Systems and methods for synchronized delivery

US10163119B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC. · US

Inventors

• Chris Bolton · Woodstock, US
• Steven D. Brill · Alpharetta, US
• Matthew Collins · Milton, US
• Anthony Creasy · Suwanee, US
• Andrew Dotterweich · Milton, US
• Joseph Guerrisi · Sandy Springs, US
• Daniel Kettleson · Hamel, US
• Michael Mulholland · Snohomish, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 14, 2013
• Grant date: Dec 25, 2018
• Expiry date: Sep 29, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q30/0207
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Various embodiments provide systems and methods for encouraging online merchants to tender shipments according to specified criteria such that its delivery can be synchronized with anticipated and/or forecasted deliveries to the same or nearby addresses. In this way, a more efficient delivery of the shipment may be achieved. The encouragement or incentive may be in the form of a decrease in shipping cost for the particular shipment, a general shipping discount for selecting a threshold number of incentivized shipments, or some other incentive schedule. In some embodiments, the incentives may not be financially based and instead may be reductions in emissions, fuel consumption, improved customer experience (e.g., multiple deliveries at the same time versus separate deliveries) and the like. Of course, any combination of incentives may be provided both financial and otherwise.