Abstract:
An apparatus and method for providing shipment information, including a memory device for storing shipment information, a processor for processing at least one of a request and a prompt to provide shipment information, wherein the processor processes the information contained in the memory device, and further wherein the processor generates a delivery message, wherein the delivery message contains information regarding at least one of a shipment description, contents of a shipment, a description of a shipment&#39;s contents, the value of a shipment, an shipment invoice, a shipment packing slip, and a shipment bill, and an output device for at least one of outputting, displaying, and printing, information contained in the delivery message.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/263,877, filed Jan. 23, 2001, and entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SHIPMENT INFORMATION”, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for providing shipment information and, in particular, to an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can be attached to, integrated with, located and/or positioned on, and/or located and/or positioned in, a shipment conveyance device, a pallet, a container, a tote, and/or any shipment conveyance structure or apparatus.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    The shipping, delivery, and freight, services industries account for billions of dollars in revenues annually. Billions of dollars are spent each year in shipping and/or delivering goods, products, items, and/or other objects, which are the subject of commercial as well as non-commercial transactions. In recent years, the growth of electronic commerce and electronic retailers (so called “e-tailers”) has only increased the need for shipping, delivery, and/or freight delivery, services.  
           [0004]    In a great majority of instances, shipped or delivered goods, products, items, and/or other objects, are shipped in shipping containers, on pallets, in cargo containers, in boxes, in envelopes, and/or in totes. Senders or receivers of shipped goods, products, items, and/or other objects, have only very limited means available to them for obtaining shipment information regarding shipments in transit and/or in the possession of a carrier or transporter.  
           [0005]    In this ever-growing information age, the ability to have information available at one&#39;s fingertips, and/or in an instant, continues to fuel the desire to have more and more information accessible upon demand. With an ever-increasing amount of goods, products, items, and/or objects, being the subject of shipments and/or deliveries, there is no doubt that tremendous value can be found in allowing a sender, a carrier, or a receiver, of a shipment or delivery, to obtain information regarding the respective shipment or delivery while the respective shipment or delivery is in progress and/or shortly thereafter.  
           [0006]    Many goods, products, items, and/or objects, are shipped or delivered on, or in, reusable shipping conveyance devices, pallets, containers, boxes, envelopes, and/or totes. Presently, there appears to be no system or device available which can facilitate providing shipment information, regarding a shipment or delivery, to interested parties.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which overcomes the shortfalls of the prior art. The present invention provides and apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can be attached to, integrated with, located and/or positioned on, and/or located and/or positioned in, a shipment conveyance device, a pallet, a container, a tote, and/or any shipment conveyance structure or apparatus.  
           [0008]    The present invention also provides an apparatus and method for providing and/or for processing information regarding a shipment of goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities which can be shipped and/or transported via any of the herein-described shipment conveyance devices, pallets, containers, totes, and/or any shipment conveyance structures or apparatuses.  
           [0009]    The present invention can be utilized on, positioned on, positioned in, located on, located in, integrated with, built-into, or utilized in conjunction with, any of the herein-described shipment conveyance devices, pallets, containers, totes, and/or any shipment conveyance structures or apparatuses.  
           [0010]    The present invention also provides a system for utilizing the apparatus and method of the present invention in conjunction with a carrier computer, a sender or shipping entity computer, a receiver or receiving entity computer, and/or a central processing computer, for facilitating use of the apparatus and method of the present invention in a network environment.  
           [0011]    The present invention can be utilized in conjunction with shipment conveyance devices, pallets, containers, totes, and/or any shipment conveyance structures or apparatuses, of any size, kind, or type.  
           [0012]    The present invention includes a shipment conveyance device, a pallet, a container, a tote, and/or any shipment conveyance structure, and a shipment conveyance device computer.  
           [0013]    The present invention can also include a carrier computer or communication device which is associated with the carrier which is utilized to transport the shipment conveyance device.  
           [0014]    The present invention can also include a sender or shipping entity computer or communication device which is associated with the a sender or shipping entity who or which is effecting shipment of the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, which can be shipped on, in, or in conjunction with, the shipment conveyance devices.  
           [0015]    The present invention also includes a receiver or receiving entity computer or communication device which is associated with the a receiver or receiving entity who or which is receiving shipment of the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, which can be shipped on, in, or in conjunction with, the shipment conveyance devices.  
           [0016]    The present invention can also include a central processing computer which can be utilized to administer, manage, and/or control, the operation of the system and/or any of the shipment conveyance device computers, the carrier computers, the sender computers, and/or the receiver computers.  
           [0017]    The shipment conveyance device computers, carrier computers, sender computers, receiver computers, and/or central processing computers, can communicate with, transmit information to, and/or receive information from, any shipment conveyance device computers, carrier computers, sender computers, receiver computers, and/or central processing computers, over any suitable communication network or system, including, but not limited to a telephone network, a telecommunication network, a digital communication network, a satellite communication network, a wireless communication network, a personal communication services network, a broadband communication network, a bluetooth communication network, the Internet, the World Wide Web, and/or any other communication network and/or system.  
           [0018]    The present invention can be utilized on, over, and/or in conjunction with, any suitable communication network or system, including, but not limited to a telephone network, a telecommunication network, a digital communication network, a satellite communication network, a wireless communication network, a personal communication services network, a broadband communication network, a bluetooth communication network, the Internet, the World Wide Web, and/or any other communication network and/or system.  
           [0019]    Any of the shipping conveyance device computers, the carrier computers, the sender computers, the receiver computers, and/or the central processing computers, can include, a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), an input device, a reading or scanning device, a display device, a receiver, a transmitter, a database, and an output device, and/or any other devices needed and/or desired for performing the functions of the respective computers.  
           [0020]    The shipment conveyance device computer can also include a global positioning device which can be utilized in order to determine the position and/or location of the shipment conveyance device computer. The shipment conveyance device computer can also include a sensor device which be utilized in order to monitor and/or to measure temperature, impact forces, and/or other environmental activity and/or other activity involving the shipment conveyance device computer.  
           [0021]    The present invention can be utilized on, in, and/or in conjunction with shipment conveyance devices, pallets, containers, refrigerated containers, protective containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags, and/or any shipment conveyance structures or apparatuses, of any size, kind, or type.  
           [0022]    The present invention can be utilized on, in, and/or in conjunction with, shipment conveyance devices can also be cargo containers or any type, kind, shape, or size, which can be utilized trucks, cars, vehicles, trains, boats, ships, marine vessels, aircraft, airplanes, of any kind or type for performing ground, sea and air, transport. The shipping conveyance device computer can be attached to, built into, integrated with, and/or placed inside, the shipping conveyance device.  
           [0023]    The present invention can be utilized in order to provide information regarding a shipment or delivery to any one or more of a carrier or transporter of the shipment, to the receiver or receiving entity of the shipment, and/or to the central processing computer and/or to the operator or administrator of the present invention.  
           [0024]    The present invention can also be utilized in order to access the shipment conveyance device computer, via any one or more of the respective carrier computer(s), sender computer(s), receiver computer(s), and/or the central processing computer(s), and to obtain information regarding the shipment from the shipment conveyance device computer.  
           [0025]    The present invention can also provide location information and/or position information regarding the shipment. The present invention can also provide status updates to any one or more of the carrier, the sender, the receiver, and/or an administrator, regarding the shipment.  
           [0026]    The present invention can also generate status messages which can contain information regarding the shipment. The present invention can also transmit the status messages to any of the respective carrier computers, the sender computer(s), the receiver computer(s), and/or the central processing computer(s)  
           [0027]    Upon the delivery of the shipment, the present invention can be utilized in order to access and obtain information from the shipment conveyance device computer.  
           [0028]    The present invention can also generate a shipment delivery message and transmit same to any one or more of the carrier computer(s), the sender computer(s), the receiver computer(s), and/or the central processing computer(s).  
           [0029]    The present invention can also be utilized in order to provide notification to any one or more of a sender, a carrier, a receiver, and/or an administrator, of any one or more of a lost shipment, an off-track shipment, a delayed shipment, a damaged shipment, and/or a mis-delivered shipment.  
           [0030]    The present invention can await the detection of a processing event and generate an appropriate notification message in order to provide notification to any one or more of the carrier, the sender, the receiver, and/or the administrator, of the detected processing event.  
           [0031]    In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized in order to verify that a shipment is being delivered to the proper receiver.  
           [0032]    The present invention can determine whether a receiver is the correct receiver for receiving the shipment. If the receiver is not the correct receiver of the shipment, the present invention can generate an appropriate signal or stimulus which can be provided to the receiver or the carrier. The present invention can also cancel the delivery and generate and transmit, to a respective party or parties, a mis-delivered notification message indicating that the receiver is not the correct receiver.  
           [0033]    If the present invention determines that the receiver is the correct receiver, the present invention can generate an appropriate signal or stimulus which can be provided to the receiver or the carrier. The present invention can also generate a delivery notification message and transmit same, to a respective party or parties, indicating that the receiver is the correct receiver and/or that delivery of the shipment has been effected.  
           [0034]    The present invention can also be utilized in order to generate and/or process information regarding an insurance claim involving a shipment which has been lost, stolen, damaged, and/or mis-delivered, during shipment, transport, and/or delivery, by the carrier.  
           [0035]    The present invention can await the detection of a processing event which can lead to the filing of an insurance claim regarding or relating to the shipment. The present invention can detect the processing event, process information regarding same and/or relating to same, and generate an insurance claim message which contains information regarding the processing event and information for filing an appropriate insurance claim.  
           [0036]    The present invention can also transmit the insurance claim message to any one or more of the carrier, the sender, the receiver, and/or the administrator. The present invention can also transmit the insurance claim message to any one or more of the carrier computer, the sender computer, the receiver computer, and/or the central processing computer.  
           [0037]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information.  
           [0038]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can be attached to, integrated with, located and/or positioned on, and/or located and/or positioned in, a shipment conveyance device, a pallet, a container, a tote, and/or any shipment conveyance structure or apparatus.  
           [0039]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can process information regarding a shipment of goods, products, items, entities, objects.  
           [0040]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can process information regarding a shipment of goods, products, items, entities, objects which can be shipped and/or transported via shipment conveyance devices, pallets, containers, totes, and/or any shipment conveyance structures or apparatuses.  
           [0041]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which provides a system for utilizing the apparatus and method of the present invention.  
           [0042]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which provides a system for utilizing the apparatus and method of the present invention in conjunction with a carrier computer, a sender or shipping entity computer, a receiver or receiving entity computer, and/or a central processing computer.  
           [0043]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information in a network environment.  
           [0044]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can be utilized in conjunction with shipment conveyance devices, pallets, containers, totes, and/or any shipment conveyance structures or apparatuses, of any size, kind, or type.  
           [0045]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can be utilized on, or over, any one or more of a telephone network, a telecommunication network, a digital communication network, a satellite communication network, a wireless communication network, a personal communication services network, a broadband communication network, a bluetooth communication network, and/or any communication network.  
           [0046]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can be utilized on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web.  
           [0047]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can be utilized in conjunction with a global positioning system.  
           [0048]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can be utilized in conjunction with a locating and/or positioning system.  
           [0049]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can be utilized to determine the position and/or location of the a shipment.  
           [0050]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can be utilized to determine the position and/or location of the a shipment conveyance device or a shipment conveyance device computer.  
           [0051]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can be utilized to monitor and/or to measure temperature, impact forces, and/or other environmental activity and/or other activity involving the a shipment, a shipment conveyance device, or a shipment conveyance device computer.  
           [0052]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can be utilized in conjunction with any one or more of ground, land, rail, sea, water, and air, shipments or deliveries.  
           [0053]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can be utilized in order to provide information regarding a shipment to a sender of the shipment, to a carrier of the shipment, or a receiver of the shipment.  
           [0054]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can be utilized in order to access a shipment conveyance device computer.  
           [0055]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can be utilized in order to access and obtain information from a shipment conveyance device computer.  
           [0056]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can provide status information, updates, or messages, regarding a shipment.  
           [0057]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can provide status information, updates, or messages, regarding a shipment to a carrier, a sender, or a receiver, of a shipment.  
           [0058]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can provide shipment delivery information or messages regarding a shipment.  
           [0059]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can provide shipment delivery information or messages regarding a shipment to a carrier, a sender, or a receiver, of a shipment.  
           [0060]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can provide notification of a lost shipment, an off-track shipment, a delayed shipment, a damaged shipment, or a mis-delivered shipment, to a sender, a carrier, or a receiver, of a shipment.  
           [0061]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can detect a processing event.  
           [0062]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can provide a notification message to a sender, carrier, or receiver, in response to a detection of a processing event.  
           [0063]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can be utilized in order to verify that a shipment is being delivered to the correct receiver.  
           [0064]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can determine whether a receiver is the correct receiver for receiving a shipment.  
           [0065]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can cancel a delivery of a shipment upon determining that a receiver is not the correct receiver of a shipment.  
           [0066]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which provide information of a delivery of a shipment to a wrong party.  
           [0067]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can determine that a shipment is delivered to a correct party.  
           [0068]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which provides a delivery notification message.  
           [0069]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which provides a delivery notification message to a sender, a carrier, or a receiver, of a shipment.  
           [0070]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which provides information regarding an insurance claim involving a shipment which has been lost, stolen, damaged, and/or mis-delivered.  
           [0071]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can file an insurance claim regarding or relating to a shipment.  
           [0072]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can detect a processing event which gives rise to a filing of an insurance claim  
           [0073]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can provide an insurance claim message to a carrier, a sender, a receiver, or an insurer.  
           [0074]    Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon a review of the Description of the Preferred Embodiments taken in conjunction with the Drawings which follow.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0075]    In the Drawings:  
         [0076]    [0076]FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the system in which the apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized;  
         [0077]    [0077]FIG. 2 illustrates the shipment conveyance device computer of FIG. 1, in block diagram form;  
         [0078]    [0078]FIG. 3 illustrates a pallet in conjunction with which the shipment conveyance device computer, and/or the system of the present invention, can be utilized;  
         [0079]    [0079]FIG. 4 illustrates a container in conjunction with which the shipment conveyance device computer, and/or the system of the present invention, can be utilized;  
         [0080]    [0080]FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment method for utilizing the apparatus and method of the present invention, in flow diagram form;  
         [0081]    [0081]FIG. 6 illustrates another preferred embodiment method of utilizing the apparatus and method of the present invention, in flow diagram form;  
         [0082]    [0082]FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate another preferred embodiment method of utilizing the apparatus and method of the present invention, in flow diagram form; and  
         [0083]    [0083]FIG. 8 illustrates another preferred embodiment method of utilizing the apparatus and method of the present invention, in flow diagram form. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0084]    The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for providing shipment information and, in particular, to an apparatus and method for providing shipment information which can be attached to, integrated with, located and/or positioned on, and/or located and/or positioned in, a shipment conveyance device, a pallet, a container, a tote, and/or any shipment conveyance structure or apparatus.  
         [0085]    The present invention provides an apparatus and method for providing and/or for processing information regarding a shipment of goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities which can be shipped and/or transported via any of the herein-described shipment conveyance devices, pallets, containers, totes, and/or any shipment conveyance structures or apparatuses.  
         [0086]    The apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized on, positioned on, positioned in, located on, located in, integrated with, built-into, or utilized in conjunction with, any of the herein-described shipment conveyance devices, pallets, containers, totes, and/or any shipment conveyance structures or apparatuses. In this manner, the present invention provides a shipment conveyance device, a pallet, a container, a tote, and/or any shipment conveyance structure or apparatus, which includes an apparatus for providing shipment information.  
         [0087]    The present invention also provides a system for utilizing the apparatus and method of the present invention in conjunction with a carrier computer, a sender or shipping entity computer, a receiver or receiving entity computer, and/or a central processing computer, for facilitating use of the apparatus and method of the present invention in a network environment.  
         [0088]    The present invention can be utilized in conjunction with shipment conveyance devices, pallets, containers, totes, and/or any shipment conveyance structures or apparatuses, of any size, kind, or type.  
         [0089]    As used herein, the term “shipment conveyance device”, or the plural of same, refers to any shipment conveyance devices, pallets, containers, refrigerated containers, protective containers, railroad contained, tractor trailer containers, air freight containers, marine vessel shipment containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags, luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyance structures or apparatuses, of any size, kind, or type.  
         [0090]    As used herein, the terms “sender”, “sending entity”, “shipper”, or the plural of same, refers to any senders, sending entities, shippers, shipper entities, merchants, vendor, goods providers, products providers, services providers, individuals, or entities, or the employees or agents of same, who or which can provide for a shipment or any good(s), product(s), or service(s).  
         [0091]    As used herein, the terms “carrier”, “transporter”, “shipper”, “shipping service provider”, “deliverer”, delivery provider”, or like entity, or the plural of same, refers to any carriers, transporters, shippers, shipping service providers, deliverers, delivery providers, individuals, entities, or like entities, or the employees or agents of same, who or which provide for the shipment, transport, or delivery, via any one or more of ground or land transportation, rail transportation, water or sea transportation, air transportation, underwater transportation, and/or manned and/or unmanned transportation, of any of the herein-described goods, products, and/or services, which are described herein as being shipped or sent by any of the herein-described senders or sending entities.  
         [0092]    As used herein, the terms “receiver”, “receiving entity”, or the plural of same, refers to any receivers, receiving entities, customers, clients, individuals, entities, and/or other like entities, or the employees or agents of same, who or which receive any of the herein-described goods, products, and/or services, which are described herein as being shipped or sent by any of the herein-described senders or sending entities.  
         [0093]    As defined herein, the terms “operator”, “administrator”, or like entity, or the plural of same, refers to any operators, administrators, individuals, or entities, or the employees or agents of same, who or which operate, or administer the operation of, any of the central processing computers and/or the apparatus and method of the present invention.  
         [0094]    Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter and teachings of U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/263,877 which teaches and discloses an apparatus and method for providing shipment information.  
         [0095]    [0095]FIG. 1 illustrates a system in which the apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized. The system of FIG. 1 is designated generally by the reference numeral  100 . The system  100  of FIG. 1 includes a shipment conveyance device, a pallet, a container, a tote, and/or any shipment conveyance structure  10  (hereinafter referred to as a “shipment conveyance device  10 ”, “pallet  10 ”, or “container  10 ”. The system  100  also includes a shipment conveyance device computer  20  which can be attached to, built into, integrated into, and/or located inside, the shipment conveyance device  10 .  
         [0096]    With reference to FIG. 1, the system  100  also includes a carrier computer or communication device  30  (hereinafter referred to as the “carrier computer  30 ”) which is associated with the carrier which is utilized to transport the shipment conveyance device  10 . The carrier computer  30  can be any one or more of a computer, a computer system, a group of computers, a telephone, a personal computer, a wireless telephone, a personal digital assistant, a video telephone, a personal communication device, a wireless device, a handheld device, a palm-top device, and/or any other communication device(s) and/or computer(s).  
         [0097]    The carrier computer  30  can be located at, or in, the carrier vehicle. The carrier computer  30  can also be located at, or in, a regional or central carrier office. The carrier computer  30  can also be a wireless or hand-held device which can be a mobile device.  
         [0098]    With reference to FIG. 1, the system  100  also includes a sender or shipping entity computer or communication device  40  (hereinafter referred to as the “sender computer  40 ”) which is associated with the a sender or shipping entity who or which is effecting shipment of the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, which can be shipped on, in , or in conjunction with, the shipment conveyance devices  10 .  
         [0099]    The sender computer  40  can be any one or more of a computer, a computer system, a group of computers, a telephone, a personal computer, a wireless telephone, a personal digital assistant, a video telephone, a personal communication device, a wireless device, a handheld device, a palm-top device, and/or any other communication device(s) and/or computer(s).  
         [0100]    With reference to FIG. 1, the system  100  also includes a receiver or receiving entity computer or communication device  50  (hereinafter referred to as the “receiver computer  50 ”) which is associated with the a receiver or receiving entity who or which is receiving shipment of the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, which can be shipped on, in, or in conjunction with, the shipment conveyance devices  10 .  
         [0101]    The receiver computer  50  can be any one or more of a computer, a computer system, a group of computers, a telephone, a personal computer, a wireless telephone, a personal digital assistant, a video telephone, a personal communication device, a wireless device, a handheld device, a palm-top device, and/or any other communication device(s) and/or computer(s).  
         [0102]    With reference to FIG. 1, the system  100  also includes a central processing computer  60  which can be utilized to administer, manage, and/or control, the operation of the system  100  and/or any of the shipment conveyance device computers  20 , the carrier computers  30 , the sender computers  40 , and/or the receiver computers  50 , described herein.  
         [0103]    The central processing computer  60  can be a computer, a computer system, a network computer, a server computer, and/or a communication device, and/or any combination of same.  
         [0104]    The central processing computer  60  can service any number of the herein-described shipment conveyance devices  10 , shipment conveyance device computers  20 , carrier computers  30 , sender computers  40 , and/or receiver computers  50 .  
         [0105]    The system  100  can include any number of shipment conveyance devices  10 , shipment conveyance device computers  20 , carrier computers  30 , sender computers  40 , receiver computers  50 , and/or central processing computers  60 .  
         [0106]    The herein-described shipment conveyance device computers  20 , carrier computers  30 , sender computers  40 , receiver computers  50 , and/or central processing computers  60 , can communicate with, transmit information to, and/or receive information from, any shipment conveyance device computers  20 , carrier computers  30 , sender computers  40 , receiver computers  50 , and/or central processing computers  60 , over any suitable communication network or system, including, but not limited to a telephone network, a telecommunication network, a digital communication network, a satellite communication network, a wireless communication network, a personal communication services network, a broadband communication network, a bluetooth communication network, the Internet, the World Wide Web, and/or any other communication network and/or system.  
         [0107]    The system  100  can be utilized on, over, and/or in conjunction with, any suitable communication network or system, including, but not limited to a telephone network, a telecommunication network, a digital communication network, a satellite communication network, a wireless communication network, a personal communication services network, a broadband communication network, a bluetooth communication network, the Internet, the World Wide Web, and/or any other communication network and/or system.  
         [0108]    Any of the carrier computers  30 , sender computers  40 , receiver computers  50 , and/or central processing computers  60 , can include, where appropriate and/or where suitable, a central processing unit (CPU) , a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), an input device, a reading or scanning device, a display device, a receiver, a transmitter, a database, and an output device. Any of the carrier computers  30 , sender computers  40 , and/or receiver computers  50 , can also contain any other devices or peripherals needed and/or desired for programming the shipment conveyance computers  20 , depositing or programming information into the shipment conveyance computers  20 , and/or reading or extracting information from the shipment conveyance computers  20 .  
         [0109]    [0109]FIG. 2 illustrates the shipment conveyance device computer  20  of FIG. 1, in block diagram form. The shipment conveyance device computer  20  can provide and/or perform any of the processing routines or functionality described herein.  
         [0110]    With reference to FIG. 2, the shipment conveyance device computer  20  includes a central processing unit or CPU  20 A, which in the preferred embodiment, is a microprocessor. The CPU  20 A can also be a microcomputer, a minicomputer, a macro-computer, and/or a mainframe computer, depending upon the application.  
         [0111]    The shipment conveyance device computer  20  also includes a random access memory device(s)  20 B (RAM) and a read only memory device(s)  20 C (ROM), each of which is connected to the CPU  20 A.  
         [0112]    The shipment conveyance device computer  20  can also include an input device  20 D, for entering data, information, and/or commands into the shipment conveyance device computer  20 . The input device can be or can include any one of more of a keyboard, a pointing device, such as, for example, a mouse or a touch pad, etc., a scanner, a scanning device, a reading device for reading data and/or information provided from a scanner, a data and/or information reading device, a reader, a card reader, a magnetic stripe card reader, a bar code reader, an optical reader, and/or any other input device for entering and/or for receiving data and/or information in any form, including, but not limited to, electronic form, optical from, magnetic form, and/or in any other suitable form or format. The input device(s) is also connected to the CPU  20 A.  
         [0113]    The shipment conveyance device computer  20  can also include a display device  20 E, such as, for example, a display screen or device for displaying data and/or information to a user or other individual. The display device can be a display screen, a liquid crystal display screen, a light emitting diode screen, and/or any other appropriate and/or suitable display device or display screen. The display device  20 E can display any of the herein-described data and/or information which is described herein as being input into, processed by, and/or output from, the shipment conveyance device computer  20 .  
         [0114]    The shipment conveyance device computer  20  also includes a transmitter(s)  20 F, for transmitting signals and/or data and/or information from the shipment conveyance device computer  20  to any one or more of the carrier computers  30 , the sender computers  40 , the receiver computers  50 , the central processing computers  60 , and/or any of the other shipment conveyance device computers  20  described herein.  
         [0115]    The shipment conveyance device computer  20  also includes a receiver  20 G, for receiving signals and/or data and/or information from any one or more of the carrier computers  30 , the sender computers  40 , the receiver computers  50 , the central processing computers  60 , and/or any of the other shipment conveyance device computers  20  described herein.  
         [0116]    With reference to FIG. 2, shipment conveyance device computer  20  also includes a database  20 H. The database  20 H can contain any data, information, software programs, software algorithms, and/or any other information needed and/or desired for performing any of the processing routines and/or functionality described herein as being performed by the shipment conveyance device computer(s)  20  and/or by the system  100 .  
         [0117]    The database  20 H can contain data and/or information regarding and/or relating to the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities which are being shipped and/or transported via the respective shipment conveyance device  10 , including, but not limited to, a description of the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, the quantity of the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, the sender or shipper of the respective goods, products, items, entities, the origination of the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, the receiver or receiving entity of the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, the destination of the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, the cost, value, or price, of the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, the shipping cost of the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, the carrier, transporter, or deliverer, of the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, special instructions regarding the shipment, carriage, or transportation, of the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, and handling instructions regarding and/or pertaining to the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, shipping, delivery, and/or travel.  
         [0118]    The database  20 H can also contain data and/or information regarding the shipment, handling, or delivery, instructions regarding the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities. For example, the database  20 H can also contain information regarding whether the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, is or are perishable, is or are fragile, must be heated, must be refrigerated, temperature requirements during shipment, etc. The database  20 H can also contain loading and/or unloading, as well as, handling instructions during shipment, for any of the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities.  
         [0119]    The database  20 H can also contain data and/or information regarding invoice information regarding the shipment or delivery of the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, packing slip information regarding the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, insurance information regarding the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, and expected or projected delivery time information regarding the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities.  
         [0120]    The database  20 H can also contain data and/or information regarding the from and/or manner of payment and/or payment instructions (i.e. cash on delivery, electronic payment on delivery, allowed credit amount, payment due information , payment due by information, sender&#39;s financial account information, etc.)  
         [0121]    The database  20 H can also contain position information, location information, digitized map data and/or information, and/or any other information which can be utilized by, or in conjunction with, the global positioning device  20 J.  
         [0122]    The database  20 H can also contain data and/or information regarding the location or position of stops made by the carrier, transporter, or deliverer, of the respective shipment conveyance device  10  and/or the shipment conveyance device computer  20 , during the transportation of the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, and the respective shipment conveyance device  10 , during the shipment, transportation, or delivery, of same from its point of origin to its delivery destination.  
         [0123]    The database  20 H can also contain data and/or information regarding the travel log for the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, and/or for the respective shipment conveyance device(s)  10 , and/or the time in transit, distance traveled, etc., for or regarding the goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, and/or for the respective shipment conveyance device(s)  10 . The database  20 H can also contain data and/or information regarding the usage history of the respective shipment conveyance device(s)  10 , including, but limited to, the time deployed in service, the number of times used, and/or the service time or service history since initial deployment.  
         [0124]    The database  20 H can also contain data and/or information regarding the maintenance history of the respective shipment conveyance device(s)  10  and/or shipment conveyance device computer  20 .  
         [0125]    The database  20 H can also contain data and/or information, including software programs and/or algorithms, for facilitating communication of the shipment conveyance device computer  20  with any of the herein-described carrier computers  30 , sender computers  40 , receiver computers  50 , central processing computers  60 , and/or any other the shipment conveyance device computer  20 . The database  20 H can also contain data and/or information, including software programs and/or algorithms, for facilitating data and/or information transmission between, from, and/or to, respectively, the shipment conveyance device computer  20  and any of the herein-described carrier computers  30 , sender computers  40 , receiver computers  50 , central processing computers  60 , and/or any other the shipment conveyance device computer  20 .  
         [0126]    The database  20 H can also contain an electronic signature, electronic signatures, and/or electronic signature information for, regarding, and/or relating to, any of the herein-described senders, sending entities, shippers, carriers, transporters, delivery service providers, receivers, receiving entities, and/or any other individuals, parties, and/or entities, which or which may utilize the shipment conveyance device computer  20  and/or who or which may be involved in a shipment, transport, and/or delivery, involving same. The electronic signature, electronic signatures, and/or electronic signature information, can be utilized and/or processed in the processing and/or consummation of any transactions involving any respective parties involved in any of the herein-described shipment, transporting, and/or delivery, activities.  
         [0127]    The database  20 H can also contain electronic payment information, electronic and/or digital money information, payment identification information, credit account information, credit card account information, charge account information, charge card account information, debit account information, debit card account information, electronic money account information, letter of credit information, financial account information, for, corresponding to, and/or relating to, any of respective parties involved in any of the herein-described shipment, transporting, and/or delivery, activities.  
         [0128]    The database  20 H can also contain any other data and/or information for facilitating the processing of, the consummation of, and/or the execution or, financial transactions between and/or involving any of the respective parties involved in any of the herein-described shipment, transporting, and/or delivery, activities.  
         [0129]    The database  20 H can also contain any other data and/or information needed and/or desired for facilitating the operation of the apparatus and method of the present invention as described herein.  
         [0130]    Any of the herein-described data and/or information which can be stored in the database  20 H can be input into the shipment conveyance device computer  20  and/or can be programmed into and/or pre-stored in the database  20 H.  
         [0131]    With reference once again to FIG. 2, the shipment conveyance device computer  20  can also include an output device  20 I such as a printer, a modem, a fax/modem, a reader/transmitter device for providing data and/or information to an external scanner, a reader, or other reading and/or receiving device, a card reader/transmitter device for providing data and/or information to an external scanner, a card reader/transmitter device for providing data and/or information to an external scanner, a reader, or other reading and/or receiving device, a magnetic card reader/transmitter device for providing data and/or information to an external scanner, a reader, or other reading and/or receiving device, an optical a card reader/transmitter device for providing data and/or information to an external scanner, a reader, or other reading and/or receiving device, an electronic data reader/transmitter device for providing data and/or information to an external scanner, a reader, or other reading and/or receiving device, a reader/transmitter device for providing data and/or information to an external scanner, a reader, or other reading and/or receiving device, and/or any other reading and/or receiving device and/or output device, for outputting information to any one or more of a carrier, a shipper, a transporter, a sender, and/or a receiver, and/or any respective reading or scanning device associated therewith or utilized thereby, who or which utilizes the apparatus and method of the present invention.  
         [0132]    The output device  20 I can also be a programmable bar code display device or other code display device which can be displayed and which can be reader by an appropriate bar code reader or code reader. In the preferred embodiment, the bar code display device or other code display device can provide a code, bar code or otherwise, through a glare-proof screen. The bar code or other code can be provide information regarding the data and/or information being output from the shipment conveyance device computer  20 .  
         [0133]    The displayed code can also be a dynamically changing code which can contain the data and/or information which is currently being output. In this regard, for example, the shipment conveyance device computer  20  can output various data and/or information via the same output device  20 I by utilizing a multitude of bar codes or codes.  
         [0134]    The output device  20 I can also be a speaker for providing an audio signal or audible stimulus, indication, and/or information, to a user and/or can also be a light or lighting device for providing a visual signal or visual stimulus, indication, and/or information, to a user.  
         [0135]    The shipment conveyance device computer  20  can also include a global positioning device  20 J which can be utilized in order to determine the position and/or location of the shipment conveyance device computer  20 .  
         [0136]    The shipment conveyance device computer  20  can also include a sensor device  20 K which can be any one of more of a thermometer for measuring and/or monitoring shipping temperature, a shock detection device for measuring and/or monitoring shocks, impacts, and/or other forces which may be exerted on the shipment conveyance device  10 , and/or a proximity detection device for monitoring and/or detecting the physical proximity of the shipment conveyance device  10  and/or the shipment conveyance device computer  20  with any one or more of any other shipment conveyance device  10 , shipment conveyance device computer  20 , carrier computer  30 , sender computer  40 , and/or receiver computer  50 .  
         [0137]    The sensor device  20 K can also include multiple sensing elements which can be placed at various locations in, on, and/or in conjunction with the shipment conveyance device  10 . Each of the multiple sensing elements can be utilized in order to sense or detect if the shipment conveyance device  10  has been damaged and/or broken and/or otherwise compromised.  
         [0138]    The apparatus and method of the present invention, and/or particular, the shipment conveyance device computer  20 , can be utilized on, in, and/or in conjunction with shipment conveyance devices, pallets, containers, refrigerated containers, protective containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags, and/or any shipment conveyance structures or apparatuses, of any size, kind, or type.  
         [0139]    The apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized on, in, and/or in conjunction with shipment conveyance devices can also be cargo containers or any type, kind, shape, or size, which can be utilized trucks, cars, vehicles, trains, boats, ships, marine vessels, aircraft, airplanes, of any kind or type for performing ground, sea and air, transport. The shipping conveyance device computer  20  can be attached to, built into, integrated with, and/or placed inside, the shipping conveyance device  10 . For example, the shipping conveyance device computer  20  can be built into, or be an integrated component of, a pallet, container, or shipping structure. The shipping conveyance device computer  20  can also be inside a box, container, tote bag, canvas tote bag, piece of baggage, etc. so as to be placed with the contents of the shipment.  
         [0140]    [0140]FIG. 3 illustrates a pallet in conjunction with which the shipment conveyance device computer  20 , and/or the system  100  of the present invention, can be utilized. The pallet can be constructed and/or manufactured from plastic, rubber, wood, metal, and/or any other suitable material(s), combination of the above-described materials, and/or composites of the above-described materials.  
         [0141]    The pallet illustrated in FIG. 3 is an example of a pallet with which the apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized. The apparatus and method of the present invention can also be utilized with pallets of any kind, type, shape, or size.  
         [0142]    In the preferred embodiment, the shipment conveyance device computer  20  can be placed in any portion or member of the pallet, in a recessed or molded space in or on any portion or member of the pallet. For example, a member component of the pallet can be manufactured such that the shipment conveyance device computer  20  can be placed thereon or thereon in any appropriate manner. In a preferred embodiment, the shipment conveyance device computer  20  can be placed or located in a manner so as to avoid damage thereto or interference therewith.  
         [0143]    In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 3, the shipment conveyance device computer  20  is located at the position shown on the pallet  10 .  
         [0144]    [0144]FIG. 4 illustrates a container in conjunction with which the shipment conveyance device computer  20 , and/or the system  100  of the present invention, can be utilized. The container can be constructed and/or manufactured from plastic, rubber, wood, metal, and/or any other suitable material(s), combination of the above-described materials, and/or composites of the above-described materials. The container can be any type of container and can be a general purpose container, a refrigerated container, a heated container, an insulated container and/or any other type of container which can be utilized in order to ship any of the herein-described goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities which can be shipped and/or transported via any of the herein-described shipment conveyance devices, pallets, containers, totes, and/or any shipment conveyance structures or apparatuses.  
         [0145]    The container illustrated in FIG. 4 is an example of a container with which the apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized. The apparatus and method of the present invention can also be utilized with containers of any kind, type, shape, or size.  
         [0146]    In the preferred embodiment, the shipment conveyance device computer  20  can be placed in any portion or member of the container, in a recessed or molded space in or on any portion or member of the container. For example, a member component of the container can be manufactured such that the shipment conveyance device computer  20  can be placed thereon or thereon in any appropriate manner. In a preferred embodiment, the shipment conveyance device computer  20  can be placed or located in a manner so as to avoid damage thereto or interference therewith.  
         [0147]    In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4, the shipment conveyance device computer  20  is located at the position shown on the container  10 .  
         [0148]    The apparatus and method of the present invention, as well as the system  100  of the present invention can be utilized in a number of preferred embodiments in order to provide shipment information.  
         [0149]    The present invention, in a preferred embodiment, can be utilized in order to provide information regarding a shipment or delivery to any one or more of a carrier or transporter of the shipment, to the receiver or receiving entity of the shipment, and/or to the central processing computer  60  and/or to the operator or administrator of the system of the present invention.  
         [0150]    [0150]FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment method for utilizing the apparatus and method of the present invention, in flow diagram form. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the sender of a shipment of goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, can store information regarding the shipment in the shipment conveyance device computer  20 .  
         [0151]    The sender can input information into the shipment conveyance device computer  20  manually via the input device  20 D, electronically via the receiver  20 G, and/or via any combination of manual data entry and electronic data entry.  
         [0152]    The information can thereafter be retrieved by the carrier of the shipment and/or by the receiver of the shipment. With reference to FIG. 5, the operation of the system  100  commences at step  5 .  
         [0153]    At step  501 , the sender of the shipment can load the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, onto or into the shipment conveyance device  10  which can, for example, be a pallet or container.  
         [0154]    At step  501 , the sender can also enter data and/or information concerning or pertaining to the shipment into the shipment conveyance device computer  20 . The data and/or information which is entered into the shipment conveyance device computer  20  can be any of the data and/or information described herein as being stored in the database  20 H. In this regard, the sender can enter data and/or information regarding and one or more data and/or information regarding and/or relating to the respective goods, products, items, entities, or objects, a description of the respective goods, products, items, entities, or objects, the quantity of the respective goods, products, items, entities, or objects, the sender or shipper of the respective goods, products, items, entities, or objects, the origination of the respective goods, products, items, entities, or objects, the receiver or receiving entity of the respective goods, products, items, entities, or objects, the destination of the respective goods, products, items, entities, or objects, the cost, value, or price, of the respective goods, products, items, entities, or objects, the shipping cost of the respective goods, products, items, entities, or objects, the carrier, transporter, or deliverer, of the respective goods, products, items, entities, or object, and/or special instructions regarding the shipment, handling, carriage, or transportation, of the respective goods, products, items, entities, or objects.  
         [0155]    The sender can also enter data and/or information regarding any one or more of invoice information regarding the shipment or delivery of the respective goods, products, items, entities, or objects, packing slip information regarding the respective goods, products, items, entities, or objects, insurance information regarding the respective goods, products, items, entities, or objects, expected or projected delivery time information regarding the shipment, position information, location information, digitized map data and/or information, information regarding the location or position of stops made by the carrier, transporter, or deliverer, of the shipment, electronic signature, electronic signatures, and/or electronic signature information for, regarding, and/or relating to, any of the herein-described senders, sending entities, shippers, carriers, transporters, delivery service providers, receivers, receiving entities, and/or any other individuals, parties, and/or entities, which or which may involved in the shipment as a sender, carrier, and/or receiver.  
         [0156]    The sender can also enter data and/or information regarding any one or more of data and/or information regarding the from and/or manner of payment and/or payment instructions (i.e. cash on delivery, electronic payment on delivery, allowed credit amount, payment due information, payment due by information, sender&#39;s financial account information, etc.), electronic payment information, electronic and/or digital money information, payment identification information, credit account information, credit card account information, charge account information, charge card account information, debit account information, debit card account information, electronic money account information, letter of credit information, financial account information, for, corresponding to, and/or relating to, any of respective parties involved in shipment.  
         [0157]    The data and/or information entered into the shipment conveyance device computer  20 , at step  501 , can be processed and/or stored in the database  20 H. At step  502 , the shipment conveyance device  10  is provided to the carrier. At step  503 , the shipment conveyance device  10  can be transported to its destination.  
         [0158]    At any time during the transport of the shipment conveyance device, at step  503 , any one or more of the carrier, the sender, the receiver, and/or the central processing computer administrator, can access the shipment conveyance computer  20  via the respective carrier computer(s)  30 , sender computer(s)  40 , receiver computer(s)  50 , central processing computer(s)  60 .  
         [0159]    At any time, the sender can also access the shipment conveyance device computer  20  via the respective sender computer  40  and transmit data and/or information to the shipment conveyance device computer  20 . The sender can transmit new data and/or information, and/or changes and/or updates to previously entered data and/or information, to the shipment conveyance device computer  20 . The data and/or information, or changes and/or updates thereto, which can be entered and/or transmitted by the sender computer  40  to the shipment conveyance device computer  20  can be any of the data and/or information described herein as being entered and/or provided by the sender and/or can be any data and/or information which is described as being stored in the database  20 H.  
         [0160]    The respective carrier, sender, receiver, or administrator, can obtain any of the herein-described information which is stored in the shipment conveyance device computer  20 , any of the herein-described data and/or information which is entered into the shipment conveyance device computer  20  at the time or point of shipment, position or location information and/or global positioning information of the shipment, information regarding the state of the shipment which can include the temperature of the shipment, shock damage to the shipment, time left to spoilage, damage to the shipment conveyance device  10 , and/or any other information which can be detected, obtained, and/or processed by, the shipment conveyance device computer  20 . For example, the respective carrier, sender, receiver, or administrator, can ascertain where a shipment is, the carrier containing the shipment, the location of the shipment, the contents of the shipment, the physical state or condition of the shipment and/or any other information which can be provided by the shipment conveyance device computer  20  and/or the system of the present invention.  
         [0161]    At step  503 , the shipment conveyance device computer  20  can also provide status updates to any one or more of the carrier, the sender, the receiver, and/or the administrator, which can contain any of the above-described information which is described herein as being obtained by any of the respective entities or individuals. For example, the shipment conveyance device computer  20  which can be programmed to provide shipment location updates, shipment status updates, etc., can generate status messages regarding its position or locations, stops made by the carrier, and/or the temperature of the shipment, impacts received by the shipment conveyance device  10 , and/or other information.  
         [0162]    The status messages can be generated and transmitted to the respective carrier computer  30 , the sender computer(s)  40 , the receiver computer(s)  50 , and/or the central processing computer(s)  60 , at pre-designated time intervals, and/or upon the occurrence of a pre-specified event (i.e. a stop made by the carrier, an impact during an accident, an unusual stopping period, a shipment temperature change, and/or any other event or occurrence relating to the shipment).  
         [0163]    At step  504 , the shipment is delivered to its destination where it can be received by the receiver or by the receiver&#39;s agent. At step  504 , the carrier and/or the receiver can access the shipment conveyance device computer  20  can obtain, retrieve, and/or download, any of the data and/or information stored in the database  20 H of same. The data and/or information can, for example, be information regarding the contents and/or subject matter of the shipment, invoice information, packing slip information, sender information, carrier information, special instructions regarding the shipment and/or payment therefor, a payment receipt, and/or any other information which can be provided to a carrier or a receiver of a shipment.  
         [0164]    The carrier or receiver can also obtain any of the herein-described information which can be stored in and/or processed by the shipment conveyance device computer  20 . In this regard, the carrier or the receiver can retrieve or download any shipment information from the shipment conveyance device computer  20  and/or from the shipment conveyance device  10  carrying the shipment.  
         [0165]    At step  504 , the shipment conveyance device computer  20  can also generate a shipment delivery message and transmit same, in any appropriate form or manner, to any one or more of the carrier computer(s)  30 , the sender computer(s)  40 , the receiver computer(s)  50 , and/or the central processing computer(s)  60 .  
         [0166]    At step  505 , any of the information obtained, retrieved, and/or downloaded, at step  504 , can be output and/or printed, in hard copy form, and/or downloaded and/or stored in electronic form, by or at any of the respective carrier computer  30 , and/or the receiver computer  50 .  
         [0167]    Thereafter, the operation of the system will cease at step  506 .  
         [0168]    In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5, as well as in any and/or all of the other embodiments described herein, any of the messages generated and transmitted by the shipment conveyance device computer  20 , and/or by any of the other computers  30 ,  40 ,  50 , and/or  60 , can be an e-mail message, an instant messaging service message, a short message, beeper message, pager message, a telephone message, a pre-recorded telephone message, and/or any other electronic message or electronic transmission.  
         [0169]    In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized in order to provide notification to any one or more of a sender, a carrier, a receiver, and/or an administrator, of any one or more of a lost shipment, an off-track shipment, a delayed shipment, a damaged shipment, and/or a mis-delivered shipment. FIG. 6 illustrates another preferred embodiment method of utilizing the apparatus and method of the present invention, in flow diagram form.  
         [0170]    With reference to FIG. 6, the operation of the system  100  commences at step  600 . At step  601 , the sender can enter or program data and/or information into the shipment conveyance device computer  20  via the sender computer  30  and/or in any other appropriate manner.  
         [0171]    The data and/or information can include delivery origin position or location information, destination position or location information, shipment travel route information, including position or location information corresponding to points along the shipment travel route, carrier identification information, carrier code and/or electronic signature information, receiver identification information, receiver code and/or electronic signature information, shipment temperature requirements, shipment impact tolerance information, and/or any other data and/or information regarding and/or relating to the shipment. The data and/or information entered and/or programmed into the shipment conveyance device computer  20  can be processed and stored at step  601 .  
         [0172]    At step  602 , the shipment conveyance device computer  20  can, during transport of the shipment and/or upon the delivery of the shipment to a receiver or receiving entity, await the detection of a processing event.  
         [0173]    The processing event can be any one or more of the detection by the shipment conveyance device computer  20  and, in particular, the global positioning device  20 J, of a deviation, by more than a pre-designated tolerance amount (i.e. distance measurement, mileage, etc.), of the location or position of the shipment and/or the carrier of same from a pre-determined transportation route (i.e. the shipment carrier is lost, is the wrong carrier, etc.), the detection of an unauthorized and/or the wrong carrier who or which is to transport the shipment (i.e. the detection of an unauthorized carrier code or carrier electronic signature), the detection of an unauthorized and/or the wrong receiver who or which is to receive the shipment and/or the detection of a stolen shipment (i.e. the detection of an unauthorized receiver code or receiver electronic signature, the detection of a shipment being stolen or in the possession of the wrong party, etc.), the detection of a shipment temperature which deviates from the shipment temperature requirements, and/or the detection of an impact or force of impact experienced by the shipment conveyance device  10  (i.e. a mishandling, a dropping, an accident, etc.) experienced by the shipment conveyance device computer  20 .  
         [0174]    At step  603 , the shipment conveyance device computer  20  will generate an appropriate notification message in order to provide notification to any one or more of the carrier, the sender, the receiver, and/or the administrator, of the detected processing event. The notification message can be any one or more of an e-mail message, an instant messaging service message, a short message, beeper message, pager message, a telephone message, a pre-recorded telephone message, and/or any other electronic message or electronic transmission.  
         [0175]    At step  604 , the notification message is transmitted to any one or more of the carrier computer  30 , the sender computer  40 , the receiver computer  50 , and/or the central processing computer  60 .  
         [0176]    At step  605 , the information contained in the notification message can be received by, and can be output and/or displayed to the respective carrier, sender, receiver, and/or administrator, on, the respective carrier computer  30 , the sender computer  40 , the receiver computer  50 , and/or the central processing computer  60 . At step  606 , any of the information concerning the shipment and/or the processing event can be stored at the respective carrier computer  30 , the sender computer  40 , the receiver computer  50 , and/or the central processing computer  60 . Thereafter, the operation of the system  100  can cease at step  607 .  
         [0177]    In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 6, as well as in any and/or all of the other embodiments described herein, any of the messages generated and transmitted by the shipment conveyance device computer  20 , and/or by any of the other computers  30 ,  40 ,  50 , and/or  60 , can be an e-mail message, an instant messaging service message, a short message, beeper message, pager message, a telephone message, a pre-recorded telephone message, and/or any other electronic message or electronic transmission.  
         [0178]    In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized in order to verify that a shipment is being delivered to the proper receiver. FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate another preferred embodiment method of utilizing the apparatus and method of the present invention, in flow diagram form.  
         [0179]    With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the operation of the system  100  commences at step  700 . At step  701 , the sender can enter or program data and/or information into the shipment conveyance device computer  20  via the sender computer  30  and/or in any other appropriate manner. The data and/or information can include receiver identification information, receiver code and/or electronic signature information, and/or any other of the herein-described data and/or information regarding the shipment. For example, the sender can enter a code or an electronic key or other information which, when processed in conjunction with a code or an electronic key entered by a receiver, upon delivery of the shipment to same, can be utilized in order to verify that the shipment has been delivered to the correct receiver. The data and/or information entered and/or programmed into the shipment conveyance device computer  20  can be processed and stored at step  701 .  
         [0180]    At step,  702 , the shipment conveyance device  10  can be shipped, transported, and/or delivered, to the receiver.  
         [0181]    At step  703 , the receiver can access the shipment conveyance device computer  20  via a receiver computer  50  and/or via the input device  20 D of the shipment conveyance device computer  20 . At step  703 , the receiver can input its code or electronic key into the shipment conveyance device computer  20 . At step  704 , the shipment conveyance device computer  20  can process the receiver entered code or electronic key and process same in conjunction with the data and/or information entered into the shipment conveyance device computer  20  by the sender at step  701 .  
         [0182]    At step  705 , the shipment conveyance device computer  20  will determine whether the receiver is the correct receiver for receiving the shipment. If, at step  705 , the shipment conveyance device computer  20  determines that the receiver is not the correct receiver of the shipment, the operation of the shipment conveyance device computer  20  will proceed to step  706  and the shipment conveyance device computer  20  will generate an appropriate signal or stimulus which can be provided to the receiver or the carrier. The signal or stimulus can be text information provided on the display device  20 E, an audible sound output by the output device  20 I, a lighting of a light of the output device  20 I, and/or the sounding of an alarm by the output device  20 I, and/or any other stimulus indicating that the shipment is not being delivered to the correct receiver.  
         [0183]    Thereafter, the shipment conveyance device computer  20  will, at step  707 , cancel the delivery to the receiver or party thought to be the receiver. At step  708 , the shipment conveyance device computer  20  will generate a mis-delivered notification message indicating that the receiver is not the correct receiver. At step  708 , the shipment conveyance device computer  20  will also transmit the mis-delivered notification message to any one or more of the sender, the carrier, the correct receiver, and/or the administrator, and/or to the respective sender computer  40 , carrier computer  30 , receiver computer  50 , and/or the central processing computer  60 , indicating that the shipment was mis-delivered, at least for the time being. The carrier can, thereafter, re-attempt the shipment, transport, or delivery, of the shipment conveyance device to the correct receiver. Thereafter, the operation of the system  100  will cease at step  709 .  
         [0184]    If, however, at step  705 , it is determined that the receiver is the correct receiver, the operation of the shipment conveyance device computer  20  will proceed to step  710  and the shipment conveyance device computer  20  will generate an appropriate signal or stimulus which can be provided to the receiver or the carrier. The signal or stimulus can be text information provided on the display device  20 E, an audible sound output by the output device  20 I, a lighting of a light of the output device  20 I, and/or the sounding of an alarm by the output device  20 I, and/or any other stimulus indicating that the shipment is being delivered to the correct receiver.  
         [0185]    Thereafter, the shipment conveyance device computer  20  can, at step  711 , consummate/effect the delivery transaction. At step  712 , the shipment conveyance device computer  20  will generate a delivery notification message indicating that the receiver is the correct receiver and/or that delivery of the shipment has been effected. At step  712 , the shipment conveyance device computer  20  will also transmit the delivery notification message to any one or more of the sender, the carrier, the correct receiver, and/or the administrator, and/or to the respective sender computer  40 , carrier computer  30 , receiver computer  50 , and/or the central processing computer  60 , indicating that the shipment was properly delivered. Thereafter, the operation of the system  100  will cease at step  713 .  
         [0186]    In the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 7A and 7B, as well as in any and/or all of the other embodiments described herein, any of the messages generated and transmitted by the shipment conveyance device computer  20 , and/or by any of the other computers  30 ,  40 ,  50 , and/or  60 , can be an e-mail message, an instant messaging service message, a short message, beeper message, pager message, a telephone message, a pre-recorded telephone message, and/or any other electronic message or electronic transmission.  
         [0187]    In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized in order to generate and/or process information regarding an insurance claim involving a shipment which has been lost, stolen, damaged, and/or mis-delivered, during shipment, transport, and/or delivery, by the carrier. FIG. 8 illustrates another preferred embodiment method of utilizing the apparatus and method of the present invention, in flow diagram form.  
         [0188]    With reference to FIG. 8, the operation of the system  100  commences at step  800 . At step  801 , the sender can enter or program data and/or information into the shipment conveyance device computer  20  via the sender computer  30  and/or in any other appropriate manner. The data and/or information can include delivery origin position or location information, destination position or location information, shipment travel route information, including position or location information corresponding to points along the shipment travel route, carrier identification information, carrier code and/or electronic signature information, receiver identification information, receiver code and/or electronic signature information, shipment temperature requirements, shipment impact tolerance information, shipment insurance information, shipment insurance claim information, shipment insurance claims generation and/or submission information, and/or any other data and/or information regarding and/or relating to the shipment. The data and/or information entered and/or programmed into the shipment conveyance device computer  20  can be processed and stored at step  801 .  
         [0189]    At step  802 , the shipment conveyance device computer  20  can, during transport of the shipment and/or upon the delivery of the shipment to a receiver or receiving entity, await the detection of a processing event.  
         [0190]    The processing event can be any one or more of the detection by the shipment conveyance device computer  20  that the shipment has been lost (i.e. there is no record of the shipment being delivered and/or the shipment cannot be found and/or accounted for, etc.), that the shipment has been stolen (i.e. the carrier reports the shipment, and/or the carrier vehicle with the shipment, as being stolen, the carrier has not delivered the shipment to any receiver, and/or an unauthorized individual or entity has received the shipment and refuses to return same, etc.), the shipment has been damaged (i.e. perishable goods have spoiled, perished, and/or been ruined, fragile goods have been damaged, a damaging impact is detected, carrier reports involvement in accident resulting in damage to the shipment and/or shipment contents, etc.) and/or that the shipment has been mis-delivered to an incorrect receiver, receiving entity, individual or entity.  
         [0191]    The shipment conveyance computer  20  can detect the processing event itself via any of its herein-described processing capabilities (i.e. detecting erroneous position or location of the shipment or carrier vehicle, detecting status of shipment as contrary to shipping and/or environmental requirements, detecting an impact or damaging forces exerted on the shipment conveyance device  10 , detecting mis-delivery, and/or the shipment conveyance device computer  20  can receive data and/or information from any one or more of the carrier computers  30 , the sender computers  40 , the receiver computers  50 , and/or the central processing computers  60 , which contains information regarding any of the processing events.  
         [0192]    At step  803 , the shipment conveyance device computer  20  can process the data and/or information corresponding to the processing event and generate an insurance claim message which contains information regarding the processing event and information for filing an appropriate insurance claim.  
         [0193]    At step  804 , the shipment conveyance device computer  20  will transmit the insurance claim message to any one or more of the carrier, the sender, the receiver, and/or the administrator, in order to provide information regarding the detected processing event and/or the associated insurance claim. The insurance claim information can be any one or more of an e-mail message, an instant messaging service message, a short message, beeper message, pager message, a telephone message, a pre-recorded telephone message, and/or any other electronic message or electronic transmission.  
         [0194]    At step  804 , the insurance claim message can be transmitted to any one or more of the carrier computer  30 , the sender computer  40 , the receiver computer  50 , and/or the central processing computer  60 . The central processing computer  60  can also be utilized by and/or be associated with an insurance provider and/or an insurance agent.  
         [0195]    At step  805 , the information contained in the insurance claim message can be received by, and can be output and/or displayed to the respective carrier, sender, receiver, and/or administrator, on, the respective carrier computer  30 , the sender computer  40 , the receiver computer  50 , and/or the central processing computer  60 . At step  806 , any of the information concerning the insurance claim can be processed and/or stored at the respective carrier computer  30 , the sender computer  40 , the receiver computer  50 , and/or the central processing computer  60 . Thereafter, the operation of the system  100  can cease at step  807 .  
         [0196]    In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 8, any of the insurance claim messages generated and transmitted by the shipment conveyance device computer  20  can be an e-mail message, an instant messaging service message, a short message, beeper message, pager message, a telephone message, a pre-recorded telephone message, and/or any other electronic message or electronic transmission.  
         [0197]    The apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized in order to provide any of the herein-defined shipment conveyance devices with the information processing functionality described herein. In this manner, the present invention can be utilized in order to provide “smart” shipment conveyance devices, “smart” pallets, “smart” containers, etc., or “electronic” shipment conveyance devices, “electronic” pallets, “electronic” containers, etc., which can provide enhanced information services and/or functionality, and/or “smart” or “e-” technologies, in the shipping, transportation, and/or delivery, services fields and/or industries.  
         [0198]    While the present invention has been described and illustrated in various preferred and alternate embodiments, such descriptions are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not to be construed to be limitations thereof. In this regard, the present invention encompasses all modifications, variations, and/or alternate embodiments, with the scope of the present invention being limited only by the claims which follow.