METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SHIPMENT COORDINATION OF INSUFFICIENTLY DESCRIBED ITEMS

The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for coordinating shipping services for items. Generally, the methods and systems assist a user in determining the cost of shipping items where the user does not have all of the information generally necessary. The method includes receiving an inquiry for an estimated cost to ship one or more items and receiving a generic description of the one or more items, where the generic description omits a value for at least one characteristic required for generating a shipping cost estimate. The method includes identifying, responsive to receiving the generic description, an estimate for the omitted value for the at least one characteristic, generating a shipping cost estimate using the generic description and the identified estimated value for the at least one characteristic, and providing a quote of the shipping cost estimate. The method may be performed by a data processing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and embodiments of, methods, apparatuses, and systems introduced above. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the concepts described are not limited to any particular manner of embodiment. Examples of specific embodiments and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

Generally, a user employs the services of a carrier to ship one or more items from a first location to a second location. Examples of carriers include the United States Postal Service (“USPS”), FedEx Corporation (“FedEx”), United Parcel Services, Inc. (“UPS”), YRC Worldwide Inc. (“YRC”), Purolator Inc. (“Purolator”), Deutsche Post AG (“DHL”), and their various partners and subsidiaries. Carriers may include individual owned and operated trucking or freight service providers, couriers, movers, and any other entity engaged in transportation of freight. In some instances, a carrier may pick-up and/or package items for shipping. Multiple carriers may participate in a shipment. For example, a local packing company may receive an item and package it, a regional company may transport the package from the local company to a regional hub, a long distance carrier may transport the package from the regional hub to a second regional hub, and a local delivery service provider may transport the package from the second hub to a delivery destination. These shipment participants would all be considered carriers.

Generally, an anticipated user may not be fully prepared or informed about shipping items. The items may be packed by the user, or the user may request additional packing services. The user may need assistance packaging items and anticipating costs. The users might not be an expert shipper or might not ship items with great frequency. The user may be in possession of the items, may be the intended recipient for the items, or may be a third-party coordinator (e.g., a gift buyer). The user may be both the sender and the receiver, e.g., someone moving. The user may not have considered restrictions or special handling requirements for shipping certain materials. For example, a user may wish to ship a lawn mower and has not considered that the fuel tank may be considered hazardous. The methods and systems described anticipate these and other shipping complications, easing the user's shipping experience regardless of carrier employed.

Generally, a carrier will require certain information about a package in order to determine the cost to ship the package. The information may include an initial pick-up location and a delivery destination. The information may include detailed characteristics about the package. Package characteristics may include a weight and/or dimensions for the package. Carriers generally require the dimensions to be structured as some combination or function of the package's maximal height, width, depth (or length), base area, circumference, or overall volume. For example, a carrier may require the maximum height, the base width, and base depth (or maximum width or depth). As another example, a carrier may require the maximum height and the maximum circumference, with no regard to the width or depth. Some carriers require that the package fit within a predefined space. Carriers may require an indication if a package is fragile (e.g., books may require less care than glass art) or if a package contains hazardous materials. Carriers may require additional information or insurance where special handling is required. Some carriers may require a classification code for the package contents, e.g., the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (“NMFTA”) freight classification (“NMFC”).

In general, a user sending an item (or multiple items) doesn't know all of this information prior to packing the item(s) for shipping. The user might not know if the carrier will pick up the package or if it has to be dropped at a shipping office. The user might not know exactly where the package is going, e.g., a person selling an item via an on-line auction may wish to specify the likely shipping charge without knowing who the buyer will be or where they reside. The user might not know how best to pack the items to be shipped, or what the resulting package will weigh, how large the box or crate will be, or how the package might be classified. The user may only know that they wish to ship an item and want a quote of how much shipping will likely cost. The user may be shipping a small object such as a book or curio, a mid-sized object such as a lamp or stereo, or a larger object such as a table, statue, or surfboard. However, many of these objects are relatively common and a reasonable estimate of their respective packaging characteristics can be determined even from a broad description.

For example, a surfboard generally weighs between 5 pounds and 25 pounds, is between 6 to 10 feet long, between 19 and 24 inches wide, and 2 to 4 inches thick (not accounting for “rocker” curvature or fins). Even with no additional information, the generic description “surfboard” may be sufficient to estimate the size and weight of a packed shipping crate and to thus determine a shipping cost estimate. If the user can provide even a little more detail, the weight and dimension ranges can be narrowed. For example, using just a few of the many types of surfboards, if the user knows if the surfboard is a “short board,” a “fun board,” or a “long board,” then the ranges can be narrowed according. For example, a “short board” generally weighs 4.6 to 9 pounds, a “fun board” generally weighs 6.2 to 12 pounds, and a “long board” may weigh as much as 25 pounds or more. These weight ranges can be further narrowed if the user knows the material used to make the board, e.g., polyurethane, balsa, or wood. Additionally, a “short board” is generally 6 to 7 feet long, a “fun board” is generally 6.5 to 8 feet long, and a “long board” is generally 8 to 10 feet long. Long boards are less common, so most boards are roughly 6 to 8 feet long. While some boards may be slightly outside the likely range, a reasonable estimate of the shipping costs can be made based on the typical weight range and packing requirements for the generic description provided by the user. Thus the user does not need to actually weigh or measure the board. In some of the embodiments described herein, data such as typical weights and dimensions for items that might be shipped is stored and used to predict characteristics of similar items. These predictions can be used to estimate shipping costs.

In an example usage of the systems and methods described, a user wishes to purchase an item displayed in a “for sale” ad posted to an online classifieds page. The item may be a surfboard, an antique lamp, or anything else that can be transported. The person selling the item may state in the ad that the buyer must collect the item, but the buyer is unable to do so. For example, the buyer may be geographically distant. Instead, the buyer offers to send the seller everything needed to package the lamp and to arrange for a carrier to pick up the package at an agreed upon date and time. The seller may agree to this. The seller may refuse to package the item, but will allow someone to pick up the item and handle the packing. The buyer accesses a website and enters a limited description of the item. The buyer does not know the exact dimensions or weight of the item, however, the website is able to automatically and immediately provide a quote without requiring the user (in this example, the buyer) to interact with a person or to wait for a response from a person. The website may also enable the buyer to purchase insurance and other services. The website warns the user of potential complications, e.g., if the item is hazardous, requires special handling, or is underinsured. The website may enable the buyer to send packing materials (e.g., a box and proper padding) and a diagram of packing instructions to the seller. The website may enable the buyer to purchase shipping services from a carrier who will pick up and, if necessary, pack the item. The website may provide a link or order number that can enable the carrier to view a materials list for packing the item. The website may provide a link or order number for the seller. For example, if the seller needs to change the pick-up date, the seller can access the website and alter the pick-up arrangement. The carrier picks up the item and transports it to the buyer. The website may enable the buyer to track the status of the package from the moment the buyer places the order. The buyer may receive an e-mail or text message when the item has been picked up and/or when the item has been delivered.

FIG. 1aillustrates a generalized networked computing environment wherein computer systems interact and communicate via a network110. Persons wishing to ship items may use the system to coordinate shipping services provided by one or more carriers. In particular, a user interacts with the system using a participant device150. The participant device150communicates, via the network110, with one or more control servers180. The control servers180coordinate the desired shipping and communicate with carrier servers190for the carriers employed in the shipping process. Generally, a user may use one or more participant devices150. In some embodiments, the carrier servers190communicate, via the network110, with a participant device150.

A participant device150may be any computing device capable of communication via the network110. The participant device150may be a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, a gaming device, a television set-top box, a personal computer, a desktop computer, a server, or any other computing device. A user wishing to ship one or more items uses the participant device150to interact with the system. Generally, the participant device150provides or presents an interface for this interaction. The participant device150may provide an input interface, e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch screen. The participant device150may provide an output interface, e.g., a screen, a speaker, or a printer. In some embodiments, the user is presented with an interface in the form of a web page. In some embodiments, the participant device150is a computer system200, as illustrated inFIG. 2and described below.

In general, the carrier servers190are servers operated by or on behalf of one or more carriers. Carrier servers190generally facilitate logistics. For example, a carrier server may facilitate the purchase of shipping services by a user or provide tracking services once a package has been shipped. Carrier servers190may provide an interface for third-parties to interact with the carrier, e.g., via one or more web sites, an application programming interface (“API”), or a bespoke interface. In some embodiments, a carrier server190is a virtual server or service operated in a cloud computing environment. In some embodiments, a carrier server190is a computer system200, as illustrated inFIG. 2and described below.

In general, the control servers180are servers operated to coordinate shipping services for a user of a participant device150. The control servers180may generate one or more interfaces by which a participant can obtain shipping quotes and purchase shipping services. The control servers180may interact with one or more carrier servers190to coordinate shipping requests on behalf of a user. The carrier servers190may be operated by different entities than the operator of the control server180, i.e., the carriers may be third-parties. In some embodiments, a control server180is a virtual server or service operated in a cloud computing environment. In some embodiments, a control server180is a computer system200, as illustrated inFIG. 2and described below.

The network110can be a local-area network (LAN), such as a company intranet, a metropolitan area network (MAN), or a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet and the World Wide Web. The network110may be any type and/or form of network and may include any of a point-to-point network, a broadcast network, a wide area network, a local area network, a telecommunications network, a data communication network, a computer network, an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network, a synchronous optical network (SONET), a wireless network, an optical fiber network, and a wired network. In some embodiments, there are multiple networks110between participants, for example a smart phone170ctypically communicates with Internet servers via a wireless network connected to a private corporate network connected to the Internet. The network110may be public, private, or a combination of public and private networks. The topology of the network110may be a bus, star, ring, or any other network topology capable of the operations described herein. The network110can be used to access the auction server150by at least one user device170, such as a laptop, desktop, tablet, electronic pad, personal digital assistant, smart phone, video game device, television, kiosk, or portable computer.

FIG. 1billustrates a user interaction with an interface for a shipping system. The user152interacts with a participant device150communicatively connected to a network110. The participant device150enables the user to interact with the control servers180illustrated inFIG. 1a. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 1b, the participant device150presents the user152with an interface in communication with an interface server182via the network110. The interface server182facilitates communication by the user152with the control servers180. The control servers180retrieve data from data storage184, e.g., a database, and use the data to assist the user152. For example, the control servers180may enable the user152to purchase shipping services from a carrier server190using data stored in, or derived from, the data storage184.

The user152may be any person involved in shipping an item to a recipient. For example, the user152may be a person with one or more items to send (a sender). The user152may be a person looking for a shipping quote, with no immediate shipping needs, e.g., a seller wishing to include a shipping estimate in a price. The user152may be a person wishing to receive items, e.g., a buyer at an auction. The user152may be a third-party, e.g., a person wishing to buy an item from a seller and have the item shipped to a recipient. In some embodiments, multiple users may participate in a single shipping event. For example, a first user may initiate the shipping purchase and a second user may alter the arrangement.

Generally, the user152interacts with a participant device150communicatively connected to a network110. For example, the participant device150may present the user152with a web site provided or hosted by an interface server182acting as a web server. The web site may provide the user152with information and options. For example, the web site may guide the user from a basic description of an object to be shipped (e.g., a surfboard) to a narrower generic description (e.g., “short board”). In some embodiments, the user152uses the interface to input or select a generic description of an item to be shipped and the interface server182responds with a collection of narrower descriptions from which the user152may select to better describe the item to be shipped.

The interface server182facilitates communication by the user152with the control servers180. In some embodiments, the interface server182is a web server. In some embodiments, the interface server182communicates with a customized application running on the participant device150. For example, the participant device150may be a tablet running specialized “apps” and the user152may choose to run an app for a shipping service where the selected app communicates with the interface server182, via the network110, to coordinate shipping services for the user152.

The control servers180retrieve data from data storage184and use the data to assist the user152. For example, the control servers180may enable the user152to purchase shipping services from a carrier server190using data stored in, or derived from, the data storage184. In some embodiments, the data storage184is a data base. In some embodiments, the data storage is a network attached storage system. In some embodiments, the data storage is a storage area network. In some embodiments, the data storage184is geographically distributed. In some embodiments, the data storage184stores data entries for each item shipped.

In some embodiments, the data storage184store characteristic data about items that may be shipped, such as surfboards. This data is used to predict characteristics of similar items. The data may be used to estimate shipping costs for items with similar descriptions. In some embodiments, the data is determined from catalogs. In some embodiments, the data is determined from past shipments. In some embodiments, the data is determined from Internet data sources. In some embodiments, the data is determined by exploring e-commerce web sites, e.g., using spider or page scraping software.

In some embodiments, an interface server182is a virtual server or service operated in a cloud computing environment. In some embodiments, an interface server182is a computer system200, as illustrated inFIG. 2and described below. In some embodiments, an interface server182is incorporated into, or otherwise a part of, a control server180. In some embodiments, a data storage system184is a virtual server or service operated in a cloud computing environment. In some embodiments, a data storage system184is a computer system200, as illustrated inFIG. 2and described below. In some embodiments, a data storage system184is incorporated into, or otherwise a part of, a control server180. In some embodiments, the control servers180communicate with one or more of an interface server182, a data storage system184, or a carrier servers190, via a network110. In some embodiments, the control servers180communicate with one or more of an interface server182, a data storage system184, or a carrier servers190, via a private network or a virtual private network operating in a public network, e.g., the Internet.

FIG. 2illustrates an example computer system200suitable for use in implementing the computerized components described herein. The example computer system200includes one or more processors250in communication, via a bus215, with one or more network interfaces210(in communication with the network110), I/O interfaces220(for interacting with a user or administrator), and memory270. The processor250incorporates, or is directly connected to, additional cache memory275. In some uses, additional components are in communication with the computer system200via a peripheral interface230. In some uses, such as in a server context, there is no I/O interface220or the I/O interface220is not used. In some uses, the I/O interface220supports an input device224and/or an output device226. In some uses, the input device224and the output device226use the same hardware, for example, as in a touch screen.

In some embodiments, the participant devices150, control servers180, and carrier servers190, illustrated inFIG. 1, are constructed to be similar to the computer system200ofFIG. 2. For example, a user interacts with an input device224, e.g., a keyboard, mouse, or touch screen, to access an interface, e.g., a web page, over the network110. The interaction is received at the user's device's interface210, and responses are output via output device226, e.g., a display, screen, touch screen, or speakers.

In some embodiments, one or more of the servers illustrated inFIG. 1are constructed to be similar to the computer system200ofFIG. 2. In some embodiments, a server may be made up of multiple computer systems200. In some embodiments, a server may be a virtual server, for example, a cloud based server. A server as illustrated inFIG. 1may be made up of multiple computer systems200sharing a location or distributed across multiple locations. The multiple computer systems200forming a server may communicate using the user-accessible network110. The multiple computer systems200forming a server may communicate using a private network, e.g., a network distinct from the user-accessible network110or a virtual private network within the user-accessible network110.

The processor250may be any logic circuitry that processes instructions, e.g., instructions fetched from the memory270or cache275. In many embodiments, the processor250is a microprocessor unit, such as: those manufactured by Intel Corporation of Mountain View, Calif.; those manufactured by Motorola Corporation of Schaumburg, Ill.; those manufactured by Transmeta Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif.; the RS/6000 processor, those manufactured by International Business Machines of White Plains, N.Y.; or those manufactured by Advanced Micro Devices of Sunnyvale, Calif. The computing device200may be based on any of these processors, or any other processor capable of operating as described herein. The processor250may be a single core or multi-core processor. The processor250may be multiple processors.

The I/O interface220may support a wide variety of devices. Examples of an input device224include a keyboard, mouse, touch or track pad, trackball, microphone, touch screen, or drawing tablet. Example of an output device226include a video display, touch screen, speaker, inkjet printer, laser printer, dye-sublimation printer, or 3D printer. In some embodiments, an input device224and/or output device226may function as a peripheral device connected via a peripheral interface230.

A peripheral interface230supports connection of additional peripheral devices to the computing system200. The peripheral devices may be connected physically, as in a FireWire or universal serial bus (USB) device, or wirelessly, as in a Bluetooth device. Examples of peripherals include keyboards, pointing devices, display devices, audio devices, hubs, printers, media reading devices, storage devices, hardware accelerators, sound processors, graphics processors, antennae, signal receivers, measurement devices, and data conversion devices. In some uses, peripherals include a network interface and connect with the computer system200via the network110and the network interface210. For example, a printing device may be a network accessible printer.

The computer system200can be any workstation, desktop computer, laptop or notebook computer, server, handheld computer, mobile telephone or other portable telecommunication device, media playing device, a gaming system, mobile computing device, or any other type and/or form of computing, telecommunications or media device that is capable of communication and that has sufficient processor power and memory capacity to perform the operations described herein. For example, the computer system200may comprise a gaming device such as a PlayStation (PS 1/2/3/4/x) or Personal PlayStation Portable (PSP) device manufactured by the Sony Corporation of Tokyo, Japan, a Nintendo, Game Boy, or Wii device manufactured by Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, or an XBox or XBox 360 device manufactured by the Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash. For example, the computer system200may comprise a tablet device such as one of the iPad family of devices manufactured by Apple Computer of Cupertino, Calif.

FIG. 3aillustrates a simplified view of shipping. A sender354ships a package340to a recipient358at a destination360. In the simplified view, the sender354is the only active participant and the package340is easily characterized in a manner idealized by a carrier. The recipient358is typically a passive participant waiting patiently at the destination360. This simplified view of shipping masks many of the realities of shipping described above.

FIG. 3billustrates a more complex view of shipping. As inFIG. 3a, a package340is shipped to a recipient358. However, active participants may include the sender354, the recipient358, or a potential third-party participant356, any of whom may take an active role in coordinating shipping services.FIG. 3bfurther illustrates that a package340is really a combination of contents330, e.g., one or more items332plus packing material336, and a container338(e.g., a box or crate, not to be confused with a steel intermodal shipping container of the kind loaded on sea vessels, trains, and trucks). Likewise, the destination360may be subject to change. For example, a recipient358may prefer to reroute a package originally destined for a residence364to be delivered, instead, to a workplace368.

In some embodiments, a user has some knowledge of the item332to be shipped, but not the overall package340. That is, the user may know that he or she wishes to ship a lamp, but does not know the weight or dimensions for a properly packed lamp. The user may require a quote for the shipping costs prior to having packed the item332. A system for estimating these costs may take into account the proper packing material336and box or crate338. The system may provide a recommendation for how best to pack an item332to minimize shipping costs for the resulting package340. For example, a system may recognize that using a more expensive but thinner packing material may enable the use of a smaller box, e.g., where the smaller box may create a shipping price reduction that offsets the increased cost of the packing material. In some embodiments, the system may select a standardized box size or may recommend modifying a standardized box size. In some embodiments, the system generates a recommendation for packing an item332and provides that recommendation to the user or to a packing service. In some embodiments, the system provides instructions for packing the item332. In some embodiments, the system provides the instructions as an audio or multi-media presentation, for example, a computer generated animation of the item332being packed. In some embodiments, the system provides an illustration or diagram of how to pack items. In some embodiments, the system provides a list of materials to be used for packing, e.g., a specific quantity of packing material336and a specific size for the box338. This materials list may be presented with an option to purchase all or some of the items on the materials list and have the purchased packing materials delivered to the shipper.

In some embodiments, a user is the sender354. In some embodiments, a user is the recipient358. In some embodiments, the sender354is the recipient358. In some embodiments, a user is some third-party participant356, e.g., a person purchasing a gift from a sender354for delivery to a gift recipient358. A third-party participant356may have very limited knowledge of the item332to be shipped. However, the third-party participant356may still need an accurate quote of the estimated shipping costs.

In some embodiments, a user may wish to re-route the shipping of a package. The need to re-route might not be known when quoting estimated shipping costs. However, some reasonable predictions may be made. For example, a recipient358may expect delivery at a residence364. The recipient358, who might not be the same user that purchased the shipping, might request that delivery be re-routed to a workplace368. Generally, long distance shipping routes a package to a regional hub. If the hub services both the initial destination and the re-routed destination, then there may be minimal or zero cost impact in rerouting. The control servers180can therefore enable a recipient user358to reroute packages without burdening shipping costs. Where rerouting creates additional costs, the control servers180may bill the recipient user358at the time of the reroute request or bill an initial user who first requested shipping services.

FIG. 4illustrates an example interface410for coordinating shipping services. The interface410, as illustrated, includes space for a user to enter a sender address454and a recipient address458. The interface also provides space460for the user to indicate an item to be shipped. Generally, the user provides or selects a generic description of the item, e.g., “Lamp”, and the interface provides various narrowing descriptions430, e.g., “Table Lamp,” “Desk Lamp,” “Floor Lamp,” and “Ceiling Lamp.” The user may select432one of the narrowing descriptions to better describe the item to be shipped. The interface, as illustrated, provides a menu480of carrier options and enables the user to select484a desired option. Once satisfied, the user may indicate that he or she wishes to purchase the selected shipping option484, e.g., using a submit or purchase button490.

The interface410may be generated by a controller server180and presented on a participant device150. For example, the presentation may be as a web page in a web browser. In some embodiments, the interface is provided as an application. An interface user may be a sender354, a recipient358, or some third-party participant356. For example, a third-party user356may wish to purchase an item from a seller354and have the item delivered to a recipient358, e.g., as a gift. The interface410is designed to guide the user through a process to purchase shipping. Further, the interface410is designed so that the user does not need to be in possession of items to be shipped nor to have a perfect description of the items. The interface410presents an automated process whereby an estimated price is determined and quoted to the user. In some embodiments, the price presented is the price charged regardless of the actual costs charged by carriers. In some embodiments, the user agrees that the price is an estimate and that the actual price charged may vary.

The interface410, as illustrated, provides space for a user to enter a sender address454and a recipient address458. In some embodiments, the sender address454is already known to the system and not entered by the user. For example, the interface may be integrated into an online store front for e-commerce. The integrated interface knows where the package will originate and does not need the user to provide this information. In some embodiments, the recipient address458is already known to the system and not entered by the user. For example, the user may have an account with a designated recipient address. In some embodiments, the interface410supports use of an address with varying particularity. For example, the user may a destination delivery area, e.g., a zip code, a city, a county, a state, a shipping zone, a country, or any other method of specifying a delivery area. In some embodiments the sender address454or recipient address458may be a store identifier, e.g., a store number for a chain of packaging stores.

The interface410provides space460for the user to indicate an item to be shipped. In some embodiments, the user selects from a menu, e.g., a drop down menu. In some embodiments, the user is presented a collection of images and the user selects from the images. In some embodiments, a user provides a free form description, e.g., the user enters a text description or provides an audible description to a speech recognition system. In some embodiments, keywords are identified in the free form description and the identified keywords are used to determine an initial generic description.

Generally, the user provides or selects an initial generic description of the item, e.g., “Lamp”, and the interface provides various narrowing descriptions430, e.g., “Table Lamp,” “Desk Lamp,” “Floor Lamp,” and “Ceiling Lamp.” In some embodiments, the narrowing descriptions include images of a similar item, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 4. The user may select432one of the narrowing descriptions to better describe the item to be shipped. When the user selects a narrower description of the item to be shipped, the interface410may present additional, even narrower, descriptions. For example,FIG. 4illustrates selection of a table lamp as a narrower description of a lamp. The interface may then suggest that the lamp is a brass lamp, a ceramic lamp, a composite lamp, a crystal lamp, a glass lamp, etc. Each selection may be iteratively expanded with additional, narrower, descriptions of the item. In this manner, the user selects the best available description of the item using common terminology and imagery. In some embodiments, the narrowing descriptions are generated based on data in data storage184.

In some embodiments, the narrowing descriptions are presented in an ordering presenting the user with more likely choices first. In some embodiments, the ordering is based on a frequency with which respective descriptions are selected. In some embodiments, the ordering is based on a frequency with which items described by the respective descriptions are shipped. For example, the most often selected description may be presented first or descriptions of the most frequently shipped items may be presented first. In some embodiments, markov chains for sequences of narrowing descriptions are used to predict selection probabilities for narrowing descriptions. In some embodiments, narrowing descriptions are presented based on a probability that a narrowing description will be selected premised on contextual information for the inquiry. Contextual information may include (without limitation) a referring website, a shipper or recipient location, other items to be shipped concurrently, or a time of year. For example, skis shipped between November and February may be more likely to be snow skis, while skis shipped between May and August may be more likely to be water skis.

The interface410may also provide a menu480of carrier options and enable the user to select484a desired option. The menu480may include multiple carriers and modes of shipping. For example, the menu may include an option for overnight service from Carrier A or ground service from Carrier A. Likewise, the menu may include an option for ground service from Carrier A or Carrier B. The menu480may indicate an estimate time until delivery. The menu480may indicate an estimate price, based on the item description selected. In some embodiments, the price presented takes into account the item332to be shipped, plus the anticipated amount of packing material336and dimensions of the box or crate338.

In some embodiments, the interface410presents additional services or offers. For example, a carrier's service may include packing the item, or items, to be shipped; the price may include this packing service. In some embodiments, the options will include an insurance offer. A user may choose to insure the items through the selected carrier. A user may choose to insure the items through a third-party insurer other than the carrier. In some instances, a carrier may represent that insurance is provided, although the insurance provided by the carrier is inadequate or insufficient for the item(s) to be shipped. The interface410may present a warning message to the user highlighting this shortcoming. In some embodiments, additional offers (including, but not limited to, packing services and insurance) are presented in additional display windows.

An item may be identified as requiring special handling. For example, the item may include hazardous materials. The item may be considered too delicate or expensive for most carriers. In some embodiments, when an item requires special handling, the interface410displays an indication to the user of the need for special handling. Special handling does not preclude coordinating shipping, if a carrier is available to handle the item.

In some embodiments, the system may determine a risk factor for the requested shipping. For example, the system may determine that there is insufficient insurance coverage. The interface410may display a message to the user warning the user of the risk factor. The message may be displayed in a separate display window. The message may be provided audibly.

Once satisfied with the selections and quoted price, the user may indicate that he or she wishes to purchase the selected shipping option484, e.g., using a submit or purchase button490. The user may then be directed to a payment processing interface. In some embodiments, the user is notified that the price is subject to change and informed as to a process for addressing any price change. In some embodiments, the price is not subject to change. In some embodiments, the user is provided an order number or tracking number. This number may be used to alter the shipping options, e.g., to reschedule a pick-up or to reroute delivery. In some embodiments, the user is provided a second number that may be used by other participants. The second number may have restrictions, e.g., a participant accessing the order using the second number may not be able to change some of the options. In some embodiments, the first and/or second number is provided to the user as an image, e.g., as a bar code or a QR-code.

In some embodiments, the user enters contact information into the interface. For example, the user may provide a mobile number or an e-mail address. The user may request alerts by SMS text message or e-mail when a package is picked up or delivered. In some embodiments, the carrier servers190generate the alerts. In some embodiments, the control servers180generate the alerts. In some embodiments, the control servers180generate the alerts responsive to notification from the carrier servers190.

In some embodiments, the interface user is a person seeking to purchase shipping services, or to at least obtain a quote for shipping services. In some embodiments, the interface user is in possession of the items to be shipped. In some embodiments, the interface user is not in possession of the items to be shipped, e.g., the user may be the recipient. In some embodiments, a recipient arranges and purchases shipping services using the interface to identify the items to be shipped and to select the desired shipping service. In some embodiments, the recipient may arranged, via the interface, for a carrier to pick up and package the items to be shipped. In some embodiments, the interface user is person seeking to alter shipping arrangements already purchased and in progress. For example, the user may wish to reroute the package to a new destination.

FIG. 5is a flowchart illustrating a method500for narrowing a generic description of an item and determining estimated weight, dimension, and classification values for the item. At step510, a control server180receives a generic description of an item to be shipped. At step520, the control server180provides a collection of two or more narrowing descriptions, e.g., via an interface410. At step530, the control server180receives a selection of one of the narrowing descriptions. At step540, the method500iterates steps520and530as needed, each iteration providing increasingly narrower descriptions. At step550, the control server180identifies estimated characteristic values for the item to be shipped, based on the selected narrowing description(s).

At step510, the control server180receives a generic description of an item to be shipped, wherein the generic description omits at least one characteristic required for generating a shipping cost estimate. In some embodiments, the control server180receives the generic description via an interface410presented by a participant device150. The generic description omits at least one characteristic required. For example, the generic description may fail to include a weight for the item (packed or unpacked); height, base, depth, or width for the item (packed or unpacked), or a classification code (e.g., NMFC) for the item. Thus the generic description suggests the item to be shipped but does not identify the item with sufficient particularity to generate a shipping cost estimate.

At step520, the control server180provides a collection of two or more narrowing descriptions, e.g., via an interface410. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 4, a first generic description of a lamp may result in possible narrowing descriptions including a table lamp, a desk lamp, a floor lamp, and a ceiling lamp. In some embodiments, the narrowing descriptions may include text and an image representative of the narrower description. In some embodiments, an image is used without a text description. The narrower description may include a weight range typical for the item described. The narrower description may include dimension ranges for the item described. The narrower description may include an appropriate NMFC classification for the item described. In some embodiments, each narrowing description is associated with a weight range, dimension ranges, and/or an NMFC classification that is not displayed.

At step530, the control server180receives a selection of one of the narrowing descriptions. For example, a user may interact with an interface410to select a narrowing description and the control server180receives the selection via the interface410. In some embodiments, the user selects a narrowing description from a drop down menu. In some embodiments, the user selects a narrowing description from a decision tree. In some embodiments, the user selects a narrowing description from a collection of images.

At step540, the method500iterates as needed, each iteration providing increasingly narrower descriptions. In some embodiments, item descriptions are stored in a hierarchy. In some embodiments, an item description is stored in association with a collection of possible narrower descriptions. Each iteration drives towards a description associated with a sufficiently narrow weight range and dimension range that a sufficiently accurate shipping cost estimate may be determined by the control server180. In some embodiments, the user is provided an option indicating that the user cannot choose from amongst the narrower description. This may be because the user doesn't have enough information. When the user has selected this option, the control server180terminates the iterations. In some embodiments, the user eventually selects a narrow description for which the system does not have any narrowing options. When the user has selected such a description, the control server180terminates the iterations.

At step550, the control server180identifies estimated characteristic values for the item to be shipped, based on the selected narrowing description(s). Generally, a shipping cost is a function of a package's weight and dimensions. Once the contents of a package are sufficiently understood, a reasonable prediction can be made about the package's weight and dimensions. For example, if an item is known to be a brass table lamp with a paper lamp shade, not more than two feet tall, then a weight range can be determined for similar brass table lamps, a weight can be predicted for packing material needed to protect the lamp, and dimensions for a suitable box can be estimated.

FIG. 6is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a shipping cost estimate. At step610, a control server180receives an inquiry from a user for an estimated cost to ship one or more items. At step620, the control server180receives a generic description of the one or more items to be shipped; the generic description does not specify every facet or property of the item(s). At step630, the control server180identifies estimated values for the omitted characteristics of the items to be shipped. At step640, the control server180generates a shipping cost estimate using the generic description and each identified estimate value. At step650, the control server180provides the user with the shipping cost estimate and any appropriate options.

At step610, a control server180receives an inquiry from a user for an estimated cost to ship one or more items. The user may interact with an interface410provided by the control server180. The user may be a sender in possession of the item(s), a recipient seeking the item(s), or a third-party coordinator. The user may request an estimate based on a particular destination address. The user may request an estimate based on a destination delivery area, e.g., a zip code, a city, a county, a state, a shipping zone, a country, or any other method of specifying a delivery area. The user may request an estimate that includes a packaging service. For example, the user may wish to ship a table and requests that a carrier collect the table, package the table, and deliver the table.

At step620, the control server180receives a generic description of the one or more items to be shipped. Generally, the generic description does not specify every facet or property of the item(s). That is, the generic description may omit data that carriers require in determining shipping costs. For example, the generic description may fail to include a weight for the items. The generic description may fail to include dimensions. The generic description may include dimensions, but fail to account for additional space required for padding or other packing materials. In some embodiments, the control server180receives the generic description from a user via an interface410. In some embodiments, the interface410prompts the user with suggested high-level descriptions. In some embodiments, the interface410presents images of generic objects representative of things the user might wish to ship and the user selects from amongst the images. In some embodiments, the control server180repeats this process for each item to be shipped.

At step630, the control server180identifies estimated values for the omitted characteristics of the items to be shipped. That is, the control server180recognizes where the generic description fails to include a facet or aspect required by carriers. In some embodiments, the control server180uses the method500illustrated inFIG. 5and described above. In some embodiments, the control server180accesses a database of descriptions, each description paired with estimated characteristics. In some embodiments, the control server180presents a collection of narrowing descriptions to the user, e.g., via interface410, where each narrowing description is associated with estimated characteristics for items matching the description, and the user selects a narrowing description. In some embodiments, the estimated characteristics are based on known characteristics for common variants matching the descriptions. In some embodiments, the estimated characteristics are an average of characteristic values for items matching the descriptions, e.g., items previously shipped through the system.

At step640, the control server180generates a shipping cost estimate using the generic description and each identified estimate value. In some embodiments, the shipping cost estimate includes an estimate for a packaging service. In some embodiments, the shipping cost estimate accounts for packing material and the likely size of the package, box, or crate to be shipped. For example, the control server180may identify that a user wishes to ship a table lamp weighing 6 to 8 pounds, having a base 7 to 10 inches wide and standing 15 to 20 inches tall, with no lamp shade. The control server180may recognize that the lamp requires 3 inches of foam padding on each side and that the padding will add half a pound to the overall weight. The resulting shipping cost estimate may be for a box 26 inches tall, 16 inches wide, and weighing up to 8.5 pounds. When the carrier reports the actual size or weight of the package, the control server180may update the estimates for the description used.

At step650, the control server180provides the user with the shipping cost estimate and any appropriate options. The control server180may provide the estimate via an interface410. In some embodiments, the interface410may include an audio or video presentation. For example, the interface410may feature an animated avatar that visually and verbally explains the costs and the next steps to the user. The avatar may demonstrate packaging the item to be shipped. In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the control server180may present multiple carriers and modes of transportation480. Each combination of carrier and mode of transportation may include an estimated price or price range. Additional services such as pick-up, packaging, insurance, delivery set-up, and tracking may also be indicated in the interface410. The user may then select the desired options and purchase the shipping services.

In some embodiments, the price presented is an estimate. The user may be required to authorize a variance from the estimate up to some limit. In some embodiments, the control server operator may assume the risk that the estimate is too low and the user may be provided a set price. In some embodiments, the price presented may be valid for a fixed period of time. For example, the user may be able to save the price as a quote and purchase the shipping services at a later time.

It should be understood that the systems and methods described above may be provided as instructions in one or more computer programs recorded on or in one or more articles of manufacture, e.g., computer-readable media. The article of manufacture may be a floppy disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, a flash memory card, a PROM, a RAM, a ROM, or a magnetic tape. In general, the computer programs may be implemented in any programming language, such as LISP, Perl, C, C++, C#, PROLOG, or in any byte code language such as JAVA. The software programs may be stored on or in one or more articles of manufacture as object code.

Having described certain embodiments of methods and systems, it will now become apparent to one of skill in the art that other embodiments incorporating the concepts of the disclosure may be used. Therefore, the disclosure should not be limited to certain embodiments, but rather should be limited only by the spirit and scope of the following claims.