Patent ID: 8190533
Filing Date: 2012-05-29
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for managing fuel costs, comprising: receiving, compiling, manipulating, and storing transaction information by a Network Administrator loaded on a computer, the transaction information being associated with: (a) a shipper who has arranged for a shipment of goods along a pre-defined route from an origin to a destination; and (b) a corresponding carrier that has agreed to transport the shipment along the pre-defined route using (i) a pre-determined maximum number of eligible units of fuel, (ii) the fuel purchased by the carrier at a pre-set base price per eligible unit, and (iii) the fuel purchased from pre-selected fueling locations selected by the shipper; wherein the maximum number of eligible units of fuel and the base price per eligible unit for the shipment are established by the shipper, the base price per eligible unit of fuel is fixed before the shipment is made, and the fueling locations are established by the Network Administrator, provided that if the carrier can acquire fuel at a price more beneficial to the carrier than the pre-set base price, at a fueling location that is a non-preselected fueling location, the carrier may purchase the fuel at the non-pre-selected location; and transmitting to the computer on which the Network Administrator is loaded carrier fuel purchase information associated with fuel purchases made by the carrier at the pre-selected and non-pre-selected fueling locations.