Pricing Patents (Class 705/335)
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Patent number: 11880801Abstract: A tool for dynamically booking, from an autonomous transportation vehicle, a secondary transportation vehicle. The tool identifies a route for the autonomous transportation vehicle transporting one or more products from a first location to a second location. The tool publishes the one or more products online as available for purchase. The tool identifies a customer order for the one or more products. The tool requests a secondary transportation vehicle to deliver the one or more products to fulfill the customer order. The tool instructs the secondary transportation vehicle to retrieve the one or more products to fulfill the customer order from the autonomous transportation vehicle. The tool instructs the secondary transportation vehicle to deliver the one or more products from the autonomous transportation vehicle to a delivery location to fulfill the customer order.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2021Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Divyesh Garg, Akash U. Dhoot, Shailendra Moyal, Sarbajit K. Rakshit
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Patent number: 11769104Abstract: An example system includes a computing system having computer memory storing instructions that are executable and one or more processing devices for executing the instructions to perform operations that include receiving data from a user device that identifies goods, and generating information representing the goods based on the data. Bins are configured to hold the good represented by the information. The bins are climate-controllable to accommodate the goods. An autonomous vehicle is configured to transport the bins. The autonomous vehicle is configured to navigate from a loading station where at least some of the goods are received in the bins to a pick-up station where the goods are released from the bins.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2020Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: AUTOGUIDE, LLCInventors: Jeremy Rockman, Robert Sullivan, Justin Holwell
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Patent number: 11620591Abstract: A method for positioning items in a box includes providing a list of items, a list of boxes, dimensional data for each item, position-restricting data for each item, a system for assembling the boxes, a system for placing each item into a main box, a control unit connected having an algorithm for selecting the box and how the items are introduced into the box; and applying the algorithm to select a main box having a minimum size sufficient to contain the items and minimize empty space, and to determine order of introduction, position and rotation of the items; and applying the algorithm to the placing system. Applying the algorithm includes calculating the contact surface areas of each item to maintain the contact surface area above a minimum threshold, thereby ensuring stable positioning and reducing the volume of the filler. A system for positioning items in a box.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2018Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Inventors: Giuseppe Capoia, Luigi De Giovanni
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Patent number: 11526831Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for enhancing delivery option user interfaces. A method may include receiving, at a first device and at a first time, a delivery request from a second device, and determining a location for the delivery request. The method may include determining, based on the first time and the location, a first available delivery time window and a second available delivery time window, each having respective start and end times. The method may include facilitating presentation of first interface data and second interface data at the second device, including a first indication that a third available delivery time window associated with a no-charge delivery begins at the first time and ends at the second end time, and including a second indication of the first available delivery time window.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2019Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ilene Rafii, Kristen Yagley, Jason Rudmann, Jason Shim, Jose Ramon Algara Allegre
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Patent number: 11348056Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for the collection and delivery of physical items. Implementations consistent with the present disclosure provide a method including receiving, by a user interface device, a request from a user to deliver an item to a destination using a digital stamp, wherein the item includes destination information. The method also includes receiving, by the user interface device, a destination address from the user. The method also includes providing, by the user interface device, the delivery fee for the item. The method also includes generating the digital stamp using the destination address received from the user, the delivery fee for the item, and user account information. The method also includes collecting the item, wherein the item lacks any physical indicia that the delivery fee for the item has been paid or will be paid.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICEInventors: Anthony Cramer Jones, Dominik Heinrich, Caspar Serge Ouvaroff
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Patent number: 11182844Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a virtual resource transfer method, including: responding to a first login request from a first client for logging into a public service account; receiving a service request initiated by the first client; responding to a second login request from a second client for logging into the public service account; sending information about the service request of the first client to the second client; receiving service order information for the service request from the second client; generating, by an application server associated with the public service account, a virtual resource transfer request according to the service order information; sending the virtual resource transfer request to the first client by using the public service account, the virtual resource transfer request being configured for transferring, from the first client, a virtual resource in a first virtual resource account to a second virtual resource account.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2017Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITEDInventor: Huashan Chen
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Patent number: 11080645Abstract: A request is received to provide shipping rate information to ship a package from a source location to a destination location. A shipping rate is determined locally in response to the request to ship the package via a third-party carrier without making in response to the request a call to the third-party carrier. The locally determined shipping rate is included in a set of shipping rates returned to a node associated with the request.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2017Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: POPOUT, INC.Inventors: Simon Kreuz, Wissam Jarjoui, Subhi Beidas, Lucas Amaral Cunha de Assis
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Patent number: 11049061Abstract: There is provided systems and methods for intelligent adjustment of shipping data based on past cubing tendencies. A user may access a service provider to request generation of shipping labels for one or more future packages to be shipped. The user may provide shipping data required to generate the labels, including a value for each label that is used to purchase shipping services using the label when the label is affixed or associated with a package. The provider may review past shipping data for the user and/or similar packages, and may determine whether the entered shipping data accurately estimates the user's shipping needs. If the past shipping data indicates that the user may require different shipping needs, such as additional value, the provider may adjust the value. Any over or under charge may then be refunded to the user on actual shipping of the package.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2017Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: PAYPAL, INC.Inventor: Badrinath Vengalathur Srinath
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Patent number: 10664800Abstract: A parcel delivery system and method for the delivery of a parcel into a vehicle within a parking location. The system and method uses communicative devices coupled to a vehicle and capable of providing a position of the vehicle within the parking location to a controller for the direction of a delivery of a given parcel. The system assigns a given parking location with an address for use by a user to direct a delivery into a vehicle parked within the parking location.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2018Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Inventor: Andrew Lee
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Patent number: 10528961Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer-implemented method for estimating a move, the method comprising: identifying at least one object of interest from a video feed of an environment, wherein the video feed includes coordinate data for three dimensions of space; estimating a plurality of measurements of the at least one object of interest by reference to the coordinate data and the video feed of the environment; generating an inventory of each identified object of interest and corresponding plurality of measurements; and calculating one of an estimated moving time and an estimated moving cost based on the generated inventory.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2015Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: Virtual Moving TechnologiesInventors: Thomas A. Tama, Jr., Christopher J. Ramsey, Wayne H. Fitzgerald
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Patent number: 10510037Abstract: A computer-based system that manages the shipment of one or more freight units includes a measuring system for measuring dimensions and weight of a freight unit, wherein the freight unit includes products, a database for storing rules for shipping freight, and a host computer system. The host computer system is for receiving information about the freight unit to be shipped, determining whether the products of the freight unit should be classified as density-based for a shipping rate determination, determining a density-based class of the freight unit, determining whether the linear feet parameter for the freight unit exceeds a predetermined threshold value, receiving a selection input for a selected carrier from the one or more carriers displayed on the web site, and upon receipt of the selection input for the selected carrier, creating a bill of lading.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: FIDA, LLCInventors: Michael Wagner, David Scherer
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Patent number: 10489739Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for automating shipping for a physical object can include an object dimensions measurer (ODM) operable to collect and wirelessly transmit a dimensions dataset for the physical object, an object weight measurer (OWM) operable to collect and wirelessly transmit a weight dataset for the physical object, and a shipping automation system operable to receive datasets from the ODM and the OWM, implement a compatibility rule facilitating standardization of requirements for service levels provided by shipping carriers, determine object characteristics for the physical object, determine object characteristic specifications required by the service levels, and determine a service level for the physical object based on the object characteristics and the object characteristic specifications.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Simpler Postage, Inc.Inventors: Jarrett Streebin, Paul Vinuelas, Sawyer Bateman
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Patent number: 10012998Abstract: A transportation management system that includes tools for generating an optimized trip plan that can be updated, such as based on driver input, during implementation of a planned trip. The system includes a comprehensive trip optimization tool that generates a trip plan with fuel stop and rest stop optimization. The system includes tools calculating estimated time of arrival (ETA) and projected time of availability (PTA) for the driver, and these tools are adapted to provide the ETA and PTA for the entire trip (rather than only providing an ETA for the next stop). The system further includes tools accepting driver input and/or allowing driver manipulation of a dispatched trip plan such as using pre-filtered alternatives for fuel stops or rest stops or routes, e.g., based on stored driver preferences, that may be less optimal than those in the original trip plan but still viable.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2016Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: TRIMBLE INC.Inventors: William George Nimchuk, David Johnmichael McKinney
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Patent number: 9858604Abstract: Methods and systems can be provided for providing items manufactured on demand to users. A user request for an item can be received. The item can have 3D manufacturing instructions associated therewith. A delivery method for the item can be determined. A manufacturing apparatus can be selected to manufacture the item based on the 3D manufacturing instructions. Instructions can be sent to the manufacturing apparatus to manufacture the item based on the 3D manufacturing instructions. Delivery instructions can be provided for delivering the item according to the delivery method.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Linda Knowlton Apsley, Colin Ian Bodell, Jacob Conrad Danton, Eduardo Reyes-Guerrero, Scott Randall Hayden, SaiPrasad Kapila, Eric Lessard, Robert Benjamin Uhl
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Patent number: 9054694Abstract: In various embodiments, a circuit arrangement may be provided. The circuit arrangement may include a level shifting stage configured to be coupled to a first reference voltage, the level shifting stage having an output node. The circuit arrangement may further include a first input electrode in electrical connection with the level shifting stage. The circuit arrangement may also include a second input electrode in electrical connection with the level shifting stage. The circuit arrangement may further include a load having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the level shifting stage and the second end for coupling to a second reference voltage. In addition, the circuit arrangement may include a bypass circuit element connected in parallel to the load. The bypass circuit element may be configured to allow current to flow through upon application of an external voltage for bypassing the load.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2013Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: Agency for Science, Technology ResearchInventor: Jun Zhou
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Publication number: 20150081343Abstract: A method for recipient-initiated shipping includes receiving, at an internet connected server, recipient data (including a first shipping address) from a shipping recipient; providing delivery options to the shipping recipient based on a set of delivery option criteria and the recipient data; receiving a delivery choice from the shipping recipient; and notifying at least one of a shipping sender and a shipping carrier of the delivery choice.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventor: Jarrett Streebin
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Patent number: 8949145Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for enabling a customer to sample content and select content for purchasing while the customer is in a retail store. Advantageously, the customer may be given one or more options for the delivery of the content.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2013Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Trans World Entertainment CorporationInventors: Gregory W. Harper, John J. Sullivan
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Publication number: 20150032656Abstract: A central logistics system may be provided and configured to host a website accessible to goods providers and freight providers. Through the website, the central logistics system may receive data (e.g., bids, quotes, and other messages and data) from goods and freight providers, and send data (e.g., bids, quotes, and other messages and data) to goods and freight providers. This data exchange, in part, enables the collaborative trade of bids and quotes between multiple goods providers and multiple freight providers in a centralized fashion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Christopher Ricciardi, Robert NATHAN
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Publication number: 20150026090Abstract: Disclosed is a method process of online rating for international import and export shipments. The rating combines multiple carriers together in order to provide one cohesive international service. The consumer can obtain a door to port or door to door rate when employing a pick up carrier, such as a trucking company, and an airline or ocean carrier as well as a destination delivery company. The method provide a real time monetary rate costs based upon the closest terminal and determines which terminal to terminal rate to use for the air or ocean portion as well as providing a pick up rate for that service. The process further estimates the multiple rate costs from various vendors associated with a shipment and stores these rate costs through a database to be used at a later date for verification.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventor: Charles Marrale
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Publication number: 20140365328Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for initiating a shipping inquiry for a specific piece of heavy equipment having a defined manufacturer/model. A logistics database is accessed to obtain at least one logistics criterion for the specific piece of heavy equipment, wherein the at least one logistics criterion defines one or more logistical characteristics for the specific piece of heavy equipment. The at least one logistics criterion is identified to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2013Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventor: JEFFREY G. COX, JR.
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Publication number: 20140365392Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for initiating a shipping inquiry for a specific piece of heavy equipment having a defined manufacturer/model. An equipment database is accessed to obtain a plurality of equipment characteristics for the specific piece of heavy equipment, wherein at least one of the equipment characteristics is assigned a weight, based at least in part, upon a level of shipping complexity associated with the equipment characteristic. The shipping estimate is calculated for the specific piece of heavy equipment based, at least in part, upon the defined manufacturer/model of the specific piece of heavy equipment, and one or more of the plurality of equipment characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2013Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventor: Jeffrey G. Cox, JR.
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Publication number: 20140365393Abstract: A request to determine carriers for freight may be received. Additional capacity desired to facilitate shipping of the freight may be determined. A quote for shipping at least a portion of the freight may be obtained from a non-core carrier and the non-core carrier may be chosen to provide at least a portion of the desired additional capacity based on the obtained quote. Shipping of at least a portion of the remaining freight may be assigned to a core carrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2013Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventor: Timothy G. Taylor
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Publication number: 20140297552Abstract: Technology capable of obtaining logistics routes for optimizing total costs including not only costs regarding transportation and others but also tariffs in performing global design for logistics and cost calculation is provided. The present design for logistics device (100) includes a design for logistics portion (10) that performs processes of calculating costs including tariffs for logistics routes among bases using input data for the design for logistics. Based on the input data, the design for logistics portion (10) forms combinations of logistics routes and combinations of agreements, calculates costs including tariff amounts in accordance with agreements for each of the logistics routes and paths to thereby calculate total costs including tariffs for each of the logistics routes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2012Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Junko Hosoda, Atsushi Shimoda
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Patent number: 8843419Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a locomotive (or other rail vehicle) owned by a first entity when borrowed and operated by a second entity. The locomotive includes an operating control system having a first mode and a second, different mode of operation, the first mode including settings configured for the first entity, the second mode including settings configured for a second, different entity. The method includes enabling the first mode and disabling the second mode of the operating control system when the locomotive is operated by the first entity, and enabling the second mode and disabling the first mode of the operating control system when the locomotive is operated by the second entity.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2010Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jared Klineman Cooper, David Eldredge, Robert Foy, Glenn Shaffer, John Brand, Todd William Goodermuth, Christopher Rekucki
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Publication number: 20140279657Abstract: A shipper selection system for selecting a shipping service provider is provided. The shipping selection system includes a parameters determining module for determining parameters of a package to be shipped, a retrieval module for retrieving shipping cost rules for one or more shipping service providers, a contract module for retrieving contract rules for the one or more shipping service providers, and a calculating module for calculating one or more shipping costs based upon the determined parameters, retrieved shipping cost rules, and retrieved contract rules. The shipper selection system further includes a selection module for selecting a shipping service provider based upon the calculated one or more shipping costs. The shipper selection system further includes an update module configured to enable the one or more shipping service provider to update a geographic range or shipping cost rules for his shipping services.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: KEWILL INC.Inventor: Michael Stowe
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Publication number: 20140278898Abstract: Systems and methods for determining charges for parcels requested by users for delivery to attended delivery/pickup locations. In various embodiments, the system is configured for determining a charge based at least in part on user information, which may include, for example, a frequency with which a user requests delivery to the attended delivery/pickup location, a loyalty of the user to a particular common carrier, purchases made by the user at a brick-and-mortar retail location associated with the attended delivery/pickup location, purchases made by the user at an online retail website that the user elects to have delivered to the attended delivery/pickup location, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: Daniel Lievens, Vincent Dethier, Luc Pirenne
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Publication number: 20140258167Abstract: The invention relates to a method for delivering a mailpiece to a destination address, whereby the mailpiece is held at one depot of a plurality of depots. With the method, (i) a first participant of a service is selected from a plurality of participants registered for the service on the basis of an association of the participant with that depot, (ii) a request is sent to the selected first participant and an acceptance message sent by the participant in response to the request is received, and (iii) the mailpiece is handed over to the first participant at the depot on the basis of the receipt of the acceptance message for the transport over at least a partial segment of a delivery route to the destination address.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2012Publication date: September 11, 2014Inventors: Manuela Rohmann, Georg Schlaghecken, Martin Wegner, Jorg Hanser
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Publication number: 20140250028Abstract: A system for providing a user with international shipping rates in real time. The system includes a client, a shipping rates database comprising current shipping rate information for a plurality of freight forwarders, and a server comprising a processor. The processor is programmed to receive, from the client, a request for shipping rates for shipping a freight from an origin location in an origin country to a destination location in a destination country, access, from the shipping rates database, current shipping rate information for each of the plurality of freight forwarders, and send the client a shipping rate for each of the plurality of freight forwarders based on shipping the freight from the origin location to the destination location.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2013Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: Catapult International, LLCInventor: Matthew Philip Motsick
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Publication number: 20140244537Abstract: A transmodal and logistics, method, comprising generating at least, one transportation route for shipping a shipment using one or more different transportation modes and at least two transportation providers, and calculating a cost rate associated with the at least one transportation route.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: EXPEDITORS MANAGEMENT SERVICES, LLCInventors: Nilendu G. Jani, Paul Orsak, Brian Treat
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Publication number: 20140188750Abstract: A method of facilitating the shipment of items wherein independent couriers and courier companies are registered and provided with a profile. Parameters associated with courier jobs are received from the courier businesses and it is determined which of the independent couriers are qualified to accept or bid on each courier job. A list detailing the parameters for each courier job that each independent courier is qualified to accept or bid on is provided to each independent courier. Each independent courier list is dynamically modified each time parameters for a new courier job each independent courier is qualified to accept or bid on is received.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: Alternative Courier, Inc.Inventor: Randall W. Seiler
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Patent number: 8768858Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a shipper a discount for each postal item that is mailed by a delivery service provider. A facilitator offers the shipper an immediate discount that is based on the shipper meeting certain requirements, e.g. purchasing a certain amount of postage value, shipping a certain number of mail items, and/or shipping a certain type of mail item such as a qualified mail piece. The facilitator will receive a rebate from the delivery service provider based on the shipper ability to meet the established requirements.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2009Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Stamps com Inc.Inventor: Geoffrey C. Begen
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Publication number: 20140180954Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for shipping route selection and transportation planning systems. The computer-implemented method commences upon receiving a set of candidate transportation carrier descriptions, individual ones of the set of candidate transportation carrier descriptions having one or more shipping mode options and having one or more shipping unit options. Then, the method evaluates combinations of using multiple transportation carriers that provide any of the one or more shipping mode options with compatible shipping unit options to determine a combination cost for each of the combinations. Based on the combination costs, the method selects an equipment option that corresponds to the lowest combination cost. Low-cost itineraries can be formed by calculating the cost of a particular itinerary by summing combination costs of constituent legs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: ORACLE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Marybeth ROBERTS, Yun WANG, Ruijin QI, Sundararajan ARUNAPURAM
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Publication number: 20140180955Abstract: A method and system for computing the price for shipping goods. The method includes causing a computer to deliver first information to a user prompting the user to enter at the computer information about a rail transportation service for shipment of goods by one or more railcars. Information about a basic pool of railcars is received and filtered based on one or more filtering criteria to produce a filtered pool of railcars. The computer is then caused to deliver second information to the user prompting the user to select at the computer one or more railcars among the filtered pool of railcars for the shipment of goods. A price for the shipment of the goods is then computed at least in part on the basis of the rail transportation service and the one or more characteristics of the railcars in the filtered pool of railcars selected by the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2014Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANYInventors: Leonard John PODGURNY, Anita ERNESAKS
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Publication number: 20140172737Abstract: A system and method for a community shipping platform is described. A pool of community shippers operating within a geographical area including a geographical pickup location of a seller and a geographical delivery location of a buyer is identified. A request is generated to the pool of community shippers to fulfill a shipment from the geographical pickup location of the seller to the geographical delivery location of the buyer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: eBay Inc.Inventor: Santhanakrishnan Natarajan Conjepuram
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Patent number: 8756167Abstract: A transmodal and logistics method, comprising generating at least one transportation route for shipping a shipment using one or more different transportation modes and at least two transportation providers, and calculating a cost rate associated with the at least one transportation route.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2011Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: ZMS Technologies Inc.Inventors: Nilendu G. Jani, Paul Orsak, Brian Treat
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Patent number: 8725656Abstract: A freight rate manager provides rules for calculating freight rates for use in delivering real-time costing information. The freight rate manager includes a rate sheet input module for accepting data describing a rate sheet. A rate sheet analyzer analyzes the rate sheet to identify potential errors and compares the rate sheet against rate sheet templates. If a template matches the rate sheet, then the rate sheet analyzer interprets the rate sheet according to the template. If the rate sheet analyzer does not find a matching template, a communications module sends the rate sheet to another location or otherwise stores the rate sheet for analysis. An accessorial charges module accepts information about accessorial charges. The outputs of the rate sheet analyzer and the accessorial charges module are provided to a rule generator which generates rules for calculating freight rates given the rates in the rate sheet and the accessorial charges.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: James M. Gill, Antony A. Awaida, Ian J. H. Williams
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Patent number: 8712924Abstract: Systems and methods for real-time pricing of shipping vendors are provided. Various shipping vendors may be queried concerning shipping specifications. Some embodiments provide for a query to be transmitted to a shipping vendor through an interface associated with the particular shipping vendor. In response to the query, real-time pricing information associated with the shipping specifications is received and displayed to a user. Upon the user designating a shipping vendor, customized shipping labels for each shipping vendor may be generated.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2008Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Lynch Marks LLCInventors: Peter Marks, Duane P. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20140074741Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention may reduce the amount of time a consumer spends coordinating a move. A system is provided which may guide the consumer through the process of planning the move, including developing an inventory of items to be transported. Based on the consumer's plan, quotes for the move may be provided from multiple movers, and each quote may be an exact price that a mover will charge, rather than merely an estimate. To enable movers to provide exact quotes, some embodiments of the invention implement a standard pricing methodology. The system may allow movers to define pricing information in accordance with the methodology, and this information may be used to calculate a quote for a move when a consumer requests one.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Unpakt, LLCInventors: Sharone Ben-Harosh, Daniel Cooke, Amish Gandhi, John Negron, Israel Carmel
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Publication number: 20140074744Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention may reduce the amount of time a consumer spends coordinating a move. A system is provided which may guide the consumer through the process of planning the move, including developing an inventory of items to be transported. Based on the consumer's plan, quotes for the move may be provided from multiple movers, and each quote may be an exact price that a mover will charge, rather than merely an estimate. To enable movers to provide exact quotes, some embodiments of the invention implement a standard pricing methodology. The system may allow movers to define pricing information in accordance with the methodology, and this information may be used to calculate a quote for a move when a consumer requests one.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Unpakt, LLCInventors: Sharone Ben-Harosh, Daniel Cooke, Amish Gandhi, John Negron, Israel Carmel
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Publication number: 20140032440Abstract: Freight costs may be calculated by selecting an agreement from many different possible agreements and then aggregating shipping costs specified in shipping cost fields of the selected agreement. An agreement may be selected depending on a relative hierarchy of a party specified in a party field of a transportation agreement record as compared to the other transportation agreement records relating to the shipping route. Each of the identified transportation agreement records relating to the shipping route may classified according to the relative of hierarchy of in the party specified in the record in relation to the hierarchy of other parties in the other identified records. A leading charge type indicator may be considered during the agreement selection process.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2012Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: SAP AGInventors: Sudhindra CHANDRASHEKAR, Krithika Kumar IYER
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Patent number: 8635150Abstract: Methods and systems for improving auction-based online commerce are provided, including methods and systems for facilitating advance, rapid, accurate estimation of shipping costs between a seller and the winner of an online auction. Methods and systems include an application for facilitating seller estimation of shipping costs, including various components of shipping costs, and for providing to the buyer a shipping estimate based on the circumstances of the buyer and the auction.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2013Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Paid, Inc.Inventors: Greg Rotman, Richard Rotman, John Martin
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Patent number: 8612361Abstract: Systems and methods which provide processing of payment errors with respect to delivery services in accordance with user preferences are disclosed herein. According to embodiments, a delivery service user provides information with respect to how payment errors with respect to delivery services provided to the user are to be handled to facilitate electronic and/or automated processing of such payment errors. A user may authorize payment shortages on the user's behalf, may request notification for an ad hoc determination as to how the shortage is to be handled, or may elect to have postal items returned in the case of payment shortage. Various levels of payment error handling services may be provided with respect to users. Detailed information, such as statistics with respect to users' payment errors, the numbers and types of payment errors, user's preferences in handling payment errors, etcetera, may be provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2006Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Stamps.com Inc.Inventors: Keith D. Bussell, Geoffrey C. Begen
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Patent number: 8600909Abstract: Systems and methods of insuring payment of a proper amount of postage, comprise receiving payment for an amount of postage, affixing a postage indicia to a piece of mail, wherein the postage indicia includes the postage amount in a format readable only by machine, and adjusting the postage amount at a time subsequent to receipt of payment.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: John F. Gullo, Wayne A. Wilkerson, Roy R. Gordon, Dan Lord
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Publication number: 20130246298Abstract: Load data relating to a particular load requiring transport, stored internal lane rate data and stored external lane rate date are processed to determine a market lane rate. If the determined market lane rate exceeds an offered lane rate, a market lane rate trend graphic is presented on the display of the customer computing device, thereby informing the customer of the market lane rates relating to the particular load. If the determined market rate does not exceed the offered lane rate, the method further includes processing the stored load data along with stored rules data that includes at least one rule to determine if the store load data violates the at least one rule. If the least one rule is not violated, a Move Load icon is presented on the display of the customer computing device which provides a inconspicuous visual indication that capacity for the load is available.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2012Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: INMOTION GLOBAL, INC.Inventors: Timothy J. Higham, Mike Olson, Philip Smoak, Evan Portwood, Justin Heath
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Patent number: 8521642Abstract: Methods and systems for improving auction-based online commerce are provided, including methods and systems for facilitating advance, rapid, accurate estimation of shipping costs between a seller and the winner of an online auction. Methods and systems include an application for facilitating seller estimation of shipping costs, including various components of shipping costs, and for providing to the buyer a shipping estimate based on the circumstances of the buyer and the auction.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2013Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Paid, Inc.Inventors: Greg Rotman, Richard Rotman, John Martin
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Publication number: 20130179362Abstract: A freight shipment ordering system comprising a shipping request portion, shipping processing portion and bid estimate portion. The shipping request portion is adapted to provide a first freight shipment request comprising one or more of a freight description, one or more freight locations, and one or more freight destination times. The shipping processing portion is adapted to receive the first freight shipment request, access one or more databases, determine a list comprising one or more freight carriers able to satisfy the first freight shipment request from the one or more databases, and provide at least a portion of the list to the shipping request portion. The bid estimate portion is adapted to receive a second freight shipment request from one of the shipping request portion and the shipping processing portion, and send a response to at least one of the shipping request portion and the shipping processing portion, the response comprising a price relating to the first freight shipment request.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: 10-4 Systems, Inc.Inventor: 10-4 Systems, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130166469Abstract: A through rate evaluation processing is done by breaking down a transportation network to transportation stages and then a master data is scanned for the rates of the transportation stages. The complete network is evaluated recursively to get the rates and a calculation is performed to get the best rates.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Inventor: SUDHINDRA CHANDRASHEKAR
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Publication number: 20130166470Abstract: A method and system for comparing cost of shipping options are provided. The method includes determining, with a computer system, based on shipping data input into the computer system, a first shipping cost for shipping the package using a first mail carrier; determining, with the computer system, based on the shipping data, a second shipping cost for shipping the package using a second mail carrier; calculating, with the computer system, a cost difference between the first shipping cost and the second shipping cost; outputting by the computer system the cost difference; and periodically sending the cost difference for shipping the package or a plurality of packages to an individual or organization monitoring shipping costs.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: PSI SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Darius Grala, Jamey M. Blakely, Rick Botti, Richard Perry
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Patent number: 8443372Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for processing requests in a data processing system. While the principles of the invention are not limited to a particular domain, they are particularly suitable for use in an electronic trading system. By way of example of one aspect of the invention, a method for directing requests to at least one node in a system comprising multiple nodes and a plurality of requests comprises associating a number to each request, assigning at least one number to each node so as to balance a load across the nodes, and sending a request to a node based on the number associated to the request. Various other aspects are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Paul J. Callaway, Sunil Kiran Cutinho, Paul M. Dantzig, Stephen M. Goldman, Arun Kwangil Iyengar, Francis Nicholas Parr, Agnes Shanthi Thiruthuvadoss
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Publication number: 20130103607Abstract: A computer implemented method, a data processing system, and a computer program product determine carrier selection based on variable volumetric weight and variable completion times. A product is identified for production. The product for production has a variable weight and a variable dimension based on components included in the product for production. A projected volumetric weight of the product for production is determined. A projected completion time of the product for production is determined. A projected carrier assignment of the product for production is then determined in response to determining the projected volumetric weight of the product for production and determining the projected completion time of the product for production.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Ivory W. Knipfer, Carl C. Meier, Dale W. Petersilka, Matthew H. Zemke