifying accurate receipt of the new set of object tables prior to restarting the client data processing system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a package tracking system and method in which a sender and a recipient of a package are provided e-mail messages including information from a sender or carrier web page and the package location status. The present invention uses a network-based service for transferring tracking information from a package carrier and the sender to the requesting party. A package tracking request, including a tracking number and an e-mail address is submitted to a data center. This tracking request is stored in a set of queues, separated by a specific carrier identification number into tracking segment requests, and then sent to the tracking website of the selected carrier in accordance with the capabilities of each carrier's website. The carrier package tracking results from the website and the information from the sender or carrier website are gathered and stored at the database.

Abstract: A shipping system having a server with an application programming interface that allows XML formatted data to be used with the shipping server, so as to facilitate the retrieval and presentation of shipping information to a user, is disclosed. The shipping system server is accessible to users via the Internet, wherein package rating and shipping information is obtained by one or more information request queries that can be made by the user using a client software program, such as, for example, a Web browser, and standard Internet protocol such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTTP). Responses to the queries are provided in a well defined XML format having beginning and ending tags, thereby allowing easy parsing of the information contained in the responses by the client software program for presentation to the user.

Abstract: A carrier rate module contains item rating instructions for rating an item for a carrier and self-registration instructions for storing registration information in a registry about the carrier rate module. The self-registration instructions are stored at an entry point with a predefined name so that a standard registration program can invoke the self-registration instructions through the entry point. The registration information stored in the registry includes a carrier identifier for the carrier in a one-to-one association with a module identifier. The module identifier indicates how to load the carrier rate module, so that a carrier manager librarian can identify an entry point of the item rating instructions based on the registration information stored in the registry.