Abstract: A computer system that is configured to: (A) define a geofence surrounding a geographic area; (B) gather information associated with the geofenced area; and (C) assign one or more parameters to the geofenced area based on the information gathered, wherein at least one of the assigned parameters is used to monitor the performance of a delivery vehicle driver while the delivery vehicle driver is operating a delivery vehicle within the geofenced area. In particular embodiments, the parameters include a backup limit defining a number of times a delivery vehicle operating within the geofenced area is permitted to back up while operating the delivery vehicle within the geofenced area (e.g., during a particular delivery cycle). In other embodiments, the parameters include a maximum speed limit for the geofenced area. The system may be adapted to automatically generate an alert in response to the delivery vehicle operating outside of the defined parameters.

Abstract: Information of articles to be loaded is received, indicating and numbers of the articles to be loaded. A historic loading plan record is read. An item of the historic loading plan record includes at least a loading plan and an adaptive index corresponding to the loading plan. A loading plan suitable for the current transportation is generated based on the historic loading plan record and the information of articles to be loaded. The technical solution of this invention may reduce the requirements on storage and computing resources.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments enable cartonization of products for store replenishment based on the individual store layout of each store of a group of stores to which the cartonized products are to be provided.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating the self check-in and/or the self check-out of an operator of a shipping vehicle at a shipping terminal. A gate kiosk located at a gate of a shipping terminal is provided which operably interfaces with a terminal management controller that manages transactions taking place within a shipping terminal. An operator may enter information and make various selections via user interface of the gate kiosk to check in and/or check out of the shipping terminal with a shipping container or trailer, without leaving the shipping vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for anticipatory package shipping are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method may include packaging one or more items as a package for eventual shipment to a delivery address, selecting a destination geographical area to which to ship the package, shipping the package to the destination geographical area without completely specifying the delivery address at time of shipment, and while the package is in transit, completely specifying the delivery address for the package.

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: storing, by the computer system, a first record in a database in communication with the computer system, the first record including a first key associated with the first record, and a second key associated with a second record stored in the database; updating, by the computer system, an entry in an index table, wherein the entry includes the second key associated with the second record, and updating the entry includes adding at least a portion of the first key to the entry.

Abstract: 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 in communication with the computer system, wherein the database contains a plurality of records, wherein each record in the plurality of records includes a status condition; accessing, by the computer system, a rule set for the status conditions for the plurality of records, the rule set stored in a memory in communication with the computer system; identifying based on the rule set, by the computer system, one or more records from the plurality of records having a disallowed status condition; and generating, by the computer system, an alert, the alert including a list of the one or more records having a disallowed status condition.

Abstract: A system to synchronize delivery of shipments is described that includes modules. The modules including a rule module configured to determine at least two merchandise origin locations based on an input received from a user device. A date determination module coupled with the rule module. The date determination module configured to receive the at least two merchandise origin locations from the rule module and configured to determine at least one delivery date for delivery to a merchandise destination location such that a first merchandise at a first merchandize origin location and a second merchandize at a second merchandise origin location are scheduled to arrive at said merchandise destination location on the determined at least one delivery date. And, a format module configured to transform the at least one delivery date into a format for the user device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and containers for transporting products, such as medical products are disclosed. The methods and systems involve identifying an environmental condition of a place to where a product is to be shipped, identifying an environmental condition of a place from which the product is to be shipped, identifying the amount of time that the product is expected to be in transit during shipping, and determining the type of container and cooling element that should be employed to transport the product.

Abstract: A computer modeling application is disclosed for finding the optimal solution to maximize total net margin, for the assignment of vehicles (e.g., especially vessels) in an available fleet to perform a set of voyages to transport cargo comprising one or more bulk products during a planning period, as well as an apparatus and method employing the same. The fleet can include term vehicles and spot vehicles. The vehicles, voyages, and cargos can be heterogeneous. In one embodiment, the vehicles are crude carrier vessels and the bulk products are different grades of crude oil. To increase speed, the model is broken into linear programming and mixed integer (linear) programming problems. The model can be run on a real-time basis to support complex scheduling operations.

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

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing an auto ship program that adjusts the quantity of goods shipped based on the consumer's usage of the goods. In some embodiments, the auto ship program of the present invention receives consumer notifications indicating that a unit of a shipment has been opened or finished. The program employs the notifications to determine a rate at which the consumer is using units of the goods. If the rate at which the consumer is using the units differs from the rate at which the units are being shipped, the program can suggest or automatically make adjustments to the shipment rate. These adjustments can include modifying the number of units that are shipped in one or more future shipments or changing when one or more future shipments will be sent.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for managing return information. The system includes a postman terminal configured to receive return information from mail using return information providing service and a return information management server configured to store the return information received from the postman terminal in a return information DB, generate statistics information based on the return information, store the generated statistics information in a statistics information DB, and provide the return information and the statistics information to a forwarding customer terminal in response to a request of the forwarding customer terminal. In accordance with the present invention, return processing details information, change-of-address details information, and mail image information for each reason of return of return mail are provided to a customer.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer-program products for determining shipping incentives. In general, various embodiments of the invention involve applying a shipping incentive for a customer receiving inbound shipments from a plurality of parties based on increased inbound shipments received from such parties. While other embodiments of the invention involve applying a shipping incentive to at least one customer based on increased shipments shipped to and/or received in a locale for a particular time period using a common carrier. In particular embodiments, the incentive may be a discount on a cost of shipping for the customer. While in other embodiments, the incentive may be something else such as a preferred shipping service for the customer.

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

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

Abstract: Methods, software and apparatus (FIG. 5) disclosed to maintain and update an association database (650) that enables relating updated address information to affected mailpieces (FIG. 7), and providing the benefits of that information to mailers, especially business or corporate mailers (600, 630, 632), and in the case of co-mingled mail, enabling a pre-sort house (610) to provide the updated information to their customers, or to update mailing lists maintained by or for their customers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manifesting mailpieces, processing mailpieces from a mail system, and certifying a mail system are provided. A mailpiece is received at a manifest mailing system and mailing information from the mailpiece is obtained. manifest of the mailpiece is created and the mail piece is then delivered using the manifest. Based on a certification of the mail system, an accuracy of a portion of the manifest may be selectively determined. Based on the accuracy of the portion of the manifest, the mailpieces are then conditionally delivered using the manifest. To determine a certification, test information may be provided to a mail system. A manifest generated by the mail system is then received. The accuracy of the manifest based on the test information is determined and a certification level is then assigned to the mail system.

Abstract: A system and method of identifying a mailpiece (230) in an electronic bill presentment system is provided. The system identifies the mailpiece based on an identification mark. A method of identifying the mailpiece comprises (450) the steps of scanning the mailpiece for the identification mark (940). The system receives registration information (210, 410) from a customer and sorts the mailpiece based on the identification mark (950).

Abstract: Described herein are systems and techniques for recommending custom containers in a materials handling facility dependent on physical characteristics of an item or group of items to be shipped and/or dependent upon estimated shipping costs. For example, the systems described herein may determine dimensions for forming a custom container within the materials handling facility that is capable of containing an item or group of items for shipment. The total cost to ship the item or group of items in the custom container or a standard container can also be determined and the container with the lowest total cost may be recommended for use in packaging the item or group of items for shipment.

Abstract: A consolidation yield management system and method is provided in the present invention, which is applicable to a network system to implement a real-time consolidation. The consolidation yield management system includes at least one skirt server and a hub server. The skirt server chooses whether to build consol of its skirt Master Air Waybill or skirt Master Air Waybill to a hub Master Air Waybill of the hub server, and generates a hub Master Air Waybill number according to the hub Master Air Waybill, thus finishing the operation of building consol.

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

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and computer readable medium, for fulfilling a need for at least one perishable item, the method including reserving a plurality of perishable items with at least partially unknown attribute profiles from a supplier; receiving values for at least some of the reserved at least partially unknown attribute profiles, wherein the received values are determined by tests conducted after the reserving step; determining based on the received values which of the plurality of perishable items satisfy the need for the at least one perishable item; and if at least one of the plurality of perishable items does not satisfy the need for the at least one perishable item, unreserving the at least one perishable item of the plurality of perishable items determined not to satisfy the need for the at least one perishable item.

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 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: An inland freight management module for managing inland moves of freight from a plurality of vendor supply locations to port includes a profile maintenance component, a load planning component, and a load routing and booking component. The profile maintenance component is adapted for maintaining an inland planning zone profile including information relating to a plurality of inland planning zones generated according to one or more customs districts. The load planning component is programmed for planning field consolidation of one or more container loads via a multi-stop route between the plurality of vendor supply locations, where the multi-stop route is generated within one of the plurality of inland planning zones.

Abstract: A freight evaluation system for providing freight information with respect to an item of freight of an aircraft includes a freight evaluation unit for collecting and analyzing data of a freight loading system and a recognition system and for determining the current position of the item of freight therefrom.

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

Abstract: 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 computer system that is configured to: (A) define a geofence surrounding a geographic area; (B) gather information associated with the geofenced area; and (C) assign one or more parameters to the geofenced area based on the information gathered, wherein at least one of the assigned parameters is used to monitor the performance of a delivery vehicle driver while the delivery vehicle driver is operating a delivery vehicle within the geofenced area. In particular embodiments, the parameters include a backup limit defining a number of times a delivery vehicle operating within the geofenced area is permitted to back up while operating the delivery vehicle within the geofenced area (e.g., during a particular delivery cycle). In other embodiments, the parameters include a maximum speed limit for the geofenced area. The system may be adapted to automatically generate an alert in response to the delivery vehicle operating outside of the defined parameters.

Abstract: A computer system that is configured to: (A) define a geofence surrounding a geographic area; (B) gather information associated with the geofenced area; and (C) assign one or more parameters to the geofenced area based on the information gathered, wherein at least one of the assigned parameters is used to monitor the performance of a delivery vehicle driver while the delivery vehicle driver is operating a delivery vehicle within the geofenced area. In particular embodiments, the parameters include a backup limit defining a number of times a delivery vehicle operating within the geofenced area is permitted to back up while operating the delivery vehicle within the geofenced area (e.g., during a particular delivery cycle). In other embodiments, the parameters include a maximum speed limit for the geofenced area. The system may be adapted to automatically generate an alert in response to the delivery vehicle operating outside of the defined parameters.

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: A system and method in which a buyer registers for a buyer's shipping account and uses the shipping account to pay shipping costs associated with purchases made over the Internet. When a buyer purchases merchandise over the Internet from either a retailer's website or from an individual through an online auction, the buyer is capable of controlling the shipping process by logging on to their buyer's shipping account. Among other things, the buyer can use their shipping account to select the desired type of shipping service (overnight air or ground) and populate a shipping label with shipping information such as delivery address, return address, and preferred delivery time windows. Once the shipping label has been populated and verified, the shipping label is electronically transferred to the seller for use in shipping the package. The system and methods of the present invention allow the buyer greater control over the shipping process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a cost for moving fuel. A group of vehicles for moving the fuel from a starting location to a destination location is formed using user input. Operations for moving the fuel from the starting location to the destination location are identified using the user input. A set of additional vehicles for the group of vehicles is identified to form a current group of vehicles. Personnel for the current group of vehicles are identified. The cost for moving the fuel from the starting location to the destination location is identified using the current group of vehicles and the personnel.

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

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

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for measuring traffic quality in distribution using test mail into which a radio frequency identity tag is inserted. The system accepts at least one test distribution piece including a tag, and collects information of test distribution by sensing a tag included with the test distribution piece at measuring points for measuring a time from acceptance to delivery of a general distribution piece. The system generates a processing rate and a delivery rate of distribution based on information of the test distribution pieces collected from the measuring points.

Abstract: A computer receives two input documents, including a carrier product description file and a document that describes attributes of a type of mailing equipment. The computer extracts information from the documents and generates a provisioning document based at least in part on the extracted information. The provisioning document is suitable for controlling a piece of mailing equipment which belongs to the particular type of mailing equipment, in such a manner that the piece of mailing equipment generates mail pieces in compliance with the carrier product description file. The provisioning document includes a script for controlling operation of the piece of mailing equipment and data to be read by the piece of mailing equipment.

Abstract: An automated storage (2) and distribution system (ASDS) for storing and then distributing articles. The ASDS includes an entry means for controlling entry into the system of a plurality of closed shipping containers. A sensing means (10) determines the position of at least a portion of an outside surface of each one of the plurality of closed shipping containers that have entered into the system. An automated forming means (12) uses the determined position specific to each of the closed shipping containers to form an opening in each of the plurality of the shipping containers. A storing means (14) stores the plurality of opened shipping containers inside a storage area of the system.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for managing fuel costs, along with a corresponding apparatus, and a corresponding medium are described. The method includes receiving transaction information at a Network Administrator, the transaction information being associated with: (a) a shipper who has arranged for a shipment of goods from an origin to a destination; and (b) a corresponding carrier that has agreed to transport the shipment using a pre-determined maximum number of eligible units of fuel, where the fuel is purchased by the carrier at a pre-set base price per eligible unit, and where the fuel is purchased from pre-selected fueling locations. The maximum number of eligible units of fuel and the base price per eligible unit for the shipment are established between the shipper and the carrier, while the fueling locations are established by the Network Administrator. The actual price paid for the fuel is set by the market.

Abstract: Security checks may be implemented in computer systems or software to enforce security rules established by organizations and/or government entities. For example, the United States Transportation Security Administration and Canada Transport have recently established rules for air cargo transportation. When an air waybill is created, modified, and/or displayed a security check may be run on the air waybill. Rules for the air waybill may be selected according to a security code assigned to the air waybill. The security code may represent a country whose rules should be applied against the air waybill when performing the security check. If a security check is passed security information such as a security identifier may be displayed on the air waybill. If the security check fails a warning may be displayed to a user indicating which participant on the air waybill failed one of the security rules.

Abstract: A computer-based system and method for shipping and delivering a parcel, including reserving a terminal for a parcel; placing the parcel in the terminal, the parcel having a virtual delivery address of a recipient; picking up the parcel by a carrier; converting, through a central computer system, the virtual address into a postal address; delivering the parcel to a destination terminal drop-box corresponding to the postal address; notifying the recipient of the delivery of the parcel; and unlocking the drop-box only upon verifying the recipient's identity.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of a service that allows hard copy and electronic media customers to proactively specify, across a broad range of categories, the hard copy mail and/or electronic media mail that they would or would not like to receive. Embodiments include methods and systems configured to allow customers of delivery services to customize the flow of physical items such as hard copy or other letters or parcels, for delivery or electronic media mail from mailers based on highly specific customer-designated criteria. The delivery service acts as a trusted third party to serve as the intermediary between the recipient of the items and mailers to provide privacy and manage a repository for a customer-selected criteria database. In addition, one embodiment provides verification and/or identification that mail being sent meets the customer's designated criteria.

Abstract: Device for handing over an item to be delivered originating from a sender to be delivered to a recipient, includes a central processing unit, memories and an input device, wherein the processing unit is connected to the memory and to the input device, and the is set up to carry out: the identifying of the item to be delivered; the receiving via the input device of a delivery code from the recipient; the obtaining of delivery data for the item to be delivered from a database on the basis of the identification, wherein the delivery data include a control code for handover; the checking to determine whether the delivery code matches the control code of the obtained delivery data, and if the delivery code matches the control code, the generating of a handover signal, or, if the delivery code does not match the control code, the generating of a rejection signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing tote deliveries by a tote delivery service. The tote delivery service directs delivery of items ordered by customers via a network site to delivery addresses corresponding to the customers in reusable totes on upcoming tote delivery days. A user interface to the network site may provide a tote management user interface that includes one or more user interface elements via which a customer may view the customer's upcoming tote orders and modify the content, destination, or scheduling of upcoming totes. For example, the customer may move an item from one tote into another tote, remove or delete an item from a tote, and replicate an item or an entire tote order to another tote. A customer may have multiple tote delivery days and multiple delivery addresses; the tote management user interface enables the customer to manage tote deliveries across time and across location.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing tote deliveries by a tote delivery service. The tote delivery service directs delivery of items ordered by customers via a network site to delivery addresses corresponding to the customers in reusable totes on upcoming tote delivery days. The totes are reusable totes configured to be delivered from a delivery facility to delivery addresses on tote delivery days and picked up from the delivery addresses on subsequent tote delivery days. The network site may allow the customers to place items into totes to be returned to the delivery facility; the totes are picked up and returned to the facility, where the returned items are removed and processed, for example to be placed into to inventory or returned to a vendor or manufacturer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fulfilling tote delivery orders. A tote delivery service directs delivery of items ordered by customers via a network site to delivery addresses corresponding to the customers in reusable totes on assigned tote delivery days. Tote delivery data may be processed to generate bulk transfer data for fulfillment centers and zone delivery data for sortation nodes. Each fulfillment center may pick items indicated by the bulk transfer data and bulk transfer the items to particular sortation nodes. At a sortation node, the items in the received bulk transfers, and possibly items received from other sources such as direct transfers from vendors, are rebinned into totes corresponding to delivery addresses in zones. The totes are loaded onto delivery vehicles, which deliver the totes to the delivery addresses in particular zones served by the sortation node. The zones and tote delivery days may be determined by zip code.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for increasing the robustness of optimization solutions for bulk gas distribution, relative to uncertain events such as unexpected plant outages. The techniques actively consider different assumptions regarding unexpected plant outages while searching for a solution (i.e., when generating a delivery schedule). A robust solution (delivery schedule) is one on which a plant outage only has a limited impact. A computer-implemented delivery scheduling application may identify a robust solution that performs well with respect to a range of uncertain future conditions (e.g., a variety of plant outages), at the lowest additional cost to the producer/distributor relative to other solutions.