Abstract: Packages are received from multiple sources at one central facility. The approved and verified packages are then transported to different airlines for expedited transport. The method features receiving self-reported identification and objective security information about the source and/or the package, and maintaining a database of this information. The security information is evaluated for each of the packages, and they are selectively approved based on this evaluation.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a weight of a postal item from information associated with the generation of the postal item. A processor-based system accepts input of information including parameters associated with the context in which the postal item is being generated. These parameters may be accepted directly from a process which is generating the postal item or may be manually input. From these parameters, the system determines attributes of the postal item from which a determination of its weight may be made. The attributes may be specific to postal items generated by a particular user of the system or may be attributes found to generally represent postal items generated in the particular context indicated by the parameters.

Abstract: The invention is a method for brokering carrier capacity. The method comprises a dual path; one path that allows entry into a data processing system of available carrier capacity which is comprised of a list of parameters which define that capacity, and the second path which allows access to that capacity. Each entry point to the system has data entry means for either entering carrier capacity or entering a request for available routes, or both. Available capacity entries are confirmed, saved in a transportation database, and assigned a pre-transaction code. Path two involves entering a request for available capacity by defining a requested route based upon a list of parameters. The system compares available capacity with the requested route to determine whether or not a match exists. The system operator selects an appropriate matched entry which must then be confirmed. Upon confirmation, selected matches are saved to a transaction database and assigned a transaction code.

Abstract: The invention is a method for measuring the dimensions of a parcel through point determination which is initiated by placing a parcel on a weighing scale within a field of measurement which comprises a first known spatial relationship. In a preferred embodiment, an ultrasonic emitter is positioned at the outermost corner of the parcel. A sensor is placed on a line along each of the three axes ending at the outermost corner of the parcel; the lines representing the length, width, and height of the parcel and comprising the second known spatial relationship. The emitter transmits a pulse to the sensors. Each of the lines is then measured by determining a length of time from emission of the pulse to reception of the pulse by the sensors.

Abstract: A dimensional weighing apparatus is disclosed which has a weighing scale for determining the actual weight of a carton placed thereon, and associated therewith is a measuring frame having movable carton contact means for measuring the linear distance of the three axes of a carton positioned on the scale necessary to determine the volume of the carton. A computer processing means determines firstly whether the actual volume of the carton is less or greater than a predetermined threshold volume, and if greater, calculates a dimensional weight of the carton and compares the dimensional weight of the carton with the actual weight to determine which weight is the larger, and sends a signal indicative of the larger weight to a shipping system which calculates a realistic shipping charge for the carton based on the weight determined by the dimensional weighing apparatus to be the larger of the two weights.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to the generation, transmission, reception and/or use electronically, of parcel manifest and inquiry data over a carrier management or shipping system that utilizes electronic data interchange or EDI. This generation, transmission, reception and/or use of EDI will replace or reduce the current methods of using paper manifests and manual phone inquiries associated with carrier management and shipping systems.