SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTION OF SINGLE-PRODUCT-TYPE UNLABELED PACKAGES
First Claim
1. A computer-implemented method for carrying out the distribution of single-product-type unlabeled packages using a carrier system, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) receiving a distribution list from a shipper system by a carrier computer system for a plurality of unlabeled packages, wherein said distribution list comprises destination information for each unlabeled package and each unlabeled package contains one or more units of a single type of product;
(b) generating a pickup and delivery schedule comprising time and destination information associated with the pickup of said unlabeled packages from a manufacturing facility and the delivery of said shipments to a plurality of respective destinations, wherein said pickup and delivery schedule is based at least in part on said distribution list;
(c) dispatching a pickup vehicle to said manufacturing facility to retrieve said unlabeled packages based at least in part on said pickup and delivery schedule;
(d) delivering the unlabeled packages from said manufacturing facility via the pickup vehicle to a distribution point in accordance with said pickup and delivery schedule;
(e) generating a plurality of shipping labels, wherein said shipping labels include information based at least in part on said pickup and delivery schedule;
(f) affixing said shipping labels to said unlabeled packages at said distribution point, wherein any one of said plurality of shipping labels may be applied to any one of said plurality of unlabeled packages; and
(g) transporting said shipments from said distribution point to said respective destinations in accordance with said pickup and delivery schedule.
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Abstract
Systems and methods for the distribution of single-product-type unlabeled packages are provided. For each distribution, the system coordinates the processes required for: (1) transporting unlabeled packages containing the product from a manufacturing location to a carrier hub; (2) printing and applying respective shipping labels to the unlabeled packages; and (3) sending the labeled packages to their various retail locations. By delegating the tasks of receiving, labeling, and shipping the packages containing the product to a single carrier, the systems and methods allow the carrier to receive the packages for continued processing without the presence of any identifying labels.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A computer-implemented method for carrying out the distribution of single-product-type unlabeled packages using a carrier system, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) receiving a distribution list from a shipper system by a carrier computer system for a plurality of unlabeled packages, wherein said distribution list comprises destination information for each unlabeled package and each unlabeled package contains one or more units of a single type of product; (b) generating a pickup and delivery schedule comprising time and destination information associated with the pickup of said unlabeled packages from a manufacturing facility and the delivery of said shipments to a plurality of respective destinations, wherein said pickup and delivery schedule is based at least in part on said distribution list; (c) dispatching a pickup vehicle to said manufacturing facility to retrieve said unlabeled packages based at least in part on said pickup and delivery schedule; (d) delivering the unlabeled packages from said manufacturing facility via the pickup vehicle to a distribution point in accordance with said pickup and delivery schedule; (e) generating a plurality of shipping labels, wherein said shipping labels include information based at least in part on said pickup and delivery schedule; (f) affixing said shipping labels to said unlabeled packages at said distribution point, wherein any one of said plurality of shipping labels may be applied to any one of said plurality of unlabeled packages; and (g) transporting said shipments from said distribution point to said respective destinations in accordance with said pickup and delivery schedule. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A carrier system for carrying out the distribution of single-product-type unlabeled packages to a plurality of respective destinations, said system comprising:
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(a) an order-processing computer comprising one or more processors and one or more memory storage areas, said one or more processors configured to; receive an order from a shipper device, wherein said order comprises; a product identifier associated with a type of product, wherein at least one unit of said type of product is contained in each of a plurality of unlabeled packages; and a distribution list comprising destination information corresponding to said unlabeled packages; generate a label request for the creation of a plurality of shipping labels based at least in part on said order; and generate a pickup and delivery schedule comprising time and location data associated with the pickup of said unlabeled packages from a manufacturing facility and the delivery of said shipments to a plurality of respective destinations; (b) a carrier hub computer in communication with the order-processing computer comprising one or more processors and one or more memory storage areas, said one or more processors configured to dispatch a pickup vehicle based at least in part on said pickup and delivery schedule to pick up and deliver said unlabeled packages to a distribution point; (c) a labeling device configured to print said plurality of shipping labels based at least in part on said label request for application to the unlabeled packages at said distribution point, wherein application of any one of said plurality of shipping labels to any one of said unlabeled packages will thereby yield a shipment. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification