Abstract:
A computerized system for selecting a cargo carrier includes a host computer system having access to data of a cargo carrier. The host computer system is accessed by a user via an internet connection. Input means are provided for receiving information from the user into the host computer system concerning cargo to be transported. Output means are provided for sending information to a user of possible cargo transportation options.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This invention claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional patent application identified as Application No. 60/141,947, filed Jul. 1, 1999. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates generally to a system of marine, air and land transportation of cargo, freight, materials, and goods . In particular, this invention is concerned with a computerized system for selecting a cargo transporter and arranging for the transportation of cargo. This system is accessible to users via an Internet web site.  
           [0003]    Air and marine cargo carriers provide transportation services from ports of loading to ports of discharge. Land (road and rail) cargo carriers provide transportation services from distribution and other pick-up points to various delivery points. Customers or users can contact a carrier directly or through an agent to determine itineraries and prices. In order to determine which carrier provides the best match of service (type of cargo transported, price, delivery time, etc.), it may be necessary to contact several carriers. Contacting many carriers to determine a match and arrange for the transportation of cargo may be time-consuming and complex.  
           [0004]    Historically, agents played a large role in marketing and selling space on a cargo vessel such as a ship, an aircraft, or a truck. The large number of options for global cargo transportation services requires that many factors be considered when selecting a cargo carrier. Furthermore, many market factors can significantly affect prices charged for transportation services.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    This invention includes a computerized system for transporting cargo with marine, air, and land carriers. The computerized system receives inputs from a user such as port of loading, port of discharge, and type of cargo. The system determines and displays carriers that provide service for the desired route and cargo. The system also provides information such as prices and customs requirements and enables a user to book the transportation of cargo. The system also creates a record of the desired service so that a user or an agent can use the information to finalize a transaction at a later time.  
           [0006]    In a preferred embodiment, a computerized system for selecting a cargo carrier includes a host computer system having access to data of a cargo carrier. The host computer system is accessed by a user via an internet connection. Input means are provided for receiving information from the user into the host computer system concerning cargo to be transported. Output means are provided for sending information to a user of possible cargo transportation options.  
           [0007]    Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, when read in light of the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]    [0008]FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a computerized system for transporting cargo according to this invention.  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a host computer system illustrated as part of the system in FIG. 1.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 3 is a title or start computer screen generated by the host computer system illustrated in FIG. 2.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 4 is an example display page generated by the host computer system asking what type of cargo is to be shipped and what is the desired port of loading.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 5 is an example display page generated by the host computer system listing sample ports of loading in North America.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 6 is an example display page generated by the host computer system asking what is the desired port of discharge.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 7 is an example display page generated by the host computer system listing sample ports of discharge in Africa.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 8 is an example display page generated by the host computer system indicating a selected port of loading and a selected port of discharge.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 9 is an example display page generated by the host computer system showing available itineraries from all carriers providing the requested service between the selected port of loading and the selected port of discharge.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 10 is an example display page generated by the host computer system showing input windows for user id, password, and others.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 11 is an example display page generated by the host computer system asking for dimensional cargo information.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 12 is an example display page generated by the host computer system asking for cars, vans, and trucks cargo information.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 13 is an example display page generated by the host computer system asking for break bulk cargo information.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 14 is an example display page generated by the host computer system asking for containers cargo information.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 15 is an example display page generated by the host computer system showing available itineraries for the entered cargo.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 16 is an example display page generated by the host computer system showing payment options for the entered cargo.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 17 is an example display page generated by the host computer system related to Bill of Lading information.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 18 is a second example display page generated by the host computer system related to Bill of Lading information.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 19 is an example display page generated by the host computer system listing a vessel itinerary.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0027]    A schematic illustration of a computerized system for transporting cargo, freight, materials, and goods according to this invention is indicated generally at  10  in FIG. 1. Individual computer systems  12 A,  12 B, and  12 C of oceanic or marine cargo carriers are preferably connected to a computer system  20  of a host computer system. Individual computer systems  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C of air cargo carriers are preferably connected to the host computer system  20 . Individual computer systems  16 A,  16 B, and  16 C of land cargo carriers are preferably connected to the host computer system  20 . The individual computer systems  12 A- 12 C,  14 A- 14 C, and  16 A- 16 C contain information such as itineraries for vessels, aircraft, and vehicles, available space, price, etc. This information can be linked to the host computer system  20  by an internet connection. This information can also be transmitted to the host computer system  20  by any desired means, including an internet transfer.  
         [0028]    The host computer system  20  is connected to the internet  30 . A domain name is provided so that internet users can contact the host computer system  20 . An example of a domain name for the host computer system  20  is carriersnet.com.  
         [0029]    Users  40  who wish to transport cargo, freight, materials, or goods can access the host computer system  20  through an on-line connection via the internet  30 . Upon contacting the host computer system  20 , a series of questions can guide a user to the available options for transporting the cargo. For example, the prompts can start with questions such as “port of loading?” and “port of discharge?” Graphic illustrations can accompany the prompts to assist the user. For example, a graphic illustration may include a map may with various click-on portions so that a user can point-and-click to expedite and ease the task of answering the prompts.  
         [0030]    A schematic block diagram of the host computer system  20  is illustrated in FIG. 2. The host computer system  20  includes a central processing unit (CPU)  22  that includes software. An input device  24 , such as a mouse, has an output connected to an input of the CPU  22 . A video signal output of the CPU  22  is connected to an input of a monitor  26 . The CPU  22  can include a sound card for generating an audio signal at an audio output connected to an input of a speaker  28 . An input/output port of the CPU  22  is connected to an input/output port of a memory  29  that can be a hard drive for storing operating system software and an application program for performing steps according to this invention.  
         [0031]    A system according to this invention for electronically selecting a cargo carrier and booking transportation of cargo is described below. A user  40  can access the web site of the host computing system  20  via the internet  30 . Software contained in the CPU  22  can receive inputs from a user  40  and transmit responses to the user  40 .  
         [0032]    An example start screen is indicated generally at  50  in FIG. 3. The screen  50  is generated by software of the host computing system  20 . The start screen can prompt a user  40  in the use of the system  10 . An example of a beginning prompt is to ask a user  40  to select one of three transporting options: oceanway  51 , skyway  52 , and land  53 . A used can point-and-click on a button for one of the options  51 ,  52 , and  53 .  
         [0033]    An example display page is indicated generally at  60  in FIG. 4. The page  60  can prompt a user  40  to select a port of loading option  61 . The user  40  can be assisted by a global illustration  62 . The global illustration  62  can be rotated by clicking on arrows  63  or  64  to show a desired part of the world.  
         [0034]    An example display page is indicated generally at  70  in FIG. 5. A map  72  can assist the user  40 . The map  72  can include numerous ports of loading that can be selected by clicking.  
         [0035]    An example display page is indicated generally at  80  in FIG. 6. The page  80  can prompt a user  40  to select a port of discharge option  81 . The user  40  can be assisted by a global illustration  82 . The global illustration  82  can be rotated by clicking on arrows  83  or  84  to show a desired part of the world.  
         [0036]    An example display page is indicated generally at  90  in FIG. 7. A map  92  can assist the user  40 . The map  92  can include numerous ports of discharge that can be selected by clicking.  
         [0037]    After a user has selected a port of loading  61  and a porting of discharge  81 , an example display page indicated generally at  100  in FIG. 8 is generated by the host computing system  20 . In the example display page  100 , Miami has been selected as the port of loading  61  and Abidjan has been selected as the port of discharge  81 .  
         [0038]    The host computer system  20  will analyze inputs from the user  40  and provide available transportation options. An example display page indicated generally at  110  in FIG. 9 lists available itineraries  112 . Example of itinerary information includes vessel, voyage, Estimated Time of Departure, and Estimated Time of Arrival.  
         [0039]    The host computer system  20  can also provide a quote, book cargo, and insurance, customs, and bill of lading (B/L) information. The host computer system  20  can also provide the client  40  with information regarding agents based on inputs received from the client  40 . Input collected by the host computer system  20  can be forwarded to an agent for use in assisting the client  40 .  
         [0040]    The host computer system  20  can be set up with a user id and password system  122  as illustrated in the example display page  120  of FIG. 10. An inquiry number  124  and an electronic booking confirmation  126  can be created by the host computer system  20 . A user  40  can enter this information at page  120  to access the host computer system  20 . Port of loading customs information  127  and port of loading insurance information  128  can be provided to the user  40 .  
         [0041]    An example display page is indicated generally at  130  in FIG. 11. The page  130  can prompt a user  40  to what type of cargo is to be shipped. For example, four options can be presented: dimensional cargo  131 , cars, vans, trucks  132 , break bulk  133 , and containers  134 . When the dimensional cargo option  131  is selected, the user  40  is prompted to enter measurements and dimensional information in box  135 . The user  40  can be assisted with illustrations by clicking on window  136 .  
         [0042]    When the cars, vans, truck option  132  is selected, an example display page  140  illustrated in FIG. 12 is generated by the host computer system  20 . The user  40  is prompted to enter vehicular information in box  145 . The user  40  can be assisted with illustrations by clicking on window  146 .  
         [0043]    When the break bulk option  133  is selected, an example display page  150  illustrated in FIG. 13 is generated by the host computer system  20 . The user  40  is prompted to enter vehicular information in box  155 . The user  40  can be assisted with illustrations by clicking on window  156 .  
         [0044]    When the containers option  134  is selected, an example display page  160  illustrated in FIG. 14 is generated by the host computer system  20 . The user  40  is prompted to enter vehicular information in box  165 . The user  40  can be assisted with illustrations by clicking on window  166 .  
         [0045]    After the ports of loading and discharge and the type of cargo information have been entered, the host computer system  20  can generate an example display page  170  illustrated in FIG. 15. A shipment list  172  and available itineraries  174  are transmitted to the user  40 . An inquiry number  176  can be generated and transmitted. The inquiry number  176  permits the user  40  to return to the host computer system  20  within a specified period and receive updates concerning the shipping options, prices, and the like.  
         [0046]    The host computer system  20  can also assist the user  40  with payment options  182  as illustrated in example display page  180  shown in FIG. 16. Other information such as agent information  184  can be transmitted to the user  40 . The host computer system  20  can generate an electronic booking confirmation (EBC)  186 . The EBC  186  can be used to track a shipment and determine other factors related to a shipment, such as bill of lading instructions.  
         [0047]    An example display page is indicated generally at  190  in FIG. 17. Bill of lading information in box  192  can be generated by the host computer system  20  and transmitted to the user  40 . Additional information in box  202  of example display page  200  of FIG. 18 can be generated by the host computer system  20 .  
         [0048]    Additional information such as a vessel itinerary  212  and delivery information  214  of example display page  210  of FIG. 19 can be generated by the host computer system  20 .  
         [0049]    A user  40  can access the host computer system  20  to select options for the transportation of cargo, freight, materials, and goods. The system  20  is an interactive system that provides flexibility and updates to the user  40 . For example, a user  40  can select a certain cargo transportation carrier, a certain vessel, a certain itinerary, first vessel to available, first vessel to arrive at the port of discharge, price, etc. These selections are available in an efficient manner via an internet connection.  
         [0050]    In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the principle and mode of operation of this invention has been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope. For example, various display pages have been presented that permit a user  40  to enter information into the host computer system  20 . Various display pages have been presented that can be generated by the host computer system  20 . Information related to transporting cargo other that the specific examples listed above are within the scope of this system. Additional or different inputs can be received into the host computer system  20 . Additional or different outputs can be generated by the host computer system  20  and transmitted to a user  40 .