Apparatus, systems and methods for online, multi-parcel, multi-carrier, multi-service enterprise parcel shipping management

US8374970B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• STAMPS.COM INC. · US
• iShip Inc. · US

Inventors

• Daniel F. Williams · Yarrow Point, US
• David Allison Bennett · Bothell, US
• Lynn Shaindell Goldhaber · Renton, US
• Dennis Glavin · Seattle, US
• Lory Elizabeth Krett · Kirkland, US
• Charles D. Mentzer · Redmond, US
• Stephen M. Teglovic · Redmond, US
• John M. Dietz · Bothell, US
• William W. Smith, III · Bellevue, US
• Paul Bilibin · Lynnwood, US
• Jinyue Liu · Sammamish, US
• Paul R. McLaughlin · Redmond, US
• Scott Meyer · Woodbury, US
• Sean Hu · West Sacramento, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 25, 2011
• Grant date: Feb 12, 2013
• Expiry date: Apr 25, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q30/0601
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

The present invention provides a plurality of Enterprises with a single online user interface with which the Enterprise can provide Enterprise Shippers, shipping origination users and shipping intermediary users with an automated parcel management system for a plurality of supported Carriers for a plurality of services. The present invention provides for the hierarchical definition of users, including the hierarchical definition of organizational units within each Enterprise. The present invention further provides for a distinct definition of policies, privileges, and other types of specifications for each user level, each user, and each organizational unit. The present invention applies the user and organizational policies, privileges and other specifications as they apply to each particular user to drive the interactive interface with each particular user and to provide among other things, shipping options, shipping services, shipping rates, traveler and/or shipping label preparation, and shipment tracking.