Patent ID: 8478619
Filing Date: 2013-07-02
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A system for optimizing the shipment of merchandise, said system including: computer hardware, computer software stored on a computer and operating on a computer, or a combination of computer hardware and computer software stored on a computer and operating on a computer determining a shipment of merchandise, wherein said shipment is from a first shipper and from a second shipper to a first receiver and to a second receiver, wherein said computer hardware, computer software stored on a computer and operating on a computer, or a combination of computer hardware and computer software stored on a computer and operating on a computer: receives from said first receiver a first inventory determination determining the limits of merchandise required to be maintained at said first receiver according to one or more first metrics in response to first data received from said first receiver, and receives from said second receiver a second inventory determination determining the limits of merchandise required to be maintained at said second receiver according to one or more second metrics in response to second data received from said second receiver, wherein the shipment of said merchandise is optimized by determining one or more maximum loads of one or more transport vehicles at least in part by calculating an amount of merchandise for shipment by said one or more transport vehicles from said first and second shippers to said first and second receivers that reduces logistics costs and that results in shipment of merchandise within the limits of merchandise required to be maintained for said first inventory and within the limits of merchandise required to be maintained for said second inventory according to a calculation employing at least said one or more first metrics, said one or more second metrics, said first data, and said second data.