Pricing Patents (Class 705/335)
  • Patent number: 11880801
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Divyesh Garg, Akash U. Dhoot, Shailendra Moyal, Sarbajit K. Rakshit
  • Patent number: 11769104
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: AUTOGUIDE, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Rockman, Robert Sullivan, Justin Holwell
  • Patent number: 11620591
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventors: Giuseppe Capoia, Luigi De Giovanni
  • Patent number: 11526831
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ilene Rafii, Kristen Yagley, Jason Rudmann, Jason Shim, Jose Ramon Algara Allegre
  • Patent number: 11348056
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
    Inventors: Anthony Cramer Jones, Dominik Heinrich, Caspar Serge Ouvaroff
  • Patent number: 11182844
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Huashan Chen
  • Patent number: 11080645
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: POPOUT, INC.
    Inventors: Simon Kreuz, Wissam Jarjoui, Subhi Beidas, Lucas Amaral Cunha de Assis
  • Patent number: 11049061
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: PAYPAL, INC.
    Inventor: Badrinath Vengalathur Srinath
  • Patent number: 10664800
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventor: Andrew Lee
  • Patent number: 10528961
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Virtual Moving Technologies
    Inventors: Thomas A. Tama, Jr., Christopher J. Ramsey, Wayne H. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 10510037
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: FIDA, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Wagner, David Scherer
  • Patent number: 10489739
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Simpler Postage, Inc.
    Inventors: Jarrett Streebin, Paul Vinuelas, Sawyer Bateman
  • Patent number: 10012998
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: TRIMBLE INC.
    Inventors: William George Nimchuk, David Johnmichael McKinney
  • Patent number: 9858604
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 9054694
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Agency for Science, Technology Research
    Inventor: Jun Zhou
  • Publication number: 20150081343
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Jarrett Streebin
  • Patent number: 8949145
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Trans World Entertainment Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory W. Harper, John J. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20150032656
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher Ricciardi, Robert NATHAN
  • Publication number: 20150026090
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Charles Marrale
  • Publication number: 20140365328
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: JEFFREY G. COX, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140365392
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey G. Cox, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140365393
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Timothy G. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20140297552
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Junko Hosoda, Atsushi Shimoda
  • Patent number: 8843419
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jared Klineman Cooper, David Eldredge, Robert Foy, Glenn Shaffer, John Brand, Todd William Goodermuth, Christopher Rekucki
  • Publication number: 20140279657
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: KEWILL INC.
    Inventor: Michael Stowe
  • Publication number: 20140278898
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel Lievens, Vincent Dethier, Luc Pirenne
  • Publication number: 20140258167
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Manuela Rohmann, Georg Schlaghecken, Martin Wegner, Jorg Hanser
  • Publication number: 20140250028
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Catapult International, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Philip Motsick
  • Publication number: 20140244537
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: EXPEDITORS MANAGEMENT SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Nilendu G. Jani, Paul Orsak, Brian Treat
  • Publication number: 20140188750
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Alternative Courier, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall W. Seiler
  • Patent number: 8768858
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Stamps com Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey C. Begen
  • Publication number: 20140180954
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: ORACLE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Marybeth ROBERTS, Yun WANG, Ruijin QI, Sundararajan ARUNAPURAM
  • Publication number: 20140180955
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
    Inventors: Leonard John PODGURNY, Anita ERNESAKS
  • Publication number: 20140172737
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: eBay Inc.
    Inventor: Santhanakrishnan Natarajan Conjepuram
  • Patent number: 8756167
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: ZMS Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Nilendu G. Jani, Paul Orsak, Brian Treat
  • Patent number: 8725656
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Gill, Antony A. Awaida, Ian J. H. Williams
  • Patent number: 8712924
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Lynch Marks LLC
    Inventors: Peter Marks, Duane P. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20140074741
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Unpakt, LLC
    Inventors: Sharone Ben-Harosh, Daniel Cooke, Amish Gandhi, John Negron, Israel Carmel
  • Publication number: 20140074744
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Unpakt, LLC
    Inventors: Sharone Ben-Harosh, Daniel Cooke, Amish Gandhi, John Negron, Israel Carmel
  • Publication number: 20140032440
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: SAP AG
    Inventors: Sudhindra CHANDRASHEKAR, Krithika Kumar IYER
  • Patent number: 8635150
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Paid, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Rotman, Richard Rotman, John Martin
  • Patent number: 8612361
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Stamps.com Inc.
    Inventors: Keith D. Bussell, Geoffrey C. Begen
  • Patent number: 8600909
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: John F. Gullo, Wayne A. Wilkerson, Roy R. Gordon, Dan Lord
  • Publication number: 20130246298
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: INMOTION GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Higham, Mike Olson, Philip Smoak, Evan Portwood, Justin Heath
  • Patent number: 8521642
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Paid, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Rotman, Richard Rotman, John Martin
  • Publication number: 20130179362
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: 10-4 Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: 10-4 Systems, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130166469
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: SUDHINDRA CHANDRASHEKAR
  • Publication number: 20130166470
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: PSI SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Darius Grala, Jamey M. Blakely, Rick Botti, Richard Perry
  • Patent number: 8443372
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Callaway, Sunil Kiran Cutinho, Paul M. Dantzig, Stephen M. Goldman, Arun Kwangil Iyengar, Francis Nicholas Parr, Agnes Shanthi Thiruthuvadoss
  • Publication number: 20130103607
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ivory W. Knipfer, Carl C. Meier, Dale W. Petersilka, Matthew H. Zemke