Abstract: The present invention is a distribution management method comprising: previously storing an image characteristic of an epidermal pattern in a predetermined collation area of the agricultural, forest and fishery product to be produced or shipped by a producer or a distributor; imaging the epidermal pattern in the collation area of the agricultural, forest and fishery product, being a collation target, and acquiring the image characteristic of the epidermal pattern in the collation area; and collating the stored image characteristic of the epidermal pattern with the image characteristic of the epidermal pattern in the collation area of the agricultural, forest and fishery product, being a collation target, and determining whether or not the agricultural, forest and fishery product, being a collation target, is the agricultural, forest and fishery product produced or shipped by the producer or distributor.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for the processing and presentation of aviation information is disclosed. At plurality of flight information is received over a digital network and is stored in at least a database. The database includes aviation information. Upon receiving a user request, a server retrieves a result set from the database and transmits it to the requesting user. Subsequently, updates as to a flight identified in the request are transmitted at a selected rate, which may be modified automatically based on one flight characteristic, for subsequent display. In one form, the results may be presented to the user in the form of digital map having aircraft images.

Abstract: The processing of data and inventory, particularly with regards to packages having an issue affecting their delivery, is disclosed. Among other things, embodiments of the present disclosure help enable the quick, efficient, and accurate resolution to such issues. According to various embodiments, a method performed by a computer program operating on a computer system is disclosed, the method comprising: accessing, by the computer system, a database containing a plurality of database entries for a respective plurality of packages to be matched with an intended recipient; identifying, by the computer system, one or more entries from the plurality of entries for which the respective packages for the one or more entries are unmatched to any recipient; and generating an alert, by the computer system, including information regarding the one or more unmatched packages.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing asset utilization using satellite aided location tracking. Smart sensor technology incorporated into mobile tracking hardware affixed to an asset can be used to support decision processes related to management of multiple assets. Automated decision processes based on customized business rules can operate on asset positions at various defined landmark locations and customized geographical areas.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating a mailing label. In one embodiment, a method includes requesting, through a communication channel, a tracking number for the mailing label, wherein the tracking number identifies that the mailing label is printable by a user on a single-sheet medium; receiving, through the communication channel, a response to said request, such that the response includes the tracking number provided by a source of one or more tracking numbers; and enabling the user to print the mailing label with the received tracking number.

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: A method and system of processing a mailing label through a postal service are provided. The method includes causing, by a computer system associated with a postage provider, a mailing label for mailing a mail piece to be generated, the mailing label including a tracking mark; receiving, by the computer system associated with the postage provider an indication that the tracking mark is detected when the mail piece is inducted in the mail stream or during transit of the mail piece in the mail stream; and creating, by the computer system associated with the postage provider, a record of a transaction for an amount of postage based on the received indication that the tracking mark is detected.

Abstract: The present invention is a methodology for the delivery of freshly prepared food to a plurality of vehicle-operating consumers. Freshly prepared foods means foods that have, in some manner, recently been transformed into an edible or consumable format. Thus, when frozen ice cream is scooped into a cone, it is freshly prepared; when a frozen or cool item is microwaved to cook it or to merely heat it up, it is freshly prepared; when coffee is taken from an urn or coffeemaker and put into a cup, it is freshly prepared; when soda is dispensed from a dispenser or cooler, it is, in accordance with the present invention, freshly prepared; when frozen pizza is heated, it is freshly prepared, etc.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are disclosed for verifying integrity of a cluster. The methods, systems, and computer-readable media may receive data identifying a first set of packages at a first location and generating a cluster based on the received data. Thereafter, additional data identifying a second set of packages at a second location may be received and the integrity of the cluster at the one or more additional locations may be verified. The integrity of the cluster may be verified based on a comparison of a verification cluster that is generated based on the received data at the second location with the originally generated cluster.

Abstract: Improved approaches for monitoring status of articles being shipped are disclosed. The monitoring can produce notifications to interested parties. The notifications typically contain status information pertaining to the articles being shipped. Alternatively, interested parties can gain access to status information pertaining to the articles being shipped via a website. According to one embodiment, the status information includes at least position (location) information and shipping conditions information.

Abstract: A mobile device for managing freight shipment is disclosed. The device has a data entry interface configured to receive bar code data for the logistic management specialist and store the bar code data in a logistic management specialist log residing on the device. The device has a selection module that operates to selectively analyze the packages measure in the logistic management specialist log and select a given structural collection procedure from a plurality of standardized collection procedures.

Abstract: A collection and delivery management system and method receives and manages information required for collection and delivery work. A vehicle includes an portable terminal mounted thereon, which receives vehicle state information. The portable terminal determines a state of the collection and delivery work, requests collection and delivery information on cargoes to be collected and delivered to a server, and displays the collection and delivery information. The portable terminal includes an input screen for inputting route completion data corresponding to a result of the collection and delivery work executed, and transmits such route completion data to the server, which transmits the collection and delivery information to the portable terminal according to the request from the portable terminal and records information of the result of the collection and delivery work having been transmitted from the portable terminal so as to be tagged to the collection and delivery information having been transmitted.

Abstract: A system and method of analyzing transportation data includes receiving a transportation data set including transportation data corresponding to at least one item. A portion of the transportation data is converted into an event string, which includes a plurality of event symbols corresponding to a plurality of transportation events. The event string is selectively filtered according to a query to produce a filtered event string, and transportation data associated with the filtered event string may be reported.

Abstract: The solution to the static appointment problem is adaptive appointment scheduling, where the system can estimate the arrival time of a truck with the given information like ETA (Estimated Time of arrival) of truck and truck route traffic information, and it can adjust the appointments accordingly, to manage terminal resources efficiently and minimize the congestion. In addition, we present a new method and system to calculate and present options when planning to move or transfer from point A to point B. We are introducing a new concept where user have more defining measurable factors in route selection, with option to further optimize the result based on user preference. Other examples and methods are also given.

Abstract: A method, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium are provided for displaying a hybrid-digital mailbox. In one embodiment, the a method is provided for determining a user identifier corresponding to the hybrid-digital mailbox, extracting profile information corresponding to the user identifier, determining a delivery point associated with the user identifier based on the profile information, sending a request for information regarding incoming delivery items associated with the identified delivery point, and displaying a user interface depicting a listing of the incoming delivery items associated with the identified delivery point.

Abstract: A system and method for processing collect on delivery transactions are disclosed. The method includes defining, by a computer, a tracking code including a service type code for a collect on delivery service; scanning, using a scanning device, the tracking code on a shipping label of a mail item, the tracking code including the service type code; inputting into the scanning device delivery data including the amount of funds collected and the type of funds collected, if the service type code corresponds to the collect on delivery service; and transferring the delivery data from the scanning device to a postal tracking system computer. A method and system of centralizing payments from a Postal authority to merchants using the collect on delivery service are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for predicting a future location of a mobile user. A recent location of a mobile user is received. Past location data for the mobile user is retrieved from storage. A future location of the mobile user is predicted based at least in part on the recent location and on the past location data. The prediction is provided in response to a query or by subscription.

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: A system for rendering delivery services is provided which includes a portable data collection device. The portable data collection device includes an integrated location determination system. A trip schedule for an individual or item including a pickup location and a drop off location is provided to the portable data collection device. A respective location identifier is associated with the pickup and drop off locations. The location determination system of the portable data collection device provides a location of the portable data collection device at the occurrence of a pickup or dropoff. The location identifiers associated with the pickup and drop off locations are compared with the location of the portable data collection device at the pickup and drop off locations.

Abstract: A system and method for proactively monitoring the status of packages shipped by a package delivery carrier including intervening when certain conditions arise. The system identifies certain packages are requiring proactive monitoring and intervention, and monitors a variety of conditions, including system-wide impacts and package-level specific impacts, which may necessitate intervention by carrier personnel. Intervention may include various exception handling actions, including upgrading the level of service, stabilizing the temperature of the package, inspecting damage to the package. The carrier may notify the consignee or consignor of such detected conditions and may then communicate with appropriate individuals involved with the package delivery to ascertain the most appropriate action necessary. The system facilitates communicating such information to appropriate carrier personnel.

Abstract: A shipping container reuse recommendation system receives a shipping container identifier of a shipping container. The shipping container identifier of the shipping container is associated with a first transaction of an online marketplace application. The location of the shipping container is tracked. A database stores shipping container identifiers and corresponding transaction and tracking location histories. A recommendation to reuse a shipping container in a second transaction of the online marketplace application is generated based on a transaction and tracking location history associated with the shipping container identifier.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating movement of articles in freight are disclosed. One method comprises reading an article marker comprising article data identifying the article; transmitting the article data to a computing device in electrical communication with a database comprising one or more shipping rules related to the article; associating the article with the one or more shipping rules; reading a second location marker comprising second location data identifying the second location; transmitting the second location data to the computing device; determining whether movement of the article to the second location is consistent with the one or more shipping rules; transmitting a message from the computing device to an annunciator indicating whether movement of the article is consistent with the one or more shipping rules; and setting a state of the annunciator, based on the message.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for courier management. For example, in one embodiment, a courier application is executed on a mobile computing device to retrieve a list of stops associated with a courier from a computing device over a network. The list of stops includes a plurality of orders to be delivered, wherein a customer location is associated with each order. The courier application generates user interfaces to facilitate a confirmation that items associated with orders have been delivered, to facilitate an input of a review of the performance of the courier, and to perform other functions.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying receipt of a postal mail item mailed by a sender of the postal mail item is presented. Method detects whether a conductive material inside the parcel has been opened or not. The conductive material is a trace routed around the mail item in a way that makes it extremely difficult to open the mail item without breaking the conductive material. With an electronic device external to the parcel, the method energizes a communication device located in the parcel. Upon the communication device becoming energized, the method transmits from the communication device to the electronic device external to the parcel a signal that identifies if the conductive material in the parcel has been opened or not.

Abstract: A system for matching freight vehicles and loads includes a database receiving location data for various freight vehicles associated with multiple organizations, as well as other vehicle data, such as destination location and times. The database also includes location data from a plurality of loads, as well as other load data, such as origin and destination locations and times. A user operating a computing device receives this data based on organizational permissions. The computing device displays a map on which the various freight vehicles, loads, and associated data may be displayed. As such, the user may quickly and efficiently match available loads to available vehicles or vice-versa.

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: 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: 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: A method and system that allows a user to file a complaint related to a transaction completed over a network-based transaction facility. For example, a method can include the following operations conducted via a server: receiving a complaint from a first party, communicating information about the complaint to a second party, enabling an exchange of information regarding the complaint, and determining whether a criterion required for approval of the request for compensation has been satisfied.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide transportation management systems, devices and methods that allow display and management of transportation resources and operations in an integrated manner. Exemplary embodiments may provide, for example, a single dynamic and interactive interface for executing inbound transportation operations (procurement or pickup), outbound transportation operations (delivery or shipment), and operations in which multiple transportation resources are matched to one another.

Abstract: In a computer implemented method of delivery tracking, a tracking identifier corresponding to a planned delivery of an item is received. The tracking identifier is validated based on a manifest associated with a transporter. A signal representing a location of the planned delivery of the item is sent to a mobile device of a planned recipient of the item. The location of the planned delivery of the item is displayed on a map at the mobile device based on the signal. A status and a location of the transporter are sent to the mobile device of the planned recipient. The location of the transporter is displayed on the map based on a status determination that the transporter is en route.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a proof of mailing service include receiving from a user a designation of a recipient to receive an item to be mailed, and receiving a free-form description of the item. Postage indicia is printed bearing an amount of postage for a mail piece containing the item. In response to the mail piece being processes by a postal authority, a transmission from the postal authority containing a scanned image of the mail piece is received. The recipient is then sent a notification that the item has been mailed, and the notification includes the free-form description of the item and access to the scanned image.

Abstract: A system and method for remote acquisition and delivery of goods includes a server in communication with customer computers, such as through a user interface via the internet. The server can store customer information including billing information, and may include an image processor. A mobile delivery system in communication with the server includes an energy efficient vehicle, an image capture device, a global positioning system, a communication device and a printer. In use, a customer communicates with a mobile delivery agent via the image capture device and the communication device to remotely acquire a product. Once acquired, the delivery agent delivers the product to a designated delivery location. The image capture device can be utilized during the entire transaction. The system preferably includes a processor for optimizing system efficiencies, including selecting a delivery agent based on the product, pick-up location and delivery site.

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 tracking the opening of physical mail includes preparing a mail piece for delivery to a mailpiece recipient, the mailpiece having identifying information thereon, and communicating the mailpiece identifying information to a mail opening tracking organization. The mailpiece is delivered to the mailpiece recipient. The mailpiece is mechanically opened and data related to the mailpiece opening event is captured and the data related to the mailpiece opening event is communicated to the tracking organization.

Abstract: A shipment origin location for a product purchased by a customer is predicted. A merchant evaluator receives information from a user about a purchase transaction completed by the user with a merchant for a product, including the user's location. When the product is shipped, the merchant evaluator receives tracking information about the shipment. The merchant evaluator determines from the tracking information a point of origin for the shipment and updates its records to reflect the shipment origin point for that merchant and product, given the user's location. As the merchant evaluator compiles similar data for many products shipped by many merchants to many destinations, the merchant evaluator develops a searchable index, enabling a prediction to be made about a shipment origin point for a particular product from a particular merchant, given the location of the user ordering the product. A time-in-transit prediction can also be made.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of logistics and/or operations for conducting a direct-to-consumer e-commerce retail business. The logistics and/or operations system of the present invention may be used in connection with any online or e-commerce retail sector, including, for example, but not limited to, food retail (i.e., grocery retail), electronics, home goods, books, clothing, and shoes.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for analyzing package performance in a materials handling facility may include calculating an expected shipping cost for an item package and an actual shipping cost for the item package to determine excess shipping costs due to shipping item packages in the wrong container. The expected shipping cost may be the sum of the transportation cost and shipping materials cost when the item package is shipped in a recommended container. The actual shipping cost may be the sum of the transportation cost and shipping materials cost when the item is shipped in another container. The shipping materials costs may include the costs of the containers themselves and any non-item contents in the containers. A package performance analyzer may be configured to calculate excess shipping costs, generate various package performance reports according to received report parameters, and recommend corrective actions, including changing the available container types or providing training.

Abstract: A currency handling system includes a safe at a first location. The safe seals received currency in a tamper evident container before allowing access to the container. The container includes a container body defining a mouth providing access to an inner volume having variable height. The inner volume has a length and width sized to receive and hold currency in a stacked arrangement. The container also includes an information storage device disposed on the container body and a closure fastener disposed on at least one of the mouth and a side wall of the container body for holding the mouth in a permanently closed state, preventing non-destructive access to the inner volume of the container body. The currency handling system also includes a secure deposit system at a second location configured to receive the sealed container.

Abstract: A system for tracking a location of at least one item is described. The system includes a tag associated with the at least one item during a shipping journey. The tag detects shipping information, including temperature, humidity, shock, etc. The tag sends the shipping information to a master unit. The master unit also detects certain shipping information. The master unit communicates with a central processor to provide the shipping information to the central processor. The central processor relies on the shipping information to determine one of a condition or a location of the item.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods for displaying to each of a plurality of users, upon each user's request, as to each particular parcel to be shipped by each user, the carriers that provide delivery notification service options, including electronic mail delivery notification and verbal delivery notification, wherein each user accesses the present invention over a global communications network using a client computer device, and wherein each user has an individual electronic connection to the global communications network.

Abstract: Tracking and management data for a survey distribution and response lifecycle is disclosed. The system generates and links tracking data for both the distribution and the response, generates indicators that include the tracking data, and encodes the indicators so that the indicators are detectable as the indicators traverse various events and locations throughout the lifecycle. A detailed audit trail of each event in the distribution and response lifecycle is constructed using data matching methods and various statistics regarding the lifecycle, such that the response habits of customers are formulated.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods that provide each of a plurality of users, in response to each particular user's request, information concerning, and an identification of: each carrier of a plurality of carriers that supports the shipper's preferred shipping location; whether each carrier supports the shipper's preferred shipping location for shipping a particular parcel; and pricing for each service offered by each carrier for the shipper's chosen shipping location, wherein each user accesses the computer system over a global communications network using a client computer device, each user client computer device having their own individual electronic connection to the global communications network.

Abstract: A method and system for providing cargo or product to an individual. The system may be a vehicle and include a plurality of bays, at least one of the plural bays having two rectangular frames, each frame having two horizontal members and two vertical members and each frame opposing and facing the other. The vehicle may also include a holding structure engaged by both of the rectangular frames, the structure comprising a plurality of trays wherein the structure is adaptable to provide vertical movement of the plural trays within the confines of the two rectangular frames. The vehicle may also include one or more mechanisms positioned between the lower horizontal members of the two rectangular frames, the one or more mechanisms adaptable to provide lateral movement within the confines of the two rectangular frames.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the transportation, delivery or shipment of packages by common or private carrier between a first party shipping a package and a second party receiving the package wherein other parties can not associate the identities or addresses of both parties related to the shipment.

Abstract: Systems and method of identifying shipping anomalies are provided. One anomaly detection module is configured to access data related to items in a delivery environment and determine the occurrence of anomalies based on the accessed data. The detected anomalies are evaluated with other accessed data to identify source, destination or routing errors and to correct same.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter are directed to incorporating a plurality of nanoparticles with a physical structure of an object. The object is transportable via locations associated with a chain of supply. Some embodiments are further directed to writing charges to modifiable portions of the plurality of nanoparticles incorporated with the physical structure of the object. Some embodiments are further directed to configuring the charges on the modifiable portions of the plurality of nanoparticles as data. The data describes one or more characteristics of the object and components of the object. The data is accessible via the locations associated with the chain of supply.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods for displaying to each of a plurality of users upon each user's request a preview of shipping rates and delivery schedules for the particular user to ship a particular package, wherein each user accesses the computer system over a global communications network using a client computer device, and wherein each user has an individual electronic connection to the global communications network. The present invention compares shipping rates and delivery schedules for each service and each carrier for shipping a particular package and reports the carrier and service offering the lowest rate or the fastest delivery schedule, according to the user's option.

Abstract: A method, AND apparatus are described to accurately measure the delivery performance of a postal service using without external agents in the measurement process. The invention describes a system that measures the postal logistic automatically, and continuously. The basis for measurement are tag mail pieces that circulate continuously through the postal system.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods for determining from a set of delivery times for each of a plurality of services for each of a plurality of carriers a potential delivery schedule for each of the plurality of services for each of the plurality of carriers in response to a request by each of a plurality of users, according to an input by each particular user of a shipping date, a set of parcel specifications for shipping a particular parcel, a set of shipping requirements for shipping the particular parcel, a particular origin postal code and a particular destination postal code. Each user accesses the present invention over a global communications network using a client computer device, and each user client computer device has an individual electronic connection to the global communications network.