Patent ID: 7809377

Claim:
A computer-implemented method for tracking an article, which is being transported to a destination at the request of a user, the method comprising: tracking, at an Internet package tracking site, status information of the article, such status information being acquired by a mobile communication device in or attached to the article; and allowing an authorized representative to be aware of the status information from the Internet package tracking site, wherein the status information includes at least position information and physical condition information, wherein the mobile communication device includes at least a position sensor and a physical condition sensor, wherein at least a portion of the status information is related to a condition insured by an insurance on the article, wherein there is a cost to the user to have the article transported to the destination, and wherein the method further comprises determining if the portion of the status information related to the condition insured indicates that a threshold value has been exceeded; and, providing a benefit to the user if the determining determines that the portion of the status information related to the condition insured indicates that the threshold value has been exceeded.