Patent ID: 7653586
Filing Date: 2010-01-26
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A network-based, computer-implemented method of enabling a first user to purchase derivatives in freight capacity transported via at least two modes of transportation between a first location and a second location, comprising: receiving capacity release data from a plurality of carriers, said capacity release data pertaining at least to said two modes of transportation, wherein said receiving said capacity release data is performed by a computer; bundling capacity releases in accordance with a geographic bundling criterion to generate bundles, wherein said bundling is performed by said computer; creating a plurality of available derivative contracts using information associated with said bundles, wherein said creating is performed by said computer; receiving a derivative purchase request from said first user for capacity between said first location and said second location, said derivative purchase request having contract requirements that specify at least a shipment volume and a performance time, wherein said receiving said derivative purchase request is performed by said computer; obtaining from said plurality of derivative contracts a group of derivative contracts that satisfy said contract requirements, said obtaining being performed by said computer; selecting a subset of said group of derivative contracts to satisfy said derivative purchase request, said subset including at least a first derivative contract for a first mode of said two transportation modes and a second derivative contract for a second mode of said two transportation modes, said two transportation modes represent two from a set of air mode, sea mode, rail mode, and truck mode, said selecting being performed by said computer; displaying said group of derivative contracts in a first data section of a computer window on a computer display screen for viewing; and simultaneously displaying user-specific forecast data in a second data section of said computer window when said group of derivative contracts is displayed in said first data section of said computer window, said user-specific forecast data including demand forecasts made by shippers of demand between said first location and said second location, wherein said user-specific forecast data does not include forecasts associated with any shipper that has not expressed a prior implicit or explicit authorization for said first user to view the shipper's forecast data.