Abstract: Response systems and methods are disclosed for communications in connection with an automated computer-based notification system. One representative response method, among others, can be summarized by the following steps: initiating a notification communication to a personal communications device device (e.g., telephone, pager, computer, PDA, etc.) associated with a party; and during the notification communication, receiving a response from the party's personal communications device, indicating that the party associated with the personal communications device has received notice. A representative response system has mechanisms for performing the foregoing steps.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated notification systems. A representative method, among others, can be summarized by the following steps: monitoring travel data in connection with a mobile thing that is destined to pickup or deliver an item at a stop location; causing initiation of a notification communication to a personal communications device based upon the travel data; and during the notification communication, enabling a party associated with the personal communications device to select whether or not to communicate with a party having access to particulars of the pickup or delivery of items or services. A representative system, among others, comprises a computer or other automated system that is programmed or designed to perform the foregoing steps.