Apparatus and method for facilitating shipping commerce

• US 20040230601A1
• Filed: 09/09/2003
• Published: 11/18/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/09/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: John A. Notarianni, Leo J. Mangan, Raymond A. Joao
• Original Assignee: John A. Notarianni, Leo J. Mangan, Raymond A. Joao
• Inventors: Notarianni, John A., Mangan, Leo J., Joao, Raymond A.
• Application Number:
  US10/657,918
• Publication Number:
  US 20040230601A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 707/102
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management

Abstract

An apparatus and method for providing shipment information, including a receiver for receiving a request to obtain information regarding at least one of a shipment and a delivery, wherein the request is received from a requesting individual, a processor for processing the request to obtain information in conjunction with information regarding at least one of a shipment assignment, a shipment job, a delivery assignment, and a delivery job, and further wherein the processor generates a report in response to the request for information, and a transmitter for transmitting the report to a communication device associated with the requesting individual.

Claims

1. An apparatus for providing shipment information, comprising:

a receiver for receiving a request to obtain information regarding at least one of a shipment and a delivery, wherein said request is received from a requesting individual;

a processor for processing said request to obtain information in conjunction with information regarding at least one of a shipment assignment, a shipment job, a delivery assignment, and a delivery job, and further wherein said processor generates a report in response to said request for information; and

a transmitter for transmitting said report to a communication device associated with the requesting individual.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said receiver receives a second request for at least one of additional information and contact information concerning said at least one of a shipment assignment, a shipment job, a delivery assignment, and a delivery job, wherein said processor processes said second request, and further wherein said transmitter transmits said at least one of additional information and contact information to the communication device associated with the requesting individual.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

means for monitoring at least one of negotiations between parties and agreements entered into between parties.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus is at least one of a central processing computer, a network computer, and a server computer.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the communication device is at least one of a personal computer, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a personal communication device, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a wireless telephone, a digital telephone, a third generation (3G) telephone, a video telephone, a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and a watch.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus is utilized at least one of on and over at least one of the Internet, the World Wide Web, a communication network, a telephone communication network, a cellular communication network, a digital communication network, a personal communication network, a personal communication services (PCS) network, a third generation (3G) communication network, a satellite communication network, a broad band communication network, a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network, and a public switched telephone network.

7. An apparatus for providing shipment information, comprising:

a transmitter for transmitting a request to obtain information regarding at least one of a shipment and a delivery from a requesting individual to a central processing computer;

a receiver for receiving a report from the central processing computer in response to said request for information;

a processor for processing said report; and

a display device for displaying information contained in said report.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said transmitter transmits a second request for at least one of additional information and contact information, and further wherein said receiver receives said at least one of additional information and contact information.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the central processing computer is at least one of a central processing computer, a network computer, and a server computer.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said apparatus is at least one of a personal computer, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a personal communication device, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a wireless telephone, a digital telephone, a third generation (3G) telephone, a video telephone, a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and a watch.

11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said apparatus is utilized at least one of on and over at least one of the Internet, the World Wide Web, a communication network, a telephone communication network, a cellular communication network, a digital communication network, a personal communication network, a personal communication services (PCS) network, a third generation (3G) communication network, a satellite communication network, a broad band communication network, a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network, and a public switched telephone network.

12. An apparatus for providing shipment information, comprising:

a receiver for receiving a request to obtain information regarding at least one of a provider of at least one of shipment and delivery services and an availability of a provider of at least one of shipment and delivery services, wherein said request is received from a requesting individual;

a processor for processing said request to obtain information in conjunction with information regarding at least one of a provider, providers, an available provider, and available providers, and further wherein said processor generates a report in response to said request for information; and

a transmitter for transmitting said report to a communication device associated with the requesting individual.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said receiver receives a second request for at least one of additional information and contact information concerning said at least one of a provider, providers, an available provider, and available providers, wherein said processor processes said second request, and further wherein said transmitter transmits said at least one of additional information and contact information to the communication device associated with the requesting individual.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising:

means for monitoring at least one of negotiations between parties agreements entered into between parties.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said apparatus is at least one of a central processing computer, a network computer, and a server computer.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the communication device is at least one of a personal computer, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a personal communication device, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a wireless telephone, a digital telephone, a third generation (3G) telephone, a video telephone, a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and a watch.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said apparatus is utilized at least one of on and over at least one of the Internet, the World Wide Web, a communication network, a telephone communication network, a cellular communication network, a digital communication network, a personal communication network, a personal communication services (PCS) network, a third generation (3G) communication network, a satellite communication network, a broad band communication network, a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network, and a public switched telephone network.

18. An apparatus for providing shipment information, comprising:

a transmitter for transmitting a request to obtain information regarding at least one a provider, providers, an available provider, and available providers, to a central processing computer;

a receiver for receiving a report from the central processing computer in response to said request for information;

a processor for processing said report; and

a display device for displaying information contained in said report.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said transmitter transmits a second request for at least one of additional information and contact information, and further wherein said receiver receives said at least one of additional information and contact information.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the central processing computer is at least one of a central processing computer, a network computer, and a server computer.

21. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said apparatus is at least one of a personal computer, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a personal communication device, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a wireless telephone, a digital telephone, a third generation (3G) telephone, a video telephone, a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and a watch.

22. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said apparatus is utilized at least one of on and over at least one of the Internet, the World Wide Web, a communication network, a telephone communication network, a cellular communication network, a digital communication network, a personal communication network, a personal communication services (PCS) network, a third generation (3G) communication network, a satellite communication network, a broad band communication network, a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network, and a public switched telephone network.

23. An apparatus for providing shipment information, comprising:

a receiver for receiving a request to obtain information regarding at least one of an auction and a bidding process, wherein said request is received from a requesting individual;

a processor for processing said request in conjunction with information regarding at least one of an auction, auctions, a bidding process, and bidding processes, wherein said processor generates a report regarding said at least one of an auction, auctions, a bidding process, and bidding processes, wherein said report contains at least one of time, place, site, and subject matter, of at least one of said at least one of an auction, auctions, a bidding process, and bidding processes; and

a transmitter for transmitting said report to a communication device associated with the requesting individual.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said receiver receives at least one of a bid and an offer in at least one of an auction and a bidding process, wherein said processor determines whether said at least one of a bid and an offer is successful, and further wherein said processor generates a notification report in response to said at least one of a bid and an offer being successful.

25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said apparatus is at least one of a central processing computer, a network computer, and a server computer.

26. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the communication device is at least one of a personal computer, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a personal communication device, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a wireless telephone, a digital telephone, a third generation (3G) telephone, a video telephone, a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and a watch.

99. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said apparatus is utilized at least one of on and over at least one of the Internet, the World Wide Web, a communication network, a telephone communication network, a cellular communication network, a digital communication network, a personal communication network, a personal communication services (PCS) network, a third generation (3G) communication network, a satellite communication network, a broad band communication network, a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network, and a public switched telephone network.

27. An apparatus for providing shipment information, comprising:

a transmitter for transmitting a request to obtain information regarding at least one of an auction and a bidding process to a central processing computer;

a receiver for receiving a report, wherein said report contains at least one of time, place, site, and subject matter, of at least one of said at least one of an auction, auctions, a bidding process, and bidding processes;

a processor for processing said information contained in said report; and

a display device for displaying at least a portion of said information contained in said report.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said transmitter transmits at least one of a bid and an offer in at least one of an auction and a bidding process to the central processing computer, and further wherein said receiver receives a notification report regarding whether the at least one of a bid and an offer is one of successful and unsuccessful.

29. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the central processing computer is at least one of a central processing computer, a network computer, and a server computer.

30. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said apparatus is at least one a personal computer,

a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a personal communication device, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a wireless telephone, a digital telephone, a third generation (3G) telephone, a video telephone, a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and a watch.

100. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said apparatus is utilized at least one of on and over at least one of the Internet, the World Wide Web, a communication network, a telephone communication network, a cellular communication network, a digital communication network, a personal communication network, a personal communication services (PCS) network, a third generation (3G) communication network, a satellite communication network, a broad band communication network, a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network, and a public switched telephone network.

31. An apparatus for providing shipment information, comprising:

a receiver for receiving at least one of provider position information, provider location information and provider available cargo capacity information;

a processor for processing said at least one of provider position information, provider location information and provider available cargo capacity information, in conjunction with information regarding requests for at least one of shipment services and delivery services, wherein said processor generates a report containing information regarding at least one of a shipment assignment, shipment assignments, a shipment job, shipment jobs, a delivery assignment, delivery assignments, a delivery job, and delivery jobs, which can match an availability of a provider; and

a transmitter for transmitting said report to a communication device associated with at least one of a provider and a provider'"'"'s representative.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said apparatus is at least one of a central processing computer, a network computer, and a server computer.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the communication device is at least one of a personal computer, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a personal communication device, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a wireless telephone, a digital telephone, a third generation (3G) telephone, a video telephone, a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and a watch.

34. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said apparatus is utilized at least one of on and over at least one of the Internet, the World Wide Web, a communication network, a telephone communication network, a cellular communication network, a digital communication network, a personal communication network, a personal communication services (PCS) network, a third generation (3G) communication network, a satellite communication network, a broad band communication network, a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network, and a public switched telephone network.

35. An apparatus for providing shipment information, comprising:

a transmitter for transmitting at least one of provider position information, provider location information and provider available cargo capacity information, along with information regarding provider availability to fulfill at least one of an available shipment requirement and an available delivery requirement to a central processing computer;

a receiver for receiving a report containing information regarding at least one of a shipment assignment, shipment assignments, a shipment job, shipment jobs, a delivery assignment, delivery assignments, a delivery job, and delivery jobs, which can match the availability of a provider;

a processor for processing the information contained in said report; and

a display device for displaying at least some of the information contained in said report.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the central processing computer is at least one of a central processing computer, a network computer, and a server computer.

37. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said apparatus is at least one of a personal computer, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a personal communication device, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a wireless telephone, a digital telephone, a third generation (3G) telephone, a video telephone, a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and a watch.

38. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said apparatus is utilized at least one of on and over at least one of the Internet, the World Wide Web, a communication network, a telephone communication network, a cellular communication network, a digital communication network, a personal communication network, a personal communication services (PCS) network, a third generation (3G) communication network, a satellite communication network, a broad band communication network, a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network, and a public switched telephone network.

39. An apparatus for providing shipment information, comprising:

a receiver for receiving at least one of client position information, a client shipment requirement, and a client delivery requirement;

a processor for processing said at least one of client position information, a client shipment requirement, and a client delivery requirement, in conjunction with information regarding available providers of one of shipment services and delivery services, wherein said processor generates a report containing information regarding at least one available provider which can match a client one of shipment requirement and delivery requirement; and

a transmitter for transmitting said report to a communication device associated with at least one of a client and a client'"'"'s representative.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein said apparatus is at least one of a central processing computer, a network computer, and a server computer.

41. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the communication device is at least one of a personal computer, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a personal communication device, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a wireless telephone, a digital telephone, a third generation (3G) telephone, a video telephone, a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and a watch.

42. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein said apparatus is utilized at least one of on and over at least one of the Internet, the World Wide Web, a communication network, a telephone communication network, a cellular communication network, a digital communication network, a personal communication network, a personal communication services (PCS) network, a third generation (3G) communication network, a satellite communication network, a broad band communication network, a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network, and a public switched telephone network.

43. An apparatus for providing shipment information, comprising:

a transmitter for transmitting at least one of client position information, client location information, and a client'"'"'s at least one of a shipment requirement and a delivery requirement along with a request for an available provider, wherein said at least one of information, requirement and request, is transmitted to a central processing computer;

a receiver for receiving a report containing information regarding at least one of an available provider which can match a client at least one of shipment requirement and delivery requirement;

a processor for processing the information contained in said report; and

a display device for displaying at least some of the information contained in said report.

44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the central processing computer is at least one of a central processing computer, a network computer, and a server computer.

45. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein said apparatus is at least one of a personal computer, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a personal communication device, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a wireless telephone, a digital telephone, a third generation (3G) telephone, a video telephone, a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and a watch.

46. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein said apparatus is utilized at least one of on and over at least one of the Internet, the World Wide Web, a communication network, a telephone communication network, a cellular communication network, a digital communication network, a personal communication network, a personal communication services (PCS) network, a third generation (3G) communication network, a satellite communication network, a broad band communication network, a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network, and a public switched telephone network.

47. An apparatus for providing shipment information, comprising:

a receiver for receiving at least one of provider position information, provider location information and provider available cargo capacity information;

a processor for processing said at least one of provider position information, provider location information and provider available cargo capacity information, in conjunction with information regarding a client having a request for at least one of shipment service and delivery service, wherein said processor generates at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information containing the position of at least one client having at least one of a shipment requirement and a delivery requirement; and

a transmitter for transmitting said at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information to a communication device associated with at least one of a provider and a provider'"'"'s representative.

48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein said at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information contains at least one of position information and location information for at least one of a provider, providers, and a requesting individual.

49. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein said apparatus is at least one of a central processing computer, a network computer, and a server computer.

50. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the communication device is at least one a personal computer, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a personal communication device, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a wireless telephone, a digital telephone, a third generation (3G) telephone, a video telephone, a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and a watch.

51. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein said apparatus is utilized at least one of on and over at least one of the Internet, the World Wide Web, a communication network, a telephone communication network, a cellular communication network, a digital communication network, a personal communication network, a personal communication services (PCS) network, a third generation (3G) communication network, a satellite communication network, a broad band communication network, a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network, and a public switched telephone network.

52. An apparatus for providing shipment information, comprising:

a transmitter for transmitting at least one of provider position information, provider location information and provider available cargo capacity information, to a central processing computer;

a receiver for receiving at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information, wherein said at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information contains the position of at least one client having at least one of a shipment requirement and a delivery requirement;

a processor for processing said at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information; and

a display device for displaying said at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information.

53. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein said at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information contains at least one of position information and location information for at least one of a provider, providers, and a requesting individual.

54. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the central processing computer is at least one of a central processing computer, a network computer, and a server computer.

55. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein said apparatus is at least one a personal computer, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a personal communication device, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a wireless telephone, a digital telephone, a third generation (3G) telephone, a video telephone, a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and a watch.

56. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein said apparatus is utilized at least one of on and over at least one of the Internet, the World Wide Web, a communication network, a telephone communication network, a cellular communication network, a digital communication network, a personal communication network, a personal communication services (PCS) network, a third generation (3G) communication network, a satellite communication network, a broad band communication network, a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network, and a public switched telephone network.

57. An apparatus for providing shipment information, comprising:

a receiver for receiving at least one of client position information, client location information and client at least one of a shipment requirement and a delivery requirement;

a processor for processing said at least one of client position information, client location information and client at least one of a shipment requirement and a delivery requirement, in conjunction with information regarding provider availability, wherein said processor generates at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information containing the position of at least one provider available to service a client at least one of a shipment requirement and a delivery requirement; and

a transmitter for transmitting said at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information to a communication device associated with at least one of a client and a client'"'"'s representative.

58. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein said at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information contains at least one of position information and location information for at least one of a client, clients, and a requesting individual.

59. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein said apparatus is at least one of a central processing computer, a network computer, and a server computer.

60. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the communication device is at least one a personal computer, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a personal communication device, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a wireless telephone, a digital telephone, a third generation (3G) telephone, a video telephone, a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and a watch.

61. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein said apparatus is utilized at least one of on and over at least one of the Internet, the World Wide Web, a communication network, a telephone communication network, a cellular communication network, a digital communication network, a personal communication network, a personal communication services (PCS) network, a third generation (3G) communication network, a satellite communication network, a broad band communication network, a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network, and a public switched telephone network.

62. An apparatus for providing shipment information, comprising:

a transmitter for transmitting at least one of client position information, client location information and at least one of a client shipment requirement and a client delivery requirement;

a receiver for receiving at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information, wherein said at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information contains the position of at least one provider available for handling said at least one of a client shipment requirement and a client delivery requirement;

a processor for processing said at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information; and

a display device for displaying said at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information.

63. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein said at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information contains at least one of position information and location information for at least one of a client, clients, and a requesting individual.

64. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the central processing computer is at least one of a central processing computer, a network computer, and a server computer.

65. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein said apparatus is at least one a personal computer, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a personal communication device, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a wireless telephone, a digital telephone, a third generation (3G) telephone, a video telephone, a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and a watch.

66. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein said apparatus is utilized at least one of on and over at least one of the Internet, the World Wide Web, a communication network, a telephone communication network, a cellular communication network, a digital communication network, a personal communication network, a personal communication services (PCS) network, a third generation (3G) communication network, a satellite communication network, a broad band communication network, a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network, and a public switched telephone network.

67. An apparatus for providing shipment information, comprising:

a receiver for receiving at least one of a search parameter, a search instruction, and a request for notification, regarding at least one of a shipment and a delivery, wherein said at least one of a search parameter, a search instruction, and a request for notification, regarding at least one a shipment and a delivery is received from a requesting individual;

a processor for processing said at least one of a search parameter, a search instruction, and a request for notification, in conjunction with information regarding at least one of a client shipment requirement and a client delivery requirement, wherein said processor generates a notification message for providing a notification to the requesting individual regarding said at least one of a client shipment requirement and a client delivery requirement; and

a transmitter for transmitting said notification message to a communication device associated with the requesting individual.

68. The apparatus of claim 67, wherein said processor at least one of processes said at least one of a search parameter, a search instruction, and a request for notification, in conjunction with information regarding at least one of a client shipment requirement and a client delivery requirement, and generates said notification message in response to a search event.

69. The apparatus of claim 67, wherein said apparatus is at least one of a central processing computer, a network computer, and a server computer.

70. The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the communication device is at least one a personal computer, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a personal communication device, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a wireless telephone, a digital telephone, a third generation (3G) telephone, a video telephone, a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and a watch.

71. The apparatus of claim 67, wherein said apparatus is utilized at least one of on and over at least one of the Internet, the World Wide Web, a communication network, a telephone communication network, a cellular communication network, a digital communication network, a personal communication network, a personal communication services (PCS) network, a third generation (3G) communication network, a satellite communication network, a broad band communication network, a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network, and a public switched telephone network.

72. An apparatus for providing shipment information, comprising:

a transmitter for transmitting at least one of a search parameter, a search instruction, and a request for notification, regarding at least one of a shipment and a delivery, wherein said at least one of a search parameter, a search instruction, and a request for notification, regarding at least one a shipment and a delivery is transmitted to a central processing computer;

a receiver for receiving a notification message, wherein said notification message is generated in response to an occurrence of a search event;

a processor for processing said notification message; and

a display device for displaying information contained in said notification message.

73. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the central processing computer is at least one of a central processing computer, a network computer, and a server computer.

74. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein said apparatus is at least one a personal computer, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a personal communication device, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a wireless telephone, a digital telephone, a third generation (3G) telephone, a video telephone, a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and a watch.

75. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein said apparatus is utilized at least one of on and over at least one of the Internet, the World Wide Web, a communication network, a telephone communication network, a cellular communication network, a digital communication network, a personal communication network, a personal communication services (PCS) network, a third generation (3G) communication network, a satellite communication network, a broad band communication network, a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network, and a public switched telephone network.

76. An apparatus for providing shipment information, comprising:

a receiver for receiving at least one of a search parameter, a search instruction, and a request for notification, regarding at least one of a provider and an availability of a provider;

a processor for processing said at least one of a search parameter, a search instruction, and a request for notification, in conjunction with information regarding said at least one of a provider and an availability of a provider, wherein said processor generates a notification message for providing a notification to a requesting individual regarding said at least one of a provider and an availability of a provider; and

a transmitter for transmitting said notification message to a communication device associated with the requesting individual.

77. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein said processor at least one of processes said at least one of a search parameter, a search instruction, and a request for notification, in conjunction with information regarding said at least one of a provider and an availability of a provider.

78. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein said apparatus is at least one of a central processing computer, a network computer, and a server computer.

79. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the communication device is at least one of a communication device, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a wireless telephone, a digital telephone, a third generation (3G) telephone, a video telephone, a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and a watch.

80. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein said apparatus is utilized at least one of on and or at least one of the Internet, the World Wide Web, a communication network, a telephone communication network, a cellular communication network, a digital communication network, a personal communication network, a personal communication services (PCS) network, a third generation (3G) communication network, a satellite communication network, a broad band communication network, a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network, and a public switched telephone network.

81. An apparatus for providing shipment information, comprising:

a transmitter for transmitting at least one of a search parameter, a search instruction, and a request for notification, regarding at least one of a provider and provider availability, wherein said at least one of a search parameter, a search instruction, and a request for notification, regarding at least one of a provider and a provider availability is transmitted to a central processing computer;

a receiver for receiving a notification message, wherein said notification message is generated in response to an occurrence of a search event;

a processor for processing said notification message; and

a display device for displaying information contained in said notification message.

82. The apparatus of claim 81, wherein the central processing computer is at least one of a central processing computer, a network computer, and a server computer.

83. The apparatus of claim 81, wherein said apparatus is at least one of a personal computer, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a personal communication device, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a wireless telephone, a digital telephone, a third generation (3G) telephone, a video telephone, a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and a watch.

84. The apparatus of claim 81, wherein said apparatus is utilized at least one of on and over at least one of the Internet, the World Wide Web, a communication network, a telephone communication network, a cellular communication network, a digital communication network, a personal communication network, a personal communication services (PCS) network, a third generation (3G) communication network, a satellite communication network, a broad band communication network, a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network, and a public switched telephone network.

85. An apparatus for providing shipment information, comprising:

a receiver for receiving at least one of a request for information and a request for a service related to at least one of a formation, an execution, and a satisfaction, of an agreement related to a shipment service arrangement between at least two parties, wherein said request is received from a requesting individual;

a memory device for storing information for processing said request and for providing at least one of information, a form, and a document, for servicing said request;

a processor for processing said request, wherein said processor generates at least one of information, a document, and a form, for facilitating a shipment service contract; and

a transmitter for transmitting said at least one of information, a document, and a form, for facilitating a shipment service contract, to at least one party to a shipment service at least one of contract, agreement and arrangement.

86. The apparatus of claim 85, wherein said transmitter transmits said at least one of information, a document, and a form, for facilitating a shipment service contract to at least two parties to at least one of a contract, an agreement, and an arrangement.

87. The apparatus of claim 85, wherein said apparatus obtains a digital signature from at least one party to said at least one of a contract, an agreement, and an arrangement.

88. The apparatus of claim 85, wherein said processor generates at least one of information, a form, and a document, at least one of related to, referenced by, and ancillary to, said at least one of a contract, an agreement, and an arrangement.

89. The apparatus of claim 85, wherein said apparatus is at least one of a central processing computer, a network computer, and a server computer.

90. The apparatus of claim 85, wherein the communication device is at least one of a personal computer, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a personal communication device, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a wireless telephone, a digital telephone, a third generation (3G) telephone, a video telephone, a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and a watch.

91. The apparatus of claim 85, wherein said apparatus is utilized at least one of on and over at least one of the Internet, the World Wide Web, a communication network, a telephone communication network, a cellular communication network, a digital communication network, a personal communication network, a personal communication services (PCS) network, a third generation (3G) communication network, a satellite communication network, a broad band communication network, a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network, and a public switched telephone network.

92. An apparatus for providing shipment information, comprising:

a transmitter for transmitting a request for at least one of information and a request for a service related to at least one of a formation, an execution, and a satisfaction, of an agreement related to a shipment service arrangement between at least two parties, wherein said request is transmitted to a central processing computer;

a receiver for receiving at least one of information, a document, and a form, in response to said request;

a processor for processing said at least one of information, a document, and a form, in response to said request; and

a display device for displaying said at least one of information, a document, and a form.

93. The apparatus of claim 92, further comprising:

a printer for printing said at least one of information, a document, and a form.

94. The apparatus of claim 92, wherein said processor attaches a digital signature to said at least one of information, a document, and a form.

95. The apparatus of claim 92, wherein said at least one of information, a document, and a form, is at least one of related to, referenced by, and ancillary to, said at least one of a contract, an agreement, and an arrangement.

96. The apparatus of claim 92, wherein the central processing computer is at least one of a central processing computer, a network computer, and a server computer.

97. The apparatus of claim 92, wherein said apparatus is at least one a personal computer, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a personal communication device, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a wireless telephone, a digital telephone, a third generation (3G) telephone, a video telephone, a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and a watch.

98. The apparatus of claim 92, wherein said apparatus is utilized at least one of on and over at least one of the Internet, the World Wide Web, a communication network, a telephone communication network, a cellular communication network, a digital communication network, a personal communication network, a personal communication services (PCS) network, a third generation (3G) communication network, a satellite communication network, a broad band communication network, a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network, and a public switched telephone network.

101. A method for providing shipment information, comprising:

receiving a request to obtain information regarding at least one of a shipment and a delivery, wherein said request is received from a requesting individual;

processing said request to obtain information in conjunction with information regarding at least one of a shipment assignment, a shipment job, a delivery assignment, and a delivery job;

generating a report in response to said request for information; and

transmitting said report to a communication device associated with the requesting individual.

102. A method for providing shipment information, comprising:

transmitting a request to obtain information regarding at least one of a shipment and a delivery from a requesting individual to a central processing computer;

receiving a report from the central processing computer in response to said request for information;

processing said report; and

displaying information contained in said report.

103. A method for providing shipment information, comprising:

receiving a request to obtain information regarding at least one of a provider of at least one of shipment and delivery services and an availability of a provider of at least one of shipment and delivery services, wherein said request is received from a requesting individual;

processing said request to obtain information in conjunction with information regarding at least one of a provider, providers, an available provider, and available providers;

generating a report in response to said request for information; and

transmitting said report to a communication device associated with the requesting individual.

104. A method for providing shipment information, comprising:

transmitting a request to obtain information regarding at least one a provider, providers, an available provider, and available providers, to a central processing computer;

receiving a report from the central processing computer in response to said request for information;

processing said report; and

displaying information contained in said report.

105. A method for providing shipment information, comprising:

receiving a request to obtain information regarding at least one of an auction and a bidding process, wherein said request is received from a requesting individual;

processing said request in conjunction with information regarding at least one of an auction, auctions, a bidding process, and bidding processes;

generating a report regarding said at least one of an auction, auctions, a bidding process, and bidding processes, wherein said report contains at least one of time, place, site, and subject matter, of at least one of said at least one of an auction, auctions, a bidding process, and bidding processes; and

transmitting said report to a communication device associated with the requesting individual.

106. A method for providing shipment information, comprising:

transmitting a request to obtain information regarding at least one of an auction and a bidding process to a central processing computer;

receiving a report, wherein said report contains at least one of time, place, site, and subject matter, of at least one of said at least one of an auction, auctions, a bidding process, and bidding processes;

processing said information contained in said report; and

displaying at least a portion of said information contained in said report.

107. A method for providing shipment information, comprising:

receiving at least one of provider position information, provider location information and provider available cargo capacity information;

processing said at least one of provider position information, provider location information and provider available cargo capacity information, in conjunction with information regarding requests for at least one of shipment services and delivery services;

generating a report containing information regarding at least one of a shipment assignment, shipment assignments, a shipment job, shipment jobs, a delivery assignment, delivery assignments, a delivery job, and delivery jobs, which can match an availability of a provider; and

transmitting said report to a communication device associated with at least one of a provider and a provider'"'"'s representative.

108. A method for providing shipment information, comprising:

transmitting at least one of provider position information, provider location information and provider available cargo capacity information, along with information regarding provider availability to fulfill at least one of an available shipment requirement and an available delivery requirement to a central processing computer;

receiving a report containing information regarding at least one of a shipment assignment, shipment assignments, a shipment job, shipment jobs, a delivery assignment, delivery assignments, a delivery job, and delivery jobs, which can match the availability of a provider;

processing the information contained in said report; and

displaying at least some of the information contained in said report.

109. A method for providing shipment information, comprising:

receiving at least one of client position information, a client shipment requirement, and a client delivery requirement;

processing said at least one of client position information, a client shipment requirement, and a client delivery requirement, in conjunction with information regarding available providers of one of shipment services and delivery services;

generating a report containing information regarding at least one available provider which can match a client one of shipment requirement and delivery requirement; and

transmitting said report to a communication device associated with at least one of a client and a client'"'"'s representative.

110. A method for providing shipment information, comprising:

transmitting at least one of client position information, client location information, and a client'"'"'s at least one of a shipment requirement and a delivery requirement along with a request for an available provider, wherein said at least one of information, requirement and request, is transmitted to a central processing computer;

receiving a report containing information regarding at least one of an available provider which can match a client at least one of shipment requirement and delivery requirement;

processing the information contained in said report; and

displaying at least some of the information contained in said report.

111. A method for providing shipment information, comprising:

receiving at least one of provider position information, provider location information and provider available cargo capacity information;

processing said at least one of provider position information, provider location information and provider available cargo capacity information, in conjunction with information regarding a client having a request for at least one of shipment service and delivery service;

generating at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information containing the position of at least one client having at least one of a shipment requirement and a delivery requirement; and

transmitting said at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information to a communication device associated with at least one of a provider and a provider'"'"'s representative.

112. A method for providing shipment information, comprising:

transmitting at least one of provider position information, provider location information and provider available cargo capacity information, to a central processing computer;

receiving at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information, wherein said at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information contains the position of at least one client having at least one of a shipment requirement and a delivery requirement;

processing said at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information; and

displaying said at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information.

113. A method for providing shipment information, comprising:

receiving at least one of client position information, client location information and client at least one of a shipment requirement and a delivery requirement;

processing said at least one of client position information, client location information and client at least one of a shipment requirement and a delivery requirement, in conjunction with information regarding provider availability;

generating at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information containing the position of at least one provider available to service a client at least one of a shipment requirement and a delivery requirement; and

transmitting said at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information to a communication device associated with at least one of a client and a client'"'"'s representative.

114. A method for providing shipment information, comprising:

transmitting at least one of client position information, client location information and at least one of a client shipment requirement and a client delivery requirement;

receiving at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information, wherein said at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information contains the position of at least one provider available for handling said at least one of a client shipment requirement and a client delivery requirement;

processing said at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information; and

displaying said at least one of a digitized map and digitized map information.

115. A method for providing shipment information, comprising:

receiving at least one of a search parameter, a search instruction, and a request for notification, regarding at least one of a shipment and a delivery, wherein said at least one of a search parameter, a search instruction, and a request for notification, regarding at least one a shipment and a delivery is received from a requesting individual;

processing said at least one of a search parameter, a search instruction, and a request for notification, in conjunction with information regarding at least one of a client shipment requirement and a client delivery requirement;

generating a notification message for providing a notification to the requesting individual regarding said at least one of a client shipment requirement and a client delivery requirement; and

transmitting said notification message to a communication device associated with the requesting individual.

116. A method for providing shipment information, comprising:

transmitting at least one of a search parameter, a search instruction, and a request for notification, regarding at least one of a shipment and a delivery, wherein said at least one of a search parameter, a search instruction, and a request for notification, regarding at least one a shipment and a delivery is transmitted to a central processing computer;

receiving a notification message, wherein said notification message is generated in response to an occurrence of a search event;

processing said notification message; and

displaying information contained in said notification message.

117. A method for providing shipment information, comprising:

receiving at least one of a search parameter, a search instruction, and a request for notification, regarding at least one of a provider and an availability of a provider;

processing said at least one of a search parameter, a search instruction, and a request for notification, in conjunction with information regarding said at least one of a provider and an availability of a provider;

generating a notification message for providing a notification to a requesting individual regarding said at least one of a provider and an availability of a provider; and

transmitting said notification message to a communication device associated with the requesting individual.

118. A method for providing shipment information, comprising:

transmitting at least one of a search parameter, a search instruction, and a request for notification, regarding at least one of a provider and provider availability, wherein said at least one of a search parameter, a search instruction, and a request for notification, regarding at least one of a provider and a provider availability is transmitted to a central processing computer;

receiving a notification message, wherein said notification message is generated in response to an occurrence of a search event;

processing said notification message; and

displaying information contained in said notification message.

119. A method for providing shipment information, comprising:

receiving at least one of a request for information and a request for a service related to at least one of a formation, an execution, and a satisfaction, of an agreement related to a shipment service arrangement between at least two parties, wherein said request is received from a requesting individual;

storing information for processing said request and for providing at least one of information, a form, and a document, for servicing said request;

processing said request;

generating at least one of information, a document, and a form, for facilitating a shipment service contract; and

transmitting said at least one of information, a document, and a form, for facilitating a shipment service contract, to at least one party to a shipment service at least one of contract, agreement and arrangement.

120. A method for providing shipment information, comprising:

transmitting a request for at least one of information and a request for a service related to at least one of a formation, an execution, and a satisfaction, of an agreement related to a shipment service arrangement between at least two parties, wherein said request is transmitted to a central processing computer;

receiving at least one of information, a document, and a form, in response to said request;

processing said at least one of information, a document, and a form; and

displaying said at least one of information, a document, and a form.