Patent ID: 8341092
Filing Date: 2012-12-25
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
1. A packaging method for packing an article in a container comprising the following steps: comparing a total package weight that includes the weight of a container, an article and a normal amount of dunnage, to a freight rate schedule and thereby determining a normal freight rate, including using a controller automatically to compare the total package weight to a freight rate schedule, the controller including a computer processor configured to carry out the following steps; where if predetermined criteria are met, controlling by the computer processor a supply of dunnage to output an amount of dunnage below that of the normal amount of dunnage such that the total package weight falls within a freight rate that is less than the normal freight rate; wherein the predetermined criteria include one or more of a predetermined percentage above a change in freight rate; a predetermined weight above a threshold weight for an increase in freight weight; dunnage requirements including void volume, degree of fill for the void volume, type of article, weight of article and type of dunnage; and if the predetermined criteria are not met, controlling by the computer processor the supply of dunnage to output the normal amount of dunnage.