Patent ID: 8650132

Claim:
A computer-implemented method for carrying out the distribution of single-product-type unlabeled packages using a carrier system, the method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving a distribution list from a shipper system by a carrier computer system for a plurality of unlabeled packages, wherein: (i) each unlabeled package contains no indicia thereon signifying destination information; (ii) said distribution list comprises destination information for each unlabeled package; and (iii) each unlabeled package contains one or more units of a single type of product; (b) generating a pickup and delivery schedule comprising time and destination information associated with the pickup of said plurality of unlabeled packages from a manufacturing facility and the delivery of said unlabeled packages to a plurality of respective destinations, wherein said pickup and delivery schedule is based at least in part on said distribution list; (c) dispatching a pickup vehicle to said manufacturing facility to retrieve said unlabeled packages based at least in part on said pickup and delivery schedule; (d) delivering the plurality of unlabeled packages from said manufacturing facility via the pickup vehicle to a distribution point in accordance with said pickup and delivery schedule; (e) generating a plurality of shipping labels, wherein said shipping labels comprise destination information based at least in part on said pickup and delivery schedule; (f) affixing said plurality of shipping labels to said plurality of unlabeled packages at said distribution point, wherein application of any one of said plurality of shipping labels to any one of said unlabeled packages will thereby yield one or more shipments, and wherein any one of said plurality of shipping labels may be applied to any one of said plurality of unlabeled packages; and (g) transporting said shipments from said distribution point to said respective destinations in accordance with said pickup and delivery schedule.