PIECE VERSUS MULTI-PIECE CARRIER OPTIMIZATION

Examples provide a system and method for optimizing single piece versus multi-piece shipment for source-carrier combinations. A manager component calculates an estimated shipping cost for all possible combinations of source-carrier associated with delivery of items from the source to a destination. The system iteratively calculates a cost for shipping the item with every combination of carriers and sources as a single piece only packaging, as well as a multi-piece packaging where applicable based on rate cards for the carriers. The combination of source-carrier and boxing method providing the lowest estimated shipping cost in a plurality of calculated shipping costs is selected for order fulfillment. The selected carrier is assigned to deliver the ordered items from the source location to the destination location. A notification can be sent to the user identifying the selected carrier and estimated date of delivery of the items.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, when a customer orders multiple items from a single seller, the seller attempts to consolidate the ordered items into a single box or other container for shipping to the customer. Where items are shipped in large trucks as freight or by air, consolidated packing reduces overall shipping costs. However, these large, consolidated packages sometimes require the use of specialized equipment or multiple people to carry or move the packages due to their increased weight. Moreover, carriers frequently now utilize a wide variety of smaller vehicles for deliveries rather than relying solely on large trucks. For example, carriers may utilize vans, cars, pickup trucks, and even two-wheeled vehicles for deliveries, as these smaller vehicles can be more cost effective. In such cases, these vehicles may be unable to accommodate large packages inside trunks and other smaller storage spaces.

SUMMARY

Some examples provide a computer-implemented method for managing piece and multi-piece carriers for item shipment. Order data is received from a user device. The order data includes an identification of a set of items, a delivery destination, and a delivery time-period. A manager component analyzes a plurality of carrier rates obtained from a plurality of rate cards associated with a plurality of carriers available for delivery of the set of items from at least one source location to the delivery destination. The plurality of rate cards includes a set of single piece rate cards describing rates for shipping the set of items in a single container and a set of multi-piece rate cards describing rates for shipping the set of items in two or more separate containers. The manager component calculates a plurality of shipping cost values based on the plurality of carrier rates and item data associated with the set of items. The item data includes item weight and item dimensions for each item in the set of items. The manager component identifies a lowest shipping cost value in the plurality of shipping cost values. Each value in the plurality of shipping cost values corresponds to a calculated cost for shipping the set of items packaged according to a selected boxing method for delivery to the delivery destination from a selected source by a selected carrier in the plurality of carriers. The plurality of shipping cost values includes at least one shipping cost value for each carrier-source pair. The manager component selects a carrier from the plurality of carriers and the boxing method corresponding to the lowest shipping cost value in the plurality of shipping cost values. The boxing method specifying a number of containers into which the set of items are packaged for shipping. The boxing method is a single-piece boxing method or a multi-piece boxing method. The manager component provides a notification to the user device. The notification identifies the selected carrier and the number of containers selected to ship the set of items to the delivery destination within the delivery time-period.

Other examples provide a system for managing piece and multi-piece carriers for item shipment. The system includes a memory and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory. Order data, including an identification of a set of items, a delivery destination, and a delivery time-period, is received. A plurality of carrier rates are obtained from a plurality of rate cards associated with a plurality of carriers available for delivery of the set of items from at least one source location to the delivery destination are analyzed. The plurality of rate cards includes a set of single piece rate cards describing rates for shipping the set of items in a single container and a set of multi-piece rate cards describing rates for shipping the set of items in two or more separate containers. A plurality of shipping cost values are calculated based on the plurality of carrier rates and item data associated with the set of items. the item data includes item weight and item dimensions for each item in the set of items. Each value in the plurality of shipping cost values corresponding to a calculated cost for shipping the set of items packaged according to a selected boxing method for delivery to the delivery destination from a selected source by a selected carrier in the plurality of carriers. The plurality of shipping cost values includes at least one shipping cost value for each carrier-source pair. A carrier is selected from the plurality of carriers and the boxing method corresponding to a lowest shipping cost value in the plurality of shipping cost values. The boxing method specifies a number of containers into which the set of items are packaged for shipping. The boxing method includes a single-piece or a multi-piece boxing method. The selected carrier is assigned to transport the set of items from the selected source to the delivery destination.

Still other examples provide one or more computer storage media, having computer-executable instructions for managing piece and multi-piece carriers for item shipment that, when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform operations. The operations include obtaining a plurality of carrier rates from a plurality of rate cards associated with a plurality of carriers available for delivery of a set of items from at least one source location to a delivery destination. A plurality of shipping cost values are calculated based on the plurality of carrier rates and item data associated with the set of items. The lowest shipping cost value is identified. The carrier and boxing method associated with the lowest shipping cost value is selected for transport of the items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A more detailed understanding can be obtained from the following description, presented by way of example, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The entities, connections, arrangements, and the like that are depicted in, and in connection with the various figures, are presented by way of example and not by way of limitation. As such, any and all statements or other indications as to what a particular figure depicts, what a particular element or entity in a particular figure is or has, and any and all similar statements, that can in isolation and out of context be read as absolute and therefore limiting, can only properly be read as being constructively preceded by a clause such as “In at least some examples, . . . ” For brevity and clarity of presentation, this implied leading clause is not repeated ad nauseum.

For ecommerce users, it is desirable to optimize transportation cost incurred to deliver customer packages (items packaged in different sizes of boxes) by selecting the most affordable or least expensive carrier to deliver the packaged (boxed) items to a destination. The primary objective is to minimize the transportation cost while continuing to deliver package(s) as fast as possible.

The traditional approach has been to optimize transportation by reducing the number of boxes used to fulfill a shipment. In some examples, the general notion of packaging and delivering items is to pack the items of an order into a single box to decrease transportation and handling costs. However, that is not always the best way to optimize transportation and reduce shipping costs. There have been recent changes in the transportation industry with inclusion of crowd sourced delivery.

The last mile delivery is most expensive and time-consuming part of the transportation. Many carriers prefer to use small trucks for last mile delivery where packaging items efficiently into multiple smaller boxes provides a greater advantage as it allows for an easier way of handling multiple smaller packages compared to larger packages. For some of the carriers, it is more convenient to ship multiple small boxes as compared to one big box.

For this reason, some carriers have recently begun to offer two types of rate cards for calculating item shipping costs, a piece rate card and a multi-piece rate card. A piece rate card enables charging as per billable weight of each box. A multi-Piece Rate Card enables billing for aggregate billable weight of multiple boxes in a single shipment to a single destination. Also, given that carriers are not spending extra effort to deliver multiple packages to a single destination, it provides them with an opportunity to provide better rates to the customers to gain more business.

Carrier charges for shipping items are typically calculated based on combination of transportation distances, single or multiple destinations, size of packages handled, volume of packages handled and/or type of items handled. One of the recent trends has been charging clients based on charging overall packages to be delivered to a destination instead of charging for each individual package because carriers are not spending extra effort to deliver multiple packages to a single destination. This provides carriers with an opportunity to provide better rates to the customers to gain more business.

A piece versus multi-piece shipment (PVS) carrier rate card offering, including both single piece rate cards and multi-piece rate cards for carriers is valuable because e-commerce business generally deals with delivering shipments to the customer which might include multiple packages of varying dimensions and weights. Only considering single piece-based card or only utilizing multi-piece-based rate cards may not provide the optimal cost. Therefore, the manager component chooses the rate cards in a hybrid fashion followed by efficient box selection (boxing of items) and efficient carrier selection leading to optimizing the transportation cost. Controlling transportation costs ensures better margins are obtained on sales, this enables users to realize significant business value.

Some non-limiting examples of the disclosure enable a system to intelligently determine carrier selection which can deliver packaged(boxed) items to customer address(es) while minimizing the transportation cost and ensuring delivery occurs as fast as possible.

Referring to the figures, examples of the disclosure enable a system for optimizing piece versus multi-piece shipment carriers for delivering items from a source to a destination while minimizing the shipping costs. In some examples, a manager component calculates the shipping costs for all available carriers capable of delivering two or more items from a source to a destination within a selected delivery time-period using single piece packaging for both items and using multi-piece packaging of both items in a single box. In this manner, the system automatically calculates all possible rates/cost of shipping the item from any available source by any available carrier.

In other examples, the system identifies the lowest shipping cost value for shipping one or more items, whether by single piece carrier or multi-piece carrier. This enables the user to select the most affordable shipping method and the most cost-effective packaging method while ensuring timely delivery of the item.

In yet other examples, a carrier providing the lowest shipping rates for either piece or multi-piece packaging is selected to deliver a set of two or more items from a source to a destination within a selected delivery time-period. The system automatically identifies the optimized combination of source and carrier with boxing method that provides the lowest shipping costs to the user. This enables reduced shipping costs and increased speed of delivery for users.

With piece vs multi-piece carrier analysis, the system optimizes shipping to improve savings in the transportation cost incurred by users. The system enables configuration of piece and multi-piece carriers, which has the direct impact on the savings in the transportation cost. A cost-based boxing algorithm is utilized to optimize item packaging. In this manner, the system avoids accessorial charges which might be applicable. With PVS and optimized boxing, the system further saves money, lessens wastage of packaging material, and cuts down energy consumption of carriers to ship the boxes.

Referring again toFIG. 1, an exemplary block diagram illustrates a system100for optimizing piece versus multipiece shipment (PVS) carrier management. In the example ofFIG. 1, the computing device102represents any device executing computer-executable instructions104(e.g., as application programs, operating system functionality, or both) to implement the operations and functionality associated with the computing device102. The computing device102in some examples includes a mobile computing device or any other portable device. A mobile computing device includes, for example but without limitation, a mobile telephone, laptop, tablet, computing pad, netbook, gaming device, and/or portable media player.

The computing device102can also include less-portable devices such as servers, desktop personal computers, kiosks, or tabletop devices. Additionally, the computing device102can represent a group of processing units or other computing devices.

In some examples, the computing device102has at least one processor106and a memory108. The computing device102in other examples includes a user interface component110.

The processor106includes any quantity of processing units and is programmed to execute the computer-executable instructions104. The computer-executable instructions104is performed by the processor106, performed by multiple processors within the computing device102or performed by a processor external to the computing device102. In some examples, the processor106is programmed to execute instructions such as those illustrated in the figures (e.g.,FIG. 8,FIG. 9,FIG. 10,FIG. 11,FIG. 12,FIG. 13,FIG. 14,FIG. 15,FIG. 16,FIG. 17, andFIG. 18).

The computing device102further has one or more computer-readable media, such as the memory108. The memory108includes any quantity of media associated with or accessible by the computing device102. The memory108, in these examples, is internal to the computing device102(as shown inFIG. 1). In other examples, the memory108is external to the computing device (not shown) or both (not shown). The memory108can include read-only memory and/or memory wired into an analog computing device.

The memory108stores data, such as one or more applications. The applications, when executed by the processor106, operate to perform functionality on the computing device102. The applications can communicate with counterpart applications or services such as web services accessible via a network112. In an example, the applications represent downloaded client-side applications that correspond to server-side services executing in a cloud.

In other examples, the user interface component110includes a graphics card for displaying data to the user and receiving data from the user. The user interface component110can also include computer-executable instructions (e.g., a driver) for operating the graphics card. Further, the user interface component110can include a display (e.g., a touch screen display or natural user interface) and/or computer-executable instructions (e.g., a driver) for operating the display. The user interface component110can also include one or more of the following to provide data to the user or receive data from the user: speakers, a sound card, a camera, a microphone, a vibration motor, one or more accelerometers, a BLUETOOTH® brand communication module, global positioning system (GPS) hardware, and a photoreceptive light sensor. In a non-limiting example, the user inputs commands or manipulates data by moving the computing device102in one or more ways.

The network112is implemented by one or more physical network components, such as, but without limitation, routers, switches, network interface cards (NICs), and other network devices. The network112is any type of network for enabling communications with remote computing devices, such as, but not limited to, a local area network (LAN), a subnet, a wide area network (WAN), a wireless (Wi-Fi) network, or any other type of network. In this example, the network112is a WAN, such as the Internet. However, in other examples, the network112is a local or private LAN.

In some examples, the system100optionally includes a communications interface component114. The communications interface component114includes a network interface card and/or computer-executable instructions (e.g., a driver) for operating the network interface card. Communication between the computing device102and other devices, such as but not limited to a user device116and/or a cloud server118, can occur using any protocol or mechanism over any wired or wireless connection. In some examples, the communications interface component114is operable with short range communication technologies such as by using near-field communication (NFC) tags.

The user device116represents any device executing computer-executable instructions. The user device116can be implemented as a mobile computing device, such as, but not limited to, a wearable computing device, a mobile telephone, laptop, tablet, computing pad, netbook, gaming device, and/or any other portable device. The user device116includes at least one processor and a memory. The user device116can also include a user interface component.

The cloud server118is a logical server providing services to the computing device102or other clients, such as, but not limited to, the user device116. The cloud server118is hosted and/or delivered via the network112. In some non-limiting examples, the cloud server118is associated with one or more physical servers in one or more data centers. In other examples, the cloud server118is associated with a distributed network of servers.

The system100can optionally include a data storage device120for storing data, such as, but not limited to order data122, carrier rates124and/or container options126. The order data122is data associated with an order to purchase one or more item(s)128created by a user, such as, but not limited to, via an e-commerce online order. The order data122includes data describing the item(s)128, the destination130for the order and/or preferences132. The preferences132are carrier preferences. In other examples, the preferences132can include preferences associated with a service level agreement with a customer.

The destination130is the delivery address. The delivery address can be a home (residence) address, a business address, a store address for later pickup, and/or the location of an order pickup kiosk. The preferences132are preferences for the order, such as, but not limited to, delivery time-period, sign on delivery (SOD) preferences, time of day for delivery, or any other preferences.

The preferences132reflect the services which are available from a particular carrier. For example, one carrier may be capable of providing SOD options while another carrier is unable to provide SOD services. In another example, one carrier may be willing to delivery packages on weekends while another carrier prefers not to provide delivery services on weekends. Thus, in these examples, the preferences132refers to carrier capabilities and services provided by each carrier.

The rates124includes one or more shipping rates for one or more packages by a selected carrier based on the size (dimensions) and weight of the package, type of item being shipped, destination130, and/or any other variables influencing carrier rates.

The container options126are available options for boxing, bagging or otherwise packaging one or more ordered item(s) in a container for shipping. The container options126vary for each possible source because each source may have different containers available for boxing the items in preparation for shipping from the source. For example, a warehouse may have three different container (box) sizes available that would be suitable for packaging one or more ordered items. Another possible source which is able to provide the ordered items for pickup by a carrier may have four different container (box) sizes available in which the ordered item(s) can be boxed for shipping. The system employs a boxing algorithm to determine the optimized box size for each item based on the available box sizes at each source location.

A container134can include, without limitation, a box, bag, sack, wooden crate, plastic wrap, shipping crate, or any other type of packaging for shipping an item. A box can include a cardboard box, wooden box, plastic box, or any other type of box.

The data storage device120can include one or more different types of data storage devices, such as, for example, one or more rotating disks drives, one or more solid state drives (SSDs), and/or any other type of data storage device. The data storage device120in some non-limiting examples includes a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) array. In other examples, the data storage device120includes a database, such as, but not limited to, the database308inFIG. 3below.

The data storage device120in this example is included within the computing device102, attached to the computing device, plugged into the computing device, or otherwise associated with the computing device102. In other examples, the data storage device120includes a remote data storage accessed by the computing device via the network112, such as a remote data storage device, a data storage in a remote data center, or a cloud storage.

The manager component136is a software component stored on the memory108and executed by the processor106. The manager component136receives the order data122from the user device116and/or an e-commerce website or other application via the network112. The order data122identifies a set of one or more items128, a delivery destination130for the ordered items, and/or preferences132. The preferences can include a preferred delivery time-period, preferred delivery methods, and other user preferences. The manager component136obtains the carrier rates124for a plurality of carriers capable of delivering the item(s) to the user138at the destination130from at least one source location.

A source is a source of at least one item ordered by a user. A source can be implemented as, for example but without limitation, a distribution center (DC), warehouse, a store, a third-party provider, marketplace seller, or any other source of an item.

The rates124include single piece rates and multi-piece rates for delivering items. The rates124vary based on the weight of an item, dimensions of an item, delivery location, delivery distance, delivery dates, types of items, etc.

The manager component136calculates shipping cost values for every possible combination of item sources and carriers using single piece packaging and multi-piece packaging. Using the plurality of calculated cost values, the manager component136performs source-carrier selection140and piece v. multi-piece selection142to select a carrier and a boxing method.

In other examples, the manager component136provides a notification144to the user device identifying the selected carrier and the number of containers selected to ship the set of items to the delivery destination within the delivery time-period. The notification may be transmitted to the user device116via the network112. The notification can be displayed on a user interface device of the user device116.

In some examples, the notification144provides information associated with the source-carrier selection140, the expected delivery date, and other order-related information associated with order fulfillment.

FIG. 2is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a mapping200of source-carrier pairs for delivery of items to a destination202. In some examples, a set of two or more items204is ordered by a user, such as, but not limited to, an item206. The system identifies all sources which can provide the set of items204for delivery to the user. In this example, the available sources of the set of items204includes a source208at a first location209and a source210at a second location211. The first location is a different location than the second location211. The system maps each available carrier which is capable of picking the set of items up from each source and delivering the item(s) to the delivery destination202.

In this non-limiting example, a carrier212maps to source208, indicating that the carrier212can deliver the set of items204from the source208to the delivery destination202. The carrier214maps to both the source208and the source210. In other words, the carrier214can deliver the set of items204from the source208or the source210. The carrier216can deliver items from the source210.

The system identifies every possible source-carrier combination for delivery of the ordered items to the destination based on all possible sources and all possible carriers capable of performing the delivery in accordance with the order requirements and user preferences. In this example, there are three possible source-carrier combinations. A first combination is source208with carrier212. A second possible source-carrier combination is source208and carrier214. A third possible source-carrier combination in this example is source210and carrier214. A fourth possible source-carrier combination is source210and carrier216.

The system calculates shipping cost values for every combination of source-carrier and every boxing method available. The boxing method refers to single piece packaging in which two or more items are packaged in a single container or multi-piece packaging in which two or more items are packaged in two or more packages for shipping to minimize total billable weight of the containers in the shipment.

In this non-limiting example, the carrier212provides single piece218rate cards for shipping. The carrier214provides multi-piece rate cards for shipping. The carrier216provides both single piece218rate cards and multi-piece rate cards for shipping. In other words, the carrier216provides shipping options for both single piece and multi-piece shipping.

The system calculates the shipping cost for every possible combination of source-carrier and boxing method (piece or multi-piece). In this example, there are five possible combinations. The first combination is the piece rate for the source208-carrier212combination. The second combination is the multi-piece220rate for the source208-carrier214. The third combination is the multi-piece rate for the source210-carrier214combination. The fourth combination is piece218rate for the source210-carrier216combination. The fifth combination is the multi-piece220rate for the source210-carrier216combination. Thus, in this example, the system calculates five different shipping costs for shipping the set of items from a source to the destination.

The system automatically selects the source-carrier combination and boxing method associated with the lowest shipping cost estimate. If the lowest shipping cost estimate is associated with shipping the set of items from the source210via the carrier214using multi-piece boxing method, then the carrier214is selected to deliver the set of items from the source210to the delivery destination202. The set of items are packages in two or more boxes at the source210for transit based on the size (dimensions) and weight of each item in the set of items, in accordance with a boxing algorithm, as discussed below.

In another example, if the lowest shipping cost is associated with the source208and carrier212combination, the set of items are consolidated into a single container for shipping. The container is picked up by the carrier212from the source208for delivery to the delivery destination202.

In this example, the mapping includes two sources and three carriers. However, the examples are not limited to two sources and three carriers. The mapping between possible sources and available carriers can include any number of sources and carriers. For example, the set of sources can include a single sources, as well as three or more sources. Likewise, the set of available carriers qualified to transport the set of items to the destination can include a single carrier, two carriers, as well as four or more carriers.

FIG. 3is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a system300for optimizing PVS carriers. A user302provides carrier setup and configuration of carrier information by entering the carrier information into a user interface (UI)304for processing by the multichannel sourcing system (MCSE)320and storage in the database308. In some examples, the carrier configuration is performed using information obtained from one or more carrier rate cards.

The database308is a data store for storing data, such as, but not limited to, carrier data310describing one or more carriers, inventory data312identifying items in inventory at one or more sources, and/or source data314describing one or more sources. In some examples, the database308is implemented as an Oracle® database.

A data feed processing system316in other examples processing live streaming data flowing from a database (DB) management system318and/or the MCSE320. The data feed processing system316in some non-limiting examples can be implemented as an Apache Kafka® system.

In some examples, a customer328(user) creates a new order330via a user device116accessing an e-commerce source, such as a website334. An order management system332facilitates order creation and forwards order data to the MCSE320. The MCSE320analyzes inventory data312, carrier data310and/or source data314to identify a carrier322, source324and/or box method326providing a lowest shipping cost for shipping the ordered items from the source324to the customer's selected destination (pickup location or delivery address). The box method326determines whether the item(s) for order fulfillment are shipped as single piece or multi-piece packaging.

FIG. 4is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a manager component136. In some examples, the manager component136includes a carrier configuration402component. The carrier configuration402configures a plurality of carriers404for utilization in selecting a carrier for order fulfillment. The carrier configuration is performed using information from a plurality of rate cards406for each carrier in the plurality of carriers404. The plurality of rate cards406includes a plurality of carrier rates408. The plurality of rate cards406includes piece rate cards410and multi-piece rate cards412.

In some examples, a rate card for a given carrier provides various rates for packages or other items based on the item identifier (ID)415, dimensions418, weight416of the item, and other attributes414. An order analysis411component in some examples analyzes order420data to identify the item ID415, attributes414, weight416and/or dimensions418.

The order information is utilized by the source and carrier identification422to identify a set of one or more sources426capable of providing the set of items for delivery. The order420information is utilized by the source and carrier identification422to identify a set of one or more carriers430from the plurality of carriers428available for picking up the set of items from at least one source and delivering the item(s) to the destination within the delivery time-period promised to the user.

In other examples, a set of filters432are applied to the plurality of sources424and/or the plurality of carriers428to identify the set of sources426and/or the set of carriers430. In this example, the set of filters432include filters for eliminating sources based on date(s) for processing the items and/or locations434of the sources relative to the carriers and/or the destination. The set of filters432in other examples includes filters for filtering carriers from the plurality of carriers428based on speed438related factors and/or non-speed440related factors.

Speed related factors are factors which impact the speed with which one or more items are delivered by a carrier. A speed related filter can include a filter for identifying carriers which cannot deliver the items within the specified delivery timeframe.

A non-speed related filter can include filters for removing carriers which cannot satisfy service-level agreements unrelated to delivery times and dates. A non-speed related factor can include whether a carrier can deliver an item with sign-on delivery (SOD), whether a carrier can handle hazardous (hazmat) materials, whether the carrier vehicle is refrigerated or temperature controlled for delivery of temperature-sensitive items, etc.

A carrier cost calculator442is a software component for calculating cost per carrier-source pair446based on a boxing method448. The boxing method448is determined based on rates for single piece v. multi-piece shipping rates. A box selection is made based on the boxing method and item attributes454. The item attributes include factors, such as, but not limited to, the weight and dimensions of the items. The carrier cost calculator442generates a plurality of shipping cost values456. In some examples, if there are five possible carriers and five possible sources, the source and carrier identification422identifies twenty-five possible source-carrier combinations. If each of the carriers provides both single piece and multi-piece shipping. In this example, the carrier cost calculator generates fifty shipping cost values representing each of the source-carrier pairs and boxing method combinations.

A carrier selection458software component identifies a selected carrier460and a selected source462which has the lowest estimated PVS cost464. The selected carrier460and selected source462represented a lowest cost shipping option for delivery of ordered items to a destination by an estimated delivery date468within a delivery time-period466.

FIG. 5is an exemplary block diagram illustrating PVS carriers500. The carriers500includes piece only carriers502and multi-piece carriers504. The carriers can also include both piece and multi-piece carriers506. A piece and multi-piece carrier is a carrier providing both piece rate cards as well as multi-piece rate cards giving users the option to select which boxing method is preferable based on delivery speed and estimated shipping cost.

FIG. 6is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a box selection600component for selecting a container for packaging an item for shipment. In some examples, the box selection600algorithm analyzes available containers602using a filter604to identify a selected box618in a number of containers for shipping one or more items, such as, but not limited to, the item(s)620.

An adaptive boxing algorithm608, in some examples, identifies a ship as-is item610and/or large bulk items, such as tires, which are shipped without boxing or otherwise packaging. These ship as-is items may have a label or tag attached to the item. However, these items are not packages, boxed, bagged, or otherwise placed into a container for shipping. The algorithm for determining whether to box an item for shipping or not may vary based on the carrier type612. For example, a carrier capable of handling large freight items may prefer boxing of items which another carrier may prefer to remain unboxed for shipment.

A brute force algorithm614is applied in some examples to determine how many items to be placed into a given container and/or orientation of items within the container. A greedy algorithm616is applied in other examples to determine how to package one or more items. One or more boxing algorithms are utilized to identify a best fit box from a plurality of possible boxing options available for each source. Thus, if three different box sizes are available to package a given item, the boxing algorithm(s) are applied to identify which box is the best option for the item based on a variety of factors, including the item size, weight, other box sizes available, shipping costs, carrier capacity, etc.

In the above examples, a greedy algorithm or a brute force algorithm is described. However, any type of boxing algorithm may be used in other examples to determine how to box or otherwise package one or more items for shipment by a carrier. In other examples, best fit and/or first fit algorithms may be used. There is no specific change within the boxing algorithm but based on the type of carrier and accessorial charges being optimized. Any suitable boxing algorithm may be applied to determine optimized boxing in accordance with cost while excluding boxes (available box options for a given source) for which additional charges have to be paid. In other words, the system can utilize any boxing algorithm to assist with improving PVS output.

FIG. 7is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a carrier cost calculator442. The carrier cost calculator442calculates an estimated shipping cost for each source-carrier combination for one or more items in a given order. In this non-limiting example, the set of possible carriers includes two carriers, carrier A and carrier B. The set of sources includes a source A and a source B. For this set of two sources and two carriers, there are four possible source-carrier pairs. If each carrier includes both a piece and multi-piece option, there are a total of eight different source-carrier and boxing method combination.

The source A-carrier A702combination enables a cost estimate for the piece cost704and the multi-piece cost706for shipping the items from the source A to the destination. The source A-carrier B708combination includes a piece cost710and a multi-piece cost712for shipping the items. The source B-carrier A714includes a value719for the piece cost716estimate and a value722for the multi-piece cost720. The source B-carrier B724is associated with a piece cost726and a multi-piece cost728. The system analyzes each of the eight costs to identify the source-carrier pair and boxing method which optimizes both shipping cost and shipping speed.

FIG. 8is an exemplary flow chart illustrating operation of the computing device to select a carrier and boxing method for shipping one or more items to a customer. The process shown inFIG. 8is performed by a manager component, executing on a computing device, such as the computing device102or the user device116inFIG. 1.

The process begins by receiving order data at802. The manager component analyzes carrier rates at804. The manager component calculates a plurality of shipping cost values for shipping by the carriers at806. A lowest shipping cost value is identified at808. A carrier and boxing method is selected at808. A notification is optionally provided at812. The notification may be provided to a user device associated with a user at a selected source and/or a selected carrier for order fulfillment. A determination is made whether to continue at814. If yes, the system iteratively executes operations802through814until a determination is made not to continue at814. The process terminates thereafter.

While the operations illustrated inFIG. 8are performed by a computing device, aspects of the disclosure contemplate performance of the operations by other entities. In a non-limiting example, a cloud service performs one or more of the operations. In another example, one or more computer-readable storage media storing computer-readable instructions may execute to cause at least one processor to implement the operations illustrated inFIG. 8.

FIG. 9is an exemplary flow chart illustrating operation of the computing device to optimize PVS carrier selection for shipping items from a source to a destination. The process shown inFIG. 9is performed by a manager component, executing on a computing device, such as the computing device102or the user device116inFIG. 1.

The process begins by obtaining shipping information and customer delivery preferences, including promised delivery date at902. The manager component identifies one or more carriers capable of delivering the items in accordance with the shipping information and preferences at904. The manager component analyzes carrier rates based on delivery of each item in one or more boxes at906. The manager component selects a carrier optimizing costs based on a single piece v. multi-piece packaging at908. The manager component presents the promised delivery data to user with the selected carrier details at910. The process terminates thereafter.

While the operations illustrated inFIG. 9are performed by a computing device, aspects of the disclosure contemplate performance of the operations by other entities. In a non-limiting example, a cloud service performs one or more of the operations. In another example, one or more computer-readable storage media storing computer-readable instructions may execute to cause at least one processor to implement the operations illustrated inFIG. 9.

FIG. 10is an exemplary flow chart illustrating operation of the computing device for determining whether to pack an item in a box or without a box. The process shown inFIG. 10is performed by a manager component, executing on a computing device, such as the computing device102or the user device116inFIG. 1.

The process begins by identifying an item having a flag for ship alone enabled and the item is marked SHIP ALONE at1002. A determination is made whether to ship the item as-is at1004. If yes, the item is prepared for ship alone boxing at1006. The manager component gets a box list for a distributor at1008. The distributor is a supplier of one or more of the items for delivery to the customer. The manager component determines if the carrier and boxing method is qualified at1010. If the carrier and/or the boxing method is qualified based on the customer preferences and/or shipping requirements for the order at1012, the manager component adds the item to acceptable boxes1014. The manager component selects a box for the item from a list of carrier specific boxes at1016. The item is packed in the selected box at1018. The process terminates thereafter.

If the item is a ship as-is item at1004, the item is packed without boxing at1020. The process terminates thereafter.

Returning to1012, if the carrier or the boxing method are not suitable, the box is rejected at1022. The process terminates thereafter.

While the operations illustrated inFIG. 10are performed by a computing device, aspects of the disclosure contemplate performance of the operations by other entities. In a non-limiting example, a cloud service performs one or more of the operations. In another example, one or more computer-readable storage media storing computer-readable instructions may execute to cause at least one processor to implement the operations illustrated inFIG. 10.

FIG. 11is an exemplary flow chart illustrating operation of the computing device to determine boxing for a hazmat item. The process shown inFIG. 11is performed by a manager component, executing on a computing device, such as the computing device102or the user device116inFIG. 1.

The process begins by identifying a hazmat item with a flag for regular boxing set as false at1102. The item is boxed for hazmat at1104. The manager component gets a box list for the distributor at1106. The manager component determines if the carrier and boxing method are acceptable at1108. The carrier and boxing method are acceptable if they conform to the requirements for delivery of the item and satisfy the service-level agreement specifications. If yes, the item is added to acceptable boxes at1112. A box for the item is selected from a list of carrier specific boxes at1114. The process terminates thereafter.

While the operations illustrated inFIG. 11are performed by a computing device, aspects of the disclosure contemplate performance of the operations by other entities. In a non-limiting example, a cloud service performs one or more of the operations. In another example, one or more computer-readable storage media storing computer-readable instructions may execute to cause at least one processor to implement the operations illustrated inFIG. 11.

FIG. 12is an exemplary flow chart illustrating operation of the computing device to determine boxing for a normal item. The process shown inFIG. 12is performed by a manager component, executing on a computing device, such as the computing device102or the user device116inFIG. 1.

The process begins with boxing for normal items at1202. The manager component gets a box list for a distributor at1204. The manager component determines if the carrier is acceptable at1206. If yes, the manager component adds the item to acceptable boxes at1208and identifies a box from a list of carrier specific boxes at1210. A determination is made whether the box is empty at1212. If yes, a determination is made whether the item count equals one at1214. If no, the items are packed in the given boxes at1216. The process terminates thereafter.

If the carrier is not acceptable at1206, the box is rejected at1218. The process terminates thereafter. If hard boxes is not empty at1212, the item is packed without boxing at1220. The process terminates thereafter.

While the operations illustrated inFIG. 12are performed by a computing device, aspects of the disclosure contemplate performance of the operations by other entities. In a non-limiting example, a cloud service performs one or more of the operations. In another example, one or more computer-readable storage media storing computer-readable instructions may execute to cause at least one processor to implement the operations illustrated inFIG. 12.

FIG. 13is an exemplary flow chart illustrating operation of the computing device for determining boxing for multiple items. The process shown inFIG. 13is performed by a manager component, executing on a computing device, such as the computing device102or the user device116inFIG. 1.

The process begins by identifying items to be packed in boxes at1302. A determination is made whether the items are already packed in the same set of boxes at1304. If yes, the previous results can be reused at1316. If no, the manager component determines if hard boxes is not empty and box items at1306. If no, the items can be bagged or the items may be mailer items at1318. If the items are items to be placed in hard boxes, the manager component determines if there are two items to be boxed at1308. If no, the manager component determines if the number of items equals one or exceeds a greedy threshold at1320. If yes, a greedy algorithm is applied at1322for boxing items. If the greedy threshold is not exceeded, a brute force algorithm1310is applied. A result1312is obtained. The result specifies a type (size) and number of boxes (containers) for packing the item(s). The calculated box(es) is added to the packed boxes at1314. The process terminates thereafter.

While the operations illustrated inFIG. 13are performed by a computing device, aspects of the disclosure contemplate performance of the operations by other entities. In a non-limiting example, a cloud service performs one or more of the operations. In another example, one or more computer-readable storage media storing computer-readable instructions may execute to cause at least one processor to implement the operations illustrated inFIG. 13.

FIG. 14is an exemplary flow chart illustrating operation of the computing device for packing bag and mailer items. The process shown inFIG. 14is performed by a manager component, executing on a computing device, such as the computing device102or the user device116inFIG. 1.

The process begins by identifying items for packing in a bag or as a mailer item at1402. A determination is made whether the level of protection equals2. The level of protection indicates a strength or thickness of a bag indicated for shipping based on the type, size, and/or weight of the item. If no, the item is packed in a polybag at1406. If yes, the item is packed for a mailer items at1408. A result from packing box items, mailer items and bag items is generated at1410. For all items that could not be packed by boxing, the manager component indicates the items should be packed without boxing at1412. The item is added to a packed box list at1414. The packed box list is a list of items which have been boxed for shipping. The process terminates thereafter.

While the operations illustrated inFIG. 14are performed by a computing device, aspects of the disclosure contemplate performance of the operations by other entities. In a non-limiting example, a cloud service performs one or more of the operations. In another example, one or more computer-readable storage media storing computer-readable instructions may execute to cause at least one processor to implement the operations illustrated inFIG. 14.

FIG. 15is an exemplary flow chart illustrating operation of the computing device for multi-piece carrier item boxing. The process shown inFIG. 15is performed by a manager component, executing on a computing device, such as the computing device102or the user device116inFIG. 1.

The process begins by obtaining a packed box list at1504. A determination is made whether a multi-piece carrier in the shipment at1504. If yes, the manager component fetches the large package surcharge dimension for the carrier at1506. For every box in the packed box list at1508, the manager component determines if box dimensions exceed dimensions for applying a large package surcharge cost at1510. If no, the packed box list becomes the final packed box list at1512. The process terminates thereafter.

While the operations illustrated inFIG. 15are performed by a computing device, aspects of the disclosure contemplate performance of the operations by other entities. In a non-limiting example, a cloud service performs one or more of the operations. In another example, one or more computer-readable storage media storing computer-readable instructions may execute to cause at least one processor to implement the operations illustrated inFIG. 15.

FIG. 16is an exemplary flow chart illustrating operation of the computing device to determine if a box is suitable for a given carrier. The process shown inFIG. 16is performed by a manager component, executing on a computing device, such as the computing device102or the user device116inFIG. 1.

The process begins by getting a box list for distributor at1602. A determination is made whether a carrier is suitable at1604. The carrier is suitable if it can deliver the items within the delivery time-period and in accordance with user preferences and service-level agreement provisions. If yes, the item is added to the acceptable boxes at1606. If no, the box is rejected at1610. The item is added to a list of carrier specific boxes at1608. The process terminates thereafter.

While the operations illustrated inFIG. 16are performed by a computing device, aspects of the disclosure contemplate performance of the operations by other entities. In a non-limiting example, a cloud service performs one or more of the operations. In another example, one or more computer-readable storage media storing computer-readable instructions may execute to cause at least one processor to implement the operations illustrated inFIG. 16.

In some non-limiting examples, the manager component fetches item data for a complete offer from a datastore, such as, but not limited to, the data storage device120inFIG. 1and the database308inFIG. 3. The item data is used to create a sourcing context. The manager component fetches complete distributor from offer DC mapping and gets inventory for the ordered items. The manager component creates SLA based context and selects a fulfillment planner and invoke carrier optimization process.

The system, in other examples, fetches carrier method details from the data stores. The carrier method details can include, without limitation, carrier delivery areas, types of items transported by the carrier, dimension limits of packages, weight limits of packages, etc. The manager component also fetches preferred distributors, available boxes in the distributor and transit zone data for utilization during the carrier PVS optimization.

FIG. 17is an exemplary flow chart illustrating operation of the computing device to perform PVS optimization for single item solution (SIS). The process shown inFIG. 17is performed by a manager component, executing on a computing device, such as the computing device102or the user device116inFIG. 1.

The process begins by generating item based single item solution (SIS) at1702. Service-level agreement (SLA) independent filters are applied at1704. SLA dependent filters are applied at1706. SLA independent filters filter carriers based on factors which are not set forth in the SLA. SLA independent filters can include factors such as, but not limited to, delivery location restrictions, hazardous items restrictions, delivery date limitations of the carrier, etc. SLA dependent filters are filtering carriers based on service-level agreement requirements, such as, but not limited to, SOD requirements, delivery date requirements, etc. The manager component calculates an estimated date of delivery (EDD) at1708. The manager component applies SLA trimming at1710. The manager component lists SLA bases SIS with date at1712. The manager component gets zone charge for carriers at1714. The manager component calculates costs for each source-carrier combination at1716. The process is consolidated at1718. The process terminates thereafter.

While the operations illustrated inFIG. 17are performed by a computing device, aspects of the disclosure contemplate performance of the operations by other entities. In a non-limiting example, a cloud service performs one or more of the operations. In another example, one or more computer-readable storage media storing computer-readable instructions may execute to cause at least one processor to implement the operations illustrated inFIG. 17.

FIG. 18is an exemplary flow chart illustrating operation of the computing device to perform PVS optimization for multi-item solution. The process shown inFIG. 18is performed by a manager component, executing on a computing device, such as the computing device102or the user device116inFIG. 1.

The process lists zip SLA base solver solution bucket at1802. A list of multi-item solutions is generated at1804. Bulk date calculator is performed at1806. The date calculator bulk refers to determining estimated delivery dates for various source-carrier combinations where each source and carrier have varying capacity for delivering the items and differing estimated EDD. The manager component lists SLA multi-item solution with date at1808. The manager component creates boxing for each list at1810and calculates fulfillment cost at1812. The manager component lists SLA multi-item solution with date and cost at1814. The best solution, with the lowest ship cost for a source-solution combination, is picked at1816. The process terminates thereafter.

While the operations illustrated inFIG. 18are performed by a computing device, aspects of the disclosure contemplate performance of the operations by other entities. In a non-limiting example, a cloud service performs one or more of the operations. In another example, one or more computer-readable storage media storing computer-readable instructions may execute to cause at least one processor to implement the operations illustrated inFIG. 18.

FIG. 19is an exemplary table1200illustrating large package surcharge data. Apart from freight charges for shipping large items, like a refrigerator, a carrier can also charge a large package surcharge, also known as Accessorial charges. Large package surcharges are added, in some examples, if the box dimensions are beyond a certain threshold provided by the carrier.

A sample for large package surcharge for a carrier can be configured as shown inFIG. 19. This information is used in the boxing algorithm to avoid any large package type of accessorial charges for the shipment if possible.

FIG. 20is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a rate card2000. Both the piece and multi-piece rate cards are similar, both can be setup in the same way. The rate card2000can includes information for shipping rates associated with weight of the item and shipping zones. The item weight in this example is in pounds (lbs.).

FIG. 21is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a carrier logistic configuration rate card2100. A rate card type can be configured as part of logistic configuration of the carrier. Along with the rate card type, other logistic configuration for carrier includes data such as, the maximum shipping weight, dimension, girth, and other upper limits to various dimensions supported by the carrier.

In some examples, the system provides the capability to configure different types of carriers, such as, single piece package carriers, multi-piece package carriers and carriers that support both singe piece and multi-piece carriers. Every carrier provides rate card for any source to destination, which is used to calculate the cost charged by the carrier. Transportation cost for a piece carrier is calculated based on box level rate card. Transportation cost for a multi-piece carriers is calculated using shipment level rate card. A carrier (any type) can provide the rate card which are based on the billable weight in the shipment. The formulae to calculate the billable weight per box is as follows:

FIG. 22is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a single-piece rate card2200. A piece carrier only provides one or more piece rate cards, such as the single-piece rate card2200.

FIG. 23is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a multi-piece rate card2300. A multi-piece carrier provides one or more multi-piece rate card. A carrier can also provide both type of rate cards.

FIG. 24is an exemplary table2400illustrating shipping cost savings as a result of PVS optimization. Optimizing shipping based on PVS enables significant savings and cost reduction in shipping costs for piece and multi-piece shipping of items, as shown in table2400.

FIG. 25is an exemplary cost calculation algorithm2500. In one example, there are n carriers C1, C2, C3, . . . . ,Cn operating at a fulfillment center(FC) some of which are piece and some of them are multi-piece carriers. From this FC, a package with m boxes b1,b2,b, . . . ,bm having billable weights as w2,w2,w3, . . . ,wm is delivered. The pseudo code of the cost calculation algorithm2500illustrates the cost calculation for the various source-carrier combinations.

In some examples, the process begins when the customer places the order on the e-commerce site. If a given customer located at Point B, orders all the “p” number of items which are present at Fulfillment Center (Point A) and there are “q” carrier's which provide different rate cards, as well as type of rate cards (Piece/Multi-Piece/Both) and “r” number of boxes (containers) with variable size available at the FC. Given these variable, the system can select the carrier and combination of boxes to ship the order from Point A to Point B such that the transportation cost is cheapest in accordance with the algorithm2500.

In another example if there are n boxes b1, b2, b3. . . bn with their billable weights as w1, w2, w3, . . . wn, then total freight cost to ship all the boxes is calculated using an algorithm in which the carrier's freight cost (Fcost) is calculated as follows:

Additional Examples

In some examples, the system allows a user to setup different types of carriers for PVS. Once the carrier is setup in the system, it is able to evaluate carrier selection in real-time. Each event(request) is handled independently. The system uses the resources without impacting/disturbing other events.

In other examples, the system uses dynamic cost calculation algorithm for each carrier based on the carrier type in real time. This cost calculation algorithm uses carrier type as input and provides cheapest cost by carrier, such as local optima. Among all the local optima (for every carrier) the global optima is evaluated based on cheapest cost (cheapest carrier).

In other examples, the system filters all the available boxes whose dimensions are beyond a threshold value, setup as the large package surcharge in logistic configuration of the carrier used in the boxing algorithm for multi-piece carrier. This ensures avoiding any accessorial charges for the shipment which might be charged by carrier and resulting in the cheaper cost.

The boxing logic enhancement, in other examples, is related to ship-as-is item and carrier type enables. The system utilizes a boxing algorithm along with other items in the order to ensure that we optimize the cost of the shipment for piece carrier and volume of the shipment for multi-piece carrier. In some examples, PVS and optimized boxing can save money, lessen wastage of packaging material, and cut down energy consumption of carrier to ship the boxes.

The invention, in other examples, provides optimization of package carrier/delivery in multi-channel sourcing with different types of rate cards (piece, multi-piece or both) which enables significant savings in transportation cost. The system provides optimization in boxing which enhances carrier selection and improves savings. The process obtain/determine shipping information and/or customer delivery preferences, including promised delivery date, estimated time of delivery (EDO), delivery or pickup, sign on delivery (SOD), number of items to delivery, item dimensions, etc. The system identifies carriers capable of delivery in accordance with the shipping information, customer preferences, estimated ship date, estimated delivery date, source (distribution center locations) having the ordered items available and destination (ship to customer home or store for pickup). The carriers available vary based on geographic regions, carrier limitation, etc.

In still other examples, the system analyzes carrier rates based on delivery of each item in a separate, smaller box vs. rates for packing multiple items into one or more larger box containing multiple items (multi-piece). A carrier is selected for order fulfillment optimizing costs for single piece versus multi-piece packaging based on box weights, box volume, rate cards, transit times, etc. In some cases, it is cheaper to ship items from a source (point A) to a destination (point B) as multiple, smaller packages rather than in a larger, bulkier (higher volume) package. MCSE provides promised delivery dates to customers and provides selected carrier details for order fulfillment.

In an example scenario, the manager component is part of a sourcing engine which knows about the entire network, supply chain logic and business rules. The process begins when a user selects items to order via an e-commerce website or application. A predicted delivery date for each item is offered with each item selection. If the user orders three items, the system identifies all possible sources for the three ordered items. The possible sources include sources for all three of the items, sources having two of the items, as well as source which only have available one of the three items. If all three items are present at a thousand miles away from the customer (destination) at one warehouse (fulfillment center), the first item is available from a source at a store in the same town as the destination, the second item is present five hundred miles in an Eastern direction at another store from the customer, and a third item is present at three hundred miles West at another DSV center. In this scenario, the system chooses the fulfillment center having all three items available at a single source, even though the warehouse is farther away than the other source options. In this manner, the system prioritizes consolidating items at the fewest number of sources for shipping to the destination. Once a source has been chosen, the system applies the boxing algorithm(s) and algorithms for identifying a carrier to ship the items from the selected source, container sizes for packaging the items, and number of items to place in each container for shipping which will minimize the shipping costs while ensuring delivery to the customer within the promised delivery time span.

Alternatively, or in addition to the other examples described herein, examples include any combination of the following:receiving, from a user device, order data comprising an identification of a set of items, a delivery destination, and a delivery time-period;analyzing, by a manager component, a plurality of carrier rates obtained from a plurality of rate cards associated with a plurality of carriers available for delivery of the set of items from at least one source location to the delivery destination;providing, via a network, a notification to the user device identifying the selected carrier and the number of containers selected to ship the set of items to the delivery destination within the delivery time-period.configuring carrier data associated with the plurality of carriers within a database for delivery of items from a plurality of sources, the plurality of carriers comprising single piece carriers and multi-piece carrier;assigning the selected carrier to ship the set of items from the selected source to the delivery destination;applying a cost-based boxing algorithm to optimize item packaging and avoid accessorial charges;applying a greedy algorithm for selecting a boxing method for a selected item;applying a brute force algorithm for selecting a boxing method for a selected item;selecting a carrier for order fulfillment based on the additional factors, including box weights, box volume, rate cards, transit times, and estimated delivery date;providing, via a network, a notification to a user interface device identifying the selected carrier and the number of containers selected to ship the set of items to the delivery destination within the delivery time-period; andapplying a boxing algorithm for selecting a container and a container size from a plurality of available containers and container sizes associated with a source of at least one item in the set of items.

In some examples, the operations illustrated inFIG. 8,FIG. 9,FIG. 10,FIG. 11,FIG. 12,FIG. 13,FIG. 14,FIG. 15,FIG. 16,FIG. 17, andFIG. 18can be implemented as software instructions encoded on a computer-readable medium, in hardware programmed or designed to perform the operations, or both. For example, aspects of the disclosure can be implemented as a system on a chip or other circuitry including a plurality of interconnected, electrically conductive elements.

In other examples, a computer readable medium having instructions recorded thereon which when executed by a computer device cause the computer device to cooperate in performing a method of PVS carrier optimization, the method comprising receiving, from a user device, order data comprising an identification of a set of items, a delivery destination and a delivery time-period; analyzing, by a manager component, a plurality of carrier rates obtained from a plurality of rate cards associated with a plurality of carriers available for delivery of the set of items from at least one source location to the delivery destination, the plurality of rate cards comprising a set of single piece rate cards describing rates for shipping the set of items in a single container and a set of multi-piece rate cards describing rates for shipping the set of items in two or more separate containers; calculating a plurality of shipping cost values based on the plurality of carrier rates and item data associated with the set of items, the item data comprising item weight and item dimensions for each item in the set of items; identifying a lowest shipping cost value in the plurality of shipping cost values, wherein each value in the plurality of shipping cost values corresponding to a calculated cost for shipping the set of items packaged according to a selected boxing method for delivery to the delivery destination from a selected source by a selected carrier in the plurality of carriers, wherein the plurality of shipping cost values includes at least one shipping cost value for each carrier-source pair; and selecting a carrier from the plurality of carriers and the boxing method corresponding to a lowest shipping cost value in the plurality of shipping cost values, the boxing method specifying a number of containers into which the set of items are packaged for shipping. The boxing method includes a single-piece or a multi-piece boxing method.

The term “Wi-Fi” as used herein refers, in some examples, to a wireless local area network using high frequency radio signals for the transmission of data. The term “BLUETOOTH®” as used herein refers, in some examples, to a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances using short wavelength radio transmission. The term “NFC” as used herein refers, in some examples, to a short-range high frequency wireless communication technology for the exchange of data over short distances.

While no personally identifiable information is tracked by aspects of the disclosure, examples have been described with reference to data collected from the users. In some examples, notice is provided to the users of the collection of the data (e.g., via a dialog box or preference setting) and users are given the opportunity to give or deny consent for the collection. The consent can take the form of opt-in consent or opt-out consent.

Exemplary Operating Environment

Exemplary computer-readable media include flash memory drives, digital versatile discs (DVDs), compact discs (CDs), floppy disks, and tape cassettes. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable media comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media include volatile and nonvolatile, removable, and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules and the like. Computer storage media are tangible and mutually exclusive to communication media. Computer storage media are implemented in hardware and exclude carrier waves and propagated signals. Computer storage media for purposes of this disclosure are not signals per se. Exemplary computer storage media include hard disks, flash drives, and other solid-state memory. In contrast, communication media typically embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or the like, in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and include any information delivery media.

Although described in connection with an exemplary computing system environment, examples of the disclosure are capable of implementation with numerous other special purpose computing system environments, configurations, or devices.

The examples illustrated and described herein as well as examples not specifically described herein but within the scope of aspects of the disclosure constitute exemplary means for PVS carrier optimization. For example, the elements illustrated inFIG. 1,FIG. 2,FIG. 3,FIG. 4,FIG. 5,FIG. 6andFIG. 7, such as when encoded to perform the operations illustrated inFIG. 8,FIG. 9,FIG. 10,FIG. 11,FIG. 12,FIG. 13,FIG. 14,FIG. 15,FIG. 16,FIG. 17andFIG. 18, constitute exemplary means for receiving order data comprising an identification of a set of items, a delivery destination and a delivery time-period; exemplary means for analyzing a plurality of carrier rates obtained from a plurality of rate cards associated with a plurality of carriers available for delivery of the set of items from at least one source location to the delivery destination; exemplary means for calculating a plurality of shipping cost values based on the plurality of carrier rates and item data associated with the set of items, the item data comprising item weight and item dimensions for each item in the set of items; exemplary means for identifying a lowest shipping cost value in the plurality of shipping cost values; exemplary means for selecting a carrier from the plurality of carriers and the boxing method corresponding to a lowest shipping cost value in the plurality of shipping cost values; exemplary means for providing a notification to the user device identifying the selected carrier and the number of containers selected to ship the set of items to the delivery destination within the delivery time-period.

In some examples, the notification may be provided to a user device associated with a user at a selected source and/or a user at a selected carrier for order fulfillment. The notification can include instructions for preparing the ordered items for pickup by a carrier. This can include boxing/packaging. The notification can also include instructions to a carrier instructing the user when and/or where to pick up packaged items for delivery to the customer at a delivery destination.

Other non-limiting examples provide one or more computer storage devices having a first computer-executable instructions stored thereon for providing optimized PVS carrier selection and boxing method. When executed by a computer, the computer performs operations including obtaining, via a network, a plurality of carrier rates from a plurality of rate cards associated with a plurality of carriers available for delivery of a set of items from at least one source location to a delivery destination; calculating a plurality of shipping cost values based on the plurality of carrier rates and item data associated with the set of items, the item data comprising item weight and item dimensions for each item in the set of items; identifying a lowest shipping cost value in the plurality of shipping cost values; and selecting a carrier from the plurality of carriers and the boxing method corresponding to the lowest shipping cost value.