Patent ID: 7482920

Claim:
An apparatus, comprising: a shipment conveyance device, wherein the shipment conveyance device is a shipping container, a pallet, a piece of luggage, or a tote; a memory device, wherein the memory device is located in, on, or at, the shipment conveyance device, wherein the memory device stores information regarding a description of a good, product, or item, being shipped or transported via or which is contained in or on the shipment conveyance device, and origination information, sender information, shipper information, destination information, receiver information, handling instruction information, delivery instruction information, invoice information, packing slip information, delivery time information, or payment instruction information, regarding the shipment conveyance device; a global positioning device, wherein the global positioning device is located in, on, or at, the shipment conveyance device, and further wherein the global positioning device determines a position or location of the shipment conveyance device; a processing device, wherein the processing device processes information regarding the shipment conveyance device in response to an occurrence of an event or in response to a request for information regarding the shipment conveyance device, wherein the processing device generates a message containing information regarding the position or location of the shipment conveyance device and information regarding the occurrence of an event, a status of a shipment or a transportation of or involving the shipment conveyance device, a shipment or transportation temperature, or an impact or force on the shipment conveyance device; and a transmitter, wherein the transmitter is located in, on, or at, the shipment conveyance device, wherein the transmitter transmits the message to a communication device associated with an individual or entity, a sender of the shipment conveyance device, a receiver of the shipment conveyance device, a carrier of the shipment conveyance device, or an individual or entity authorized to receive information regarding the shipment conveyance device or information regarding a shipment or a transportation of or involving the shipment conveyance device.