Abstract: A method for temporarily redirecting a customer's mail from a current mailing address to a temporary mailing address, includes: receiving a request to temporarily redirect the customer's mail; determining a first date to begin mail redirection and a second date to cancel mail redirection; redirecting a first type of mail to a temporary mailing address; instructing a delivery service provider to provide a package to the customer after the customer arrives at the temporary mailing address; instructing the delivery service provider to hold a second type of mail for a time period calculated based on the request; receiving a notification that the customer has arrived at the temporary mailing address; and informing at least one contact specified by the customer that the customer has arrived at the temporary mailing address.

Abstract: A consumer-shipper-supplier mediation system/method that coordinates the ordering/production/delivery of products between consumers and suppliers is disclosed. The system/method allows consumers to aggregate orders for product manufacturing and mediate these product order requests to suppliers and shippers who can then optimize product manufacturing and shipping to meet the aggregated consumer orders. The system/method also permits symmetric operation to allow suppliers to schedule product production and optimize price-per-unit by using PUSH advertising to prospective consumers who have placed tentative orders for products that have yet to be manufactured or are not yet needed. In some preferred embodiments the mediation system/method incorporates a shipping interface to permit shippers to be fully integrated within the consumer-shipper-supplier commerce chain.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for obtaining a shipping address needed to complete a sales transaction. In a preferred embodiment, the computerized system and method utilizes at least one electronic contact identifier to cause an electronic message, which has been generated by the system, to be delivered to an intended recipient of at least one item that has been selected for purchase at an ecommerce site. The generated message may contain a link to a webpage which can be accessed by the intended recipient and where he or she may provide the system with his or her shipping address. Upon obtaining the shipping address, the system may then cause a payment for the at least one item to be processed and the at least one item to be shipped to the obtained address.

Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.

Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.

Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.

Abstract: A method for generating a transportation plan. A set of transportation requests are identified. An initial transportation plan having a set of vehicle routes, a set of vehicle schedules, and a set of crew schedules that satisfy the set of transportation requests is created. A set of vehicle routes, a set of vehicle schedules, and a set of crew schedules are simultaneously modified repeatedly using a policy to generate a new transportation plan until an objective is met.

Abstract: A system and method for authenticating a physical address submitted in an online communication is disclosed. An online communication comprising a physical address to be verified is received. A verification identification (VID) is requested and received. A transaction verification document (TVD) comprising an indicia indicative of the VID is generated. An electronic copy of the TVD is transmitted. Verification data produced in response to dispatch of a physical embodiment of the TVD is received, wherein the physical embodiment is generated from the electronic copy. The physical address is authenticated based at least in part on the verification data.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for enhancing protection of privacy of purchaser contact details in connection with shipment of parcels. A shipping label can be generated that includes at least one contact detail that hides an actual contact detail associated with a purchaser. A carrier tasked to ship and/or deliver the product to an address designated by the purchaser can use the at least one contact detail to contact the purchaser. The attempts to contact the purchaser can be logged, and the contact details are expired when no longer needed.

Abstract: A system and method for identification and distribution of sample material include maintaining a database including information on a plurality of materials and an associated inventory of sample materials; identifying a subset of materials based on selected search criteria; displaying at least part of the information defining the subset of materials; receiving a selection of desired materials from the subset; queuing from the database and executing a distribution order by which sample materials for the desired materials are provided to a recipient.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing personalized delivery services by a carrier providing a package delivery service. For example, a consignee may indicate a delivery preference to be applied to delivery of a package, such as indicating a specific location where the package is to be left upon delivery, if the consignee is not present to accept the package. In one embodiment, the consignee may be notified by the carrier of the scheduled delivery of the package, and may be linked to the carrier's web site to indicate a delivery preference. Alternatively, the delivery preference may be indicated by the consignee proactively accessing the web site. After conveying a delivery preference, the carrier's systems communicate the delivery preference at the appropriate time to a portable computing device which informs the delivery personnel of the consignee's delivery preference. Other embodiments allow the consignor to indicate delivery preferences.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus, method and system for dispatching baggage. The apparatus includes a processor configured to receive baggage information associated with a passenger; associate the baggage information with a delivery person, where the delivery person is associated with delivery person information; and transmit at least apportion of the baggage information and the delivery person information to a passenger computing device associated with the passenger.

Abstract: A system and method for using product profiling to maximize load capacity of a vehicle. The method includes defining product profiles and retrieving product information associated with the product profiles. The method further includes performing cubing operations for products associated with the product information. The system includes components to perform the method steps.

Abstract: Computer system and method for providing community-based shipping of items may provide mechanisms that allow customers of an network service to participate in a community shipping program that provides customers that are members in a community with free and/or reduced-rate shipping for at least some items ordered via the network service for delivery to a target location (e.g., receiving/distribution site) for the community. The Web site may provide user interface elements that may provide one or more shipping and possibly other options to customers that participate in a community shipping program. Community shipping programs may include commercial shipping programs and locality shipping programs. In a commercial shipping program, a primary subscriber purchases a subscription to a commercial shipping program and shares the subscription with one or more occupants of the commercial property. A locality shipping program may be provided to members of a particular geographic region or locality.

Abstract: Methods and systems disclosed herein are used to manage delivery of a package to an intermediate delivery location by an initial carrier for subsequent delivery to a user by a secondary carrier. The user may register with a secondary delivery service provider by providing a user delivery address prior to having the package shipped to the intermediate delivery location. The secondary delivery service provider may provide the user with a physical address the intermediate delivery location. The user may then provide the address of the intermediate delivery location to any sender as part of a shipping address. Once the package is received at the intermediate delivery location, staff at the intermediate delivery location may release the package to the secondary carrier and the secondary carrier may deliver the package to the user delivery address.

Abstract: A pickup location that includes a control station and one or more storage compartment modules provides the ability for items to be ordered and delivered for pickup by a user without having to pack those items in a shipping package prior to shipping from a materials handling facility. Delivering items for pickup by a user without having to package the items prior to shipping, may provide a better experience for the customer, reduce waste in packaging material and a lower cost of delivering the ordered items to the customer.

Abstract: A pickup location that includes a control station and one or more storage compartment modules provides the ability for items to be ordered and delivered for pickup by a user without having to pack those items in a shipping package prior to shipping from a materials handling facility. Delivering items for pickup by a user without having to package the items prior to shipping, may provide a better experience for the customer, reduce waste in packaging material and a lower cost of delivering the ordered items to the customer.

Abstract: A system and method for authenticating a physical address submitted in an online communication is disclosed. An online communication comprising a physical address to be verified is received. A verification identification (VID) is requested and received. A transaction verification document (TVD) comprising an indicia indicative of the VID is generated. An electronic copy of the TVD is transmitted. Verification data produced in response to dispatch of a physical embodiment of the TVD is received, wherein the physical embodiment is generated from the electronic copy. The physical address is authenticated based at least in part on the verification data.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically managing complex tender inquiries between suppliers and logistics service providers is presented. The system is presented as executable code on an electronic storage medium that receives a shipping tender from a customer, creates several shipping data objects based on the shipping tender in order to receive shipping data from multiple sources, and uses the acquired shipping data to generate a response object in response to the shipping tender to be presented to the customer. The method presented comprises the steps of receiving a shipping tender, analyzing the shipping tender in order to generate several shipment data objects, receiving values corresponding to the shipping attributes of at least some of the shipment data objects, generating a response object as a function of one or more of the shipment data objects and presenting the response object to a user.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for identifying damaged and/or missing items in a fulfillment center. Embodiments of the disclosure can also evaluate loss claims made by a seller for items the seller believes are missing from an inbound shipment to the fulfillment center. Embodiments of the disclosure can also generate a resolution in the form of compensation to the seller if a claim is valid. Shipment data that can include carrier data from a carrier system can also be analyzed to determine the validity of loss claims submitted by a seller.

Abstract: A system and method for linking data objects and physical objects of various kinds to an identified user is described. The system provides to the identified user information relating to the delivery status of mail pieces directed to or sent by the user, and the user then tracks and traces the mail pieces. The system further provides to the identified user information relating to continued sessions through which the user provides to a postal service system information relating to mailing labels and postage.

Abstract: Example embodiments provide a Shipment Preparation System (“SPS”), which facilitates the preparation of shipments, such as by producing shipping labels. In one embodiment, the SPS is configured to receive shipment preparation information from a bar code or other machine-readable data block in a packing list. The shipment preparation information identifies a uniform resource identifier (“URI”) that identifies a code module that is remote from the SPS. The SPS then communicates with the remote code module in order to obtain information for the preparation of the shipment and/or for transmission of information about the preparation of the shipment. Obtaining information for the preparation of the shipment may include receiving an address to use for printing a label. Transmitting information about the preparation of the shipment may include posting an indication that a label has been printed, a shipment is ready for pick up, or the like.

Abstract: Techniques for providing extended shipping options are described. In some embodiments, a user may specify extended shipping options that are not otherwise provided by or accessible via an existing shipment information specification user interface. In one embodiment, the user accesses a module configured to facilitate specification of extended shipping options and in response, provide an indicator of the specified extended shipping option, such as a tag or uniform resource identifier. The indicator of the extended shipping option is then incorporated into a user interface element, such as an address field, of the shipment information specification user interface. Once the user finalizes the order, the indicator of the extended shipping option is transmitted along with other shipment information items to a merchant and/or carrier system, where services specified by the extended shipping option are initiated.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for optimizing inventory in a multi-echelon inventory distribution network having at least a first echelon and a second echelon.

Abstract: A method and system that allows for large amounts of data to be printed utilizing a small memory is provided. The complete image to be printed on the print medium is separated into different regions each having associated print data. The memory device, while being too small to store all of the print data for the full image, is capable of storing the print data associated with each region. The print data for each region is released from the print head controller to the memory device for printing in a timed fashion based on movement of the print medium. The print data for a subsequent region will not be passed to the memory until the print medium has moved a sufficient distance, thereby indicating that printing of the preceding region has been completed.

Abstract: A logistics facility, systems and methods for the provision of goods and/or services are disclosed. According to some embodiments, the logistics facility comprises a counter or checkout for purchasing goods and/or services offered for sale at the facility and a drive through or drive up area for the collection of goods from the facility and/or for the ordering of services from the facility. The logistics facility also comprises a storage facility for receiving, consolidating and/or cross-docking goods ordered from the facility or ordered from a plurality of vendors by customers over a communications network via the customers' respective communication devices. The logistics facility also comprises a delivery service for the delivery of goods to destinations specified for the customers.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for customer controlled management of shipments. For example, in various embodiments, a customer can provide information prior to a first delivery attempt of an item by a carrier to receive messages regarding shipment of the item and to have the item delivered in accordance with the provided information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating automatic storage systems (1) for distributing objects to a plurality of persons. Each object to be distributed and to be transferred to authorized persons is stored by at least one authorized deliverer in a receiving compartment (3, 3?, 3?) of an automatic storage system (1) compartment arrangement (4) that consists of multiple receiving compartments (3, 3?, 3?). The objects are then released by a control system (6) to authorized persons for removal dependent on use or access rights to the respective object or to the respective receiving compartment (3, 3?, 3?). At least one evaluating system is used in the control system (6) with respect to an ergonomic and/or person-specific reachability or accessibility of the individual receiving compartments (3, 3?, 3?) of the compartment arrangement (4).

Abstract: A method of merchandising caskets by a casket seller at the point of purchase of a casket purchaser comprises displaying a plurality of untrimmed caskets from which the purchaser may select, each casket of the plurality of caskets being of a different material, color, or design, displaying a plurality of packaged casket interior trim component sets from which the purchaser may select, each set of the plurality of sets containing trim components being of a different material, color, or design, and installing the casket interior trim components of the purchaser selected set into the purchaser selected casket. The casket interior components can include one or more, or all, of a mattress cover, a pillow cover, a big body, a small body, and an overthrow, in any combination.

Abstract: An optimization system for transportation scheduling and inventory management of a bulk product from supply locations to demand locations is provided. The system has a mathematical model containing mathematical programming equations. In one embodiment, the objective function of the mathematical model is to minimize a cost basis of the product transported. The system also has a database system for data input that interfaces with the mathematical model. The last component of the system is a mathematical optimization solver that solves the equations provided by the mathematical model after the mathematical model receives data from the database system. As a result, the optimization system provides optimized or simulated results for the input data.

Abstract: A method and tool for estimating a ship date profile for a business (e.g., a business that is not in operation), includes simulating a plurality of dynamic events to estimate the ship date profile for the business. The plurality of dynamic events may include, for example, at least one of stochastic customer shopping traffic, an uncertainty of order size, a customer preference of a product feature and demand forecast, an inventory policy, a sourcing policy and a supply planning policy, and a manufacturing lead time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plurality of Enterprises with a single online user interface with which the Enterprise can provide Enterprise Shippers, shipping origination users and shipping intermediary users with an automated parcel management system for a plurality of supported Carriers for a plurality of services. The present invention provides for the hierarchical definition of users, including the establishment of at least one user for each Enterprise as a Super-Administrator with the highest level of privileges and authority for the Enterprise, and the identification of other users as Sub-Administrators, Desktop Users and Shipping Station Users. The present invention also provides for the hierarchical definition of organizational units within each Enterprise, including the definition of sites, groups within a site, and users within a group and for a distinct definition of policies, privileges, and other types of specifications for each user level, each user, and each organizational unit.

Abstract: The principles of the present invention provide the ability to flexibly change the delivery point and time for a mail item, while the item is en route. The recipient, sender, or mailer may flexibly change the delivery point of the item alone or in combination with each other. While an item is en route between the sending point and the delivery point, a notification is sent to indicate that the item is in transit. In response, the delivery of the item may be changed. For example, the destination specified by the sender (e.g., the delivery address written on the item) may be changed or a delivery time may be specified. The item is then delivered to the new delivery point and/or at the specified delivery time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plurality of Enterprises with a single online user interface with which the Enterprise can provide Enterprise Shippers, shipping origination users and shipping intermediary users with an automated parcel management system for a plurality of supported Carriers for a plurality of services. The present invention provides for the hierarchical definition of users, including the hierarchical definition of organizational units within each Enterprise. The present invention further provides for a distinct definition of policies, privileges, and other types of specifications for each user level, each user, and each organizational unit. The present invention applies the user and organizational policies, privileges and other specifications as they apply to each particular user to drive the interactive interface with each particular user and to provide among other things, shipping options, shipping services, shipping rates, traveler and/or shipping label preparation, and shipment tracking.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for receiving, at a shipping groups module, a sales order; processing, at the shipping groups module, the sales order to determine at least one shipping group based on at least one of a plurality of rules obtained from a rules module; and generating a shipping order including the at least one determined shipping group. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described.

Abstract: An electronic business transaction system is provided for a product purchaser to purchase a product from a product supplier, and for a product delivery service provider to deliver the product to an address of the product purchaser or a product receiver. The product purchaser instructs an identification code and the product to the product supplier without disclosing a name and the address of the product purchaser or the product receiver. A terminal of an information administrator identifies the name and the address of the product purchaser or the product receiver according to the identification code of the product purchaser or the product receiver. The terminal of the information administrator instructs the name and the address of the product purchaser or the product receiver to the product delivery service provider without disclosing the identification code of the product purchaser or the product receiver, so that the product delivery service provider delivers the product.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for customer controlled management of shipments. For example, in various embodiments, a customer can provide information prior to a first delivery attempt of an item by a carrier to receive messages regarding shipment of the item and to have the item delivered in accordance with the provided information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention improve data processing, and in particular, improve rule engines for data processing and improve processing auto-ID data. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a gateway layer between a auto-ID device layer and an auto-ID node layer for processing data. The gateway layer may incorporate a rule engine for processing data. In another embodiment, the present invention includes a rule processor where rules are activated and deactivated automatically to reduce system overhead. In another embodiment, the rule engine is composed of multiple services that can be omitted if they are not needed for the processing of a given rule set to reduce the footprint and resource consumption of the rule engine.

Abstract: A system for converting contaminated water, such as produced water, frack flow back water, and other contaminated water from industrial sources into fresh, non-contaminated, or potable water includes a registration and verification unit for registering intake water loads and verifying their content; a receiving system for temporarily isolating each load; an equalization basin for creating an homogenized water source; an electro-coagulation unit in which one or more of the voltage, current, pulse frequency and application time are variable and controlled by one or more of a conductivity sensor; a pH sensor; a level sensor; an ultrafiltration unit for removing organics; a nanofiltration unit; a reverse osmosis unit, and an electrodyalisis unit. The processed concentrate remaining after the water is converted is dewatered via a forward osmosis unit.

Abstract: A system for estimating costs associated with relocating a plurality of items is provided. The system includes an apparatus. The apparatus includes a receiver that receives user input data associated with relocating a plurality of items. The apparatus includes a processor that provides an interface to at least one device. The interface that receives the user input data associated with relocating a plurality of items. The interface transmits user input data to the apparatus. The interface calculates a plurality of cost estimates that includes a total moving cost. The plurality of cost estimates are based at least in part on cost data and the user input data. At least one of the plurality of cost estimates is dynamically updated after at least a portion of the user input data is transmitted. The processor determines the cost data associated with the received user input data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated notification systems. A representative method, among others, can be summarized as follows: engaging in a communication session with a personal communications device, based upon impending arrival or departure of one or more mobile things in relation to a location; during the communication session, providing a plurality of arrival or departure times in relation to a location and enabling selection of one of the times; and causing a mobile thing to arrive at or depart from the location at substantially the selected time. A representative system, among others, is a computer system that has been programmed to perform the foregoing steps.

Abstract: System, methods, and computer program products are provided for enhanced freight tracking and monitoring. The system may track the location of a freight shipment within a carrier's transportation network from the time it is picked up by a carrier from a consignor until it is delivered to a consignee, provide for weight determinations and shipping re-classifications of the freight shipment during transport, and provide real-time status information and reports to the carrier, consignor, and/or consignee.

Abstract: Systems and methods for shipping a package from a package sender to an intended recipient, utilizing Internet communications to place shipping orders, request on demand package pickup, maintain and utilize pre-stored profile information, view shipping history, track orders, etc. A package sender with an Internet-accessible computer accesses an Internet site and associated shipping system operated by a shipping service provider. The package sender enters information required for shipping the package, including shipping options and methods for payment, and the shipment transaction is validated. If the transaction is validated, printer indicia are communicated to the customer's computer, which is enabled to locally print a prepaid label containing special machine-readable as well as human-readable indicia.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated notification systems. A representative method, among others, can be summarized as follows: engaging in a communication session with a personal communications device, based upon impending arrival or departure of one or more mobile things in relation to a location; during the communication session, providing a plurality of arrival or departure times in relation to a location and enabling selection of one of the times; and causing a mobile thing to arrive at or depart from the location at substantially the selected time. A representative system, among others, is a computer system that has been programmed to perform the foregoing steps.

Abstract: Methods include, prior to arrival of the incoming shipment of packages at a distribution facility, automatically determining an unload score for the incoming shipment based on electronic shipment data, the electronic shipment data including and the unload score being at least partially based on at least two or more of: a total number of packages in the incoming shipment, a number of products in the incoming shipment, and a conveyability of the packages in the incoming shipment, automatically comparing the unload score to a threshold unload score, sending instruction for directing a truck carrying the incoming shipment to at least one automated or manual receiving door when the unload score is at least equal to the threshold unload score, and sending instruction directing a truck carrying the incoming shipment to the other of the automated or manual receiving door when the unload score is less than the threshold unload score.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for optimizing a business transaction between a selling vendor and a shipping vendor. The method includes receiving a query from a selling vendor. The query includes customer order data. The method also includes identifying at least one possible shipping vendor based on the customer order data and determining shipping information for each of the at least one possible shipping vendors. The method further includes selecting a preferred shipping vendor from among the at least one possible shipping vendors and completing the transaction between the selling vendor and the shipping vendor.

Abstract: A system and method is described for controlling user access to a carrier's shipping services for delivery of a package. The system controls the user's access to the carrier's services by either limiting the selection of locations from which a package can be shipped to fewer than those described by the carrier's service area, or by limiting the user's ability to select shipping service levels to fewer than those provided by the carrier. Such limitation may be by way of displaying only a limited collection of ship from locations and service levels, or by pre-populating and locking ship from information submission fields on a web page. The distributed-user shipping system may reside on a client server or mobile computer that is connected to the carrier's server and transmits various shipping location information and service level selections to the carrier to facilitate shipping of packages while controlling the scope of shipping services provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transportation management processes and systems. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a method in a computer system for determining one or more routes for transporting items, including receiving multiple orders to transport items from an origination stop to a destination stop, generating one or more consolidations, and generating one or more shipments wherein each shipment includes a selected consolidation that meets at least one shipment parameter or an order. The method further includes generating one or more routes with an ordered sequence of stops wherein each route is associated with one or more shipments. The method still further includes selecting one or more routes based on one or more route parameters.

Abstract: A network based distribution system and method for distributing/temporarily renting playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The distribution system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to ensure that an adequate and interesting list of tides is made available to the subscriber based on selection logic which can be specified by the user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may provide systems and methods for determining estimated lead times based on delivery history information to a same or similar geographical area. According to one example embodiment, a method is provided. The method can include identifying a payee and determining that the payee is associated with a geographical area for mailpiece delivery. The method can further include identifying multiple delivery methods for mailpiece delivery to the geographical area, wherein each of delivery methods is associated with (a) a distribution center, (b) a delivery agent, and (c) an estimated lead time determined at least in part by analyzing the delivery history information associated with multiple mailpieces mailed from the respective distribution center to the geographical area via the respective delivery agent. The method can further include selecting one of the delivery methods for mailpiece delivery to the payee and associating the selected delivery method with the payee.