Abstract: A statistical system and method for filters sales history to yield two demand series—one that is time insensitive (i.e. function of price and promotional activities only) and another that is price & promotional activities insensitive (i.e. function of temporal factors only). Once this task is completed, then specialized econometric techniques can be used to model the former and specialized time series techniques can be used to model the latter.

Abstract: A statistical system and method for filters sales history to yield two demand series—one that is time insensitive (i.e. function of price and promotional activities only) and another that is price & promotional activities insensitive (i.e. function of temporal factors only). Once this task is completed, then specialized econometric techniques can be used to model the former and specialized time series techniques can be used to model the latter.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides an electronic market and related methods particularly useful for negotiating the exchange of transportation services between shippers or carriers and shipping customers. Embodiments include an electronic catalog-type listing of carrier services and related rates such that buyers can purchase services at periodically listed prices, and an electronic auction exchange whereby buyers can bid on the available capacity of carriers or whereby carriers can bid on shipping orders requested by customers. In preferred embodiments, carriers and shipping customers can take into account pre-existing business relationships by designating other carriers and/or customers as preferred business partners or customers. Participation in auctions or qualification for discounted catalog rates can be limited only to those preferred partners or customers.