Support equipment for mixed transport

Abstract

To provide a device for supporting the realization of mixed transport which is easy for a sender to request and places less of a burden on a transport company. [Solution] The mixed transport support device 1 of the present invention comprises a registrant management unit 111, a reservation management unit 112, a box pallet number management unit 113 that manages the number of box pallets 2 that a carrier can undertake for transport for each reservation slot, a screen display command unit 117 that commands the display of a reservation screen R, an application receiving unit 118 that receives data related to a reservation application based on the reservation screen R, a reservation acceptance unit 119 that accepts the reservation if the reservation is equal to or less than the number of box pallets 2 that the carrier can undertake for transport and is a transport reservation within the transport area related to the carrier, and a collection command unit 120 that, when the reservation related to the application is accepted, commands the carrier to bring the box pallets 2 and head to the collection point related to the reservation.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a support device for mixed transport. [Background technology]

[0002] Special consolidated freight transport (hereinafter simply referred to as "consolidated transport") is being carried out, in which cargo from multiple senders is transported together in one transport vehicle. By increasing the utilization efficiency of transport vehicles by using cargo from multiple senders, consolidated transport can achieve lower transport costs than charter flights (chartered transport), in which only cargo from a single sender is loaded onto one transport vehicle.

[0003] One example of consolidated transport is the consolidated transport of medium-sized cargo. Medium-sized cargo refers to cargo that can be loaded onto a single loading platform called a pallet and has a total weight of 500 kg or less. In the consolidated transport of medium-sized cargo, pallets with various cargoes placed on them are loaded onto transport vehicles and transported.

[0004] When orders for consolidated transport are placed by telephone or facsimile (FAX), as is the common business practice for this type of transport in business-to-business transactions, cumbersome tasks such as confirming the details of the request arise, placing a heavy burden on each person in charge of placing and receiving orders. In addition, when internal communication is conducted verbally after placing or receiving an order by telephone or FAX, there is a risk of miscommunication due to improper communication. To avoid this, confirmation work is carried out on paper, which increases the workload of the person in charge and raises concerns about increased costs due to paper.

[0005] However, due to the fact that "standardized transportation in logistics" has not yet been established, charges for such transportation are charged according to a fee system calculated based on factors such as weight, volume, and distance. However, the above-mentioned fee system has issues such as being complex and difficult for senders to understand, as the calculation system and fee breakdown are difficult to understand and it is difficult to predict fees. Due to these circumstances, there is a need for a means to support consolidated transportation.

[0006] Regarding technologies for supporting mixed cargo transportation in conventional services and conventional technologies, Patent Document 1 discloses a transportation reservation system that includes a cargo information acquisition unit that acquires cargo information including information indicating the size of the cargo to be transported, and an order management unit that determines, based on the cargo information, which unit of the compartment space of a transportation vehicle to load the cargo into, and accepts reservations for transporting the cargo.

[0007] The technology described in Patent Document 1 may increase the possibility of improving the efficiency of transportation operations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-056587 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The technology in Patent Document 1 has the potential to improve the efficiency of transportation operations by determining the unit into which cargo is loaded based on the size of the cargo and estimating the volume-related fees and transportation capacity before transportation. However, in the case of consolidated transportation of medium-lot cargo, there are issues such as the loading work being cumbersome and the difficulty in determining the transportation unit, including both volume and weight.

[0010] With regard to loading operations, the technology of Patent Document 1 merely suggests using pallets of different shapes, which are commonly distributed. When using pallets of different shapes to load cargo, the person performing the loading work is required to exercise advanced judgment and skill in fitting pallets of different shapes into a transport vehicle. Furthermore, with regard to transport units, the technology of Patent Document 1 suggests confusing transport units that use pallets of different shapes. Therefore, the technology of Patent Document 1 has room for further improvement in terms of making loading operations easier and realizing easy-to-request mixed transport by clarifying the transport units, etc.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a device that supports the realization of consolidated transport that is easy for senders to request and places less of a burden on carriers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] As a result of intensive research into solving the above-mentioned problems, the inventors have found that the above-mentioned object can be achieved by making it possible to reserve mixed-load transport with a limited transport area per assembled box pallet, and by issuing various instructions to the carrier regarding the transport, such as by bringing an assembled box pallet configured so that the four walls and lid can be removed.The inventors have then completed the present invention.

[0013] One aspect of the present invention includes a registrant management unit that manages data related to registrants who use consolidated transport using box pallets, a reservation management unit that manages data related to reservations for the consolidated transport, a box pallet number management unit that manages the number of box pallets that a carrier can accept for transport for each reservation slot, a screen display command unit that commands the display of a reservation screen configured to allow applications for reservations for the consolidated transport, an application receiving unit that receives data related to applications for reservations for the consolidated transport based on the reservation screen from the registrant, a reservation acceptance unit that accepts the reservation if the reservation related to the application is equal to or less than the number of box pallets that the carrier can accept for transport and is a transportation reservation within the transportation area of ​​the carrier, and a and a collection command unit that commands the carrier to bring a box pallet and head to the collection point related to the reservation, wherein the reservation management unit updates data related to the reservation when the reservation is accepted, the box pallet number management unit manages the number of box pallets for each reservation slot divided by day or time slot, and updates the number of box pallets when the reservation is accepted, the screen display command unit commands the display of a reservation screen showing reservation slots in which the registrant can reserve the mixed transport by the carrier, and the reservation slots that can be reserved are displayed based on the number of box pallets, and the collection command unit commands the carrier to bring a prefabricated box pallet that is configured so that four walls and a lid can be later attached.

[0014] This aspect provides an environment where orders can be placed easily anytime, anywhere through automatic processing using the Internet, etc. This aspect of the present invention accepts reservations for consolidated transport through automatic processing using the Internet, etc., thereby eliminating the need for the cumbersome work required when accepting orders by telephone or fax. Furthermore, this aspect prevents misses due to inadequate communication through automatic processing using the Internet, etc., thereby avoiding the various added burdens associated with paper-based confirmation work.

[0015] This aspect of the present invention allows for reservations for consolidated transport with a limited transport area in units of assembled box pallets, thereby supporting senders in utilizing such easy-to-understand consolidated transport in units of box pallets. By consolidating complex product forms for logistics into box pallets and limiting the area, such consolidated transport makes it easier for carriers to grasp freight charges, etc.

[0016] Specifically, in this embodiment, the box pallet number management unit manages the number of box pallets that a carrier can accept for transportation for each reservation slot, and updates this number of box pallets when a reservation is accepted. This allows the screen display command unit of this embodiment to display reservation slots for consolidated transportation based on the number of box pallets. The application receiving unit of this embodiment receives data related to a reservation application for consolidated transportation based on this reservation screen from a registrant managed by the registrant management unit. The reservation acceptance unit of this embodiment then executes processing to accept the reservation if the number of box pallets is equal to or less than the number that the carrier can accept for transportation and the transportation reservation is within the transportation area of ​​the carrier. Then, when the collection command unit of this embodiment accepts the reservation related to the application, it commands the carrier to bring the box pallets and head to the collection point related to the reservation.

[0017] Pallet-based transport typically involves stacking packages on pallets and wrapping each package in packaging material. This process not only requires the tedious task of wrapping packages in packaging, but also can result in package damage due to contact with other packages through the packaging. Through the above-described series of processes, the support device of this embodiment assists carriers in providing a transport service that is easy for senders to understand, by transporting packages in box pallets and charging fees. Additionally, the support device of this embodiment instructs carriers to bring prefabricated box pallets that can be retrofitted with four walls and a lid, thereby eliminating the need for carriers to transport box pallets in advance, enabling rapid loading, and preventing package damage. This support device of this embodiment supports the realization of consolidated transport services that are easy for senders to request and that reduce the burden on carriers, as described above, and eliminates the sender's need to arrange for pallets and other items.

[0018] Specifically, the box pallet according to this embodiment is placed on the ground or the like with its four walls and lid removed, thereby enabling quick loading without being hindered by walls, etc. Furthermore, by attaching the four walls and lid to the box pallet according to this embodiment after loading, it is possible to reduce the risk of contamination or damage due to contact with other products without requiring the sender or carrier to expend the effort of special packaging to reduce such risk.

[0019] Furthermore, by limiting reservations to transportation within the transportation area, the support device of this aspect eliminates the burden of handing over to other carriers, and further standardizes the procedures for carrying in the box pallets, reducing the burden on carriers and users. Such efficiency improvements can also be expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

[0020] In addition, the present invention can take various forms, such as increasing convenience for senders by allowing them to specify a delivery location different from the registered user's address as the delivery destination and reducing the burden on carriers by reducing the risk of redelivery, proposing such delivery locations using AI, providing a dynamic fee structure according to such delivery locations, and reflecting land prices around the delivery location in the dynamic fee structure. These various forms of the present invention, by providing their own unique configurations, support the realization of consolidated transport that is easy for senders to request and places a smaller burden on carriers. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] As described above, the present invention can provide a device that supports the realization of mixed transport that is easy for senders to request and places less of a burden on carriers. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware and software configuration of a system S according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an example of the registrant database 131. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an example of the reservation database 132. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an example of the transportation database 133. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an example of the delivery location database 134. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows an example of a box pallet 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a main flowchart showing an example of a preferable flow of the support process of this embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a continuation of the previous figure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a continuation of the previous figure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a continuation of the previous figure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an example of the reservation screen R. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] First, although the following disclosure, diagrams, and / or claims may be described as being presented alone or in combination with one or more other aspects, the subject matter of the immediate disclosure is not intended to be so limited. That is, the immediate disclosure, diagrams, and claims are intended to encompass the various aspects described herein, each alone or in one or more combinations with each other. For example, even if the immediate disclosure describes and illustrates a first, second, and third embodiment in such a way that the first embodiment is described and illustrated specifically in conjunction with the second embodiment, or the second embodiment is described and illustrated only in conjunction with the third embodiment, the immediate disclosure and illustrations are not so limited and may include only the first embodiment, only the second embodiment, only the third embodiment, or one or more combinations of the first, second, and / or third embodiments, such as the first and second embodiments, the first and third embodiments, the second and third embodiments, or the first, second, and third embodiments.

[0024] The use of the phrase "or" in this document shall mean a "non-exclusive" arrangement unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, when we say "item x is A or B," we mean either: (1) item x is either A or B, but not both; or (2) item x is both A and B. In other words, the word "or" is not used to define an "exclusive" arrangement.

[0025] Additionally, the phrases "comprising at least one of" and "comprising at least one of the following," when used in conjunction with a system or element, mean that the system or element includes one or more of the elements listed after the phrase. For example, if there are three types of elements, element 1 through element 3, the phrases "comprising at least one of" and "comprising at least one of the following" are to be interpreted as any of the following structural arrangements: a device including the first element, a device including the second element, a device including the third element, a device including the first and second elements, a device including the first and third elements, a device including the second and third elements, or a device including the first, second, and third elements.

[0026] A similar interpretation is intended when the phrase "used in at least one of the following" is used in this context. Furthermore, as used in this context, "and / or" is used as a verbal conjunction to indicate that one or more of the listed elements or conditions are included or occur. For example, a device including a first element, a second element, and / or a third element is to be interpreted as any of the following structural arrangements: a device including the first element, a device including the second element, a device including the third element, a device including the first element and the second element, a device including the first element and the third element, a device including the second element and the third element, or a device including the first element, the second element, and the third element.

[0027] In addition, the use of the phrase "and / or" in the text means a "non-exclusive" agreement, as stipulated in the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) "Format and preparation method of standard sheets JIS Z 8301."

[0028] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0029] <System S> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware and software configuration of a system S of this embodiment. The system S of this embodiment is a support system for mixed cargo transport. The system S is configured to include a support device 1 for mixed cargo transport. The support device 1 is preferably configured to communicate with a terminal T used by an administrator of the support device 1, a sender of mixed cargo transport, a carrier, etc.

[0030] [Support device 1] The support device 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 13, and a communication unit 14. The type of the support device 1 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a server device, a cloud server, or the like.

[0031] [Control unit 11] The control unit 11 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), and other hardware components.

[0032] The control unit 11 cooperates with at least one of the memory unit 13 and the communication unit 14 as necessary to realize the software components of the program of this embodiment executed by the support device 1. The software components include a registrant management unit 111, a reservation management unit 112, a box pallet number management unit 113, a delivery location management unit 114, a delivery location candidate extraction unit 115, a billing amount calculation unit 116, a screen display command unit 117, an application receiving unit 118, a reservation acceptance unit 119, a collection command unit 120, and the like.

[0033] [Storage section 13] The memory unit 13 is a device for storing data and / or files, and includes a storage unit that non-temporarily stores data using a hard disk, semiconductor memory, recording medium, memory card, or other storage device. The memory unit 13 stores programs executed by the microcomputer, a registrant database 131, a reservation database 132, a transportation database 133, a delivery location database 134, a large-scale language model, and other data.

[0034] (Registrant database 131) The registrant database 131 stores data (registrant information) relating to registrants who use mixed transport using box pallets via the support device 1 of this embodiment. The registrant database 131 is managed by the registrant management unit 111.

[0035] To facilitate database operations, the registrant information is preferably stored in association with information identifying the registrant (e.g., "registrant ID"). To ensure proper handling of reservations, the registrant information preferably includes data related to the registrant's login information (e.g., account name, password), the registrant's corporate name, the person in charge at the registrant's corporate office, or the registrant's contact information (e.g., email address).

[0036] 2 is an example of the registrant database 131. The database in this example stores registrant information relating to registrant IDs "C0001," "C0002," and "C0003."

[0037] The registrant information for registrant ID "C0001" includes data such as the account name "@TriangleBussinessOmiya," the corporate name "△ Kogyo Omiya Office," the contact person "Tanaka △△," and the email address "desk@tbo.foo.bar." This registrant information indicates login information such as the account name, the corporate name, the contact person, and contact information by email address for the registrant "△ Kogyo Omiya Office," located in Omiya Ward, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, which is included in the transportation area between Yamagata Prefecture and Saitama Prefecture, which is the transportation area for which reservations are accepted in the system S in this example. This allows the support device 1 to properly process reservations for consolidated transportation for the registrant within the transportation area.

[0038] The registrant information for registrant ID "C0002" includes data such as the account name "@TriangleBussinessSakata," the corporate name "△ Kogyo Sakata Office," the contact person "Sato △△," and the email address "desk@tbs.foo.bar." This registrant information indicates login information such as the account name, the corporate name, the contact person, and contact information by email address for the registrant "△ Kogyo Sakata Office," located in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, which is included in the transportation area between Yamagata Prefecture and Saitama Prefecture, which is the transportation area for which reservations are accepted in the system S of this example. This allows the support device 1 to properly process reservations for consolidated transportation for the registrant within the transportation area.

[0039] The registrant information for registrant ID "C0003" includes data such as the account name "@DoubleTriangleBrewery," the corporate name "△△ Brewery," the contact person "Suzuki △△," and the email address "suzuki@dtb.foo.bar." This registrant information indicates login information such as the account name, the corporate name, the contact person, and contact information by email address for the registrant "△△ Brewery" located in Yamagata Prefecture, which is included in the transportation area between Yamagata Prefecture and Saitama Prefecture, which is the transportation area for which reservations are accepted in system S in this example. This allows the support device 1 to properly process reservations for consolidated transportation for this registrant within the transportation area.

[0040] (Reservation database 132) Data (reservation information) relating to reservations for the above-mentioned consolidated transportation is stored in the reservation database 132. The reservation database 132 is managed by the reservation management unit 112.

[0041] To facilitate database operations, reservation information is preferably stored in association with information identifying the reservation information (e.g., a "reservation ID"). To ensure that reservations are handled appropriately, reservation information preferably includes, for example, information identifying the registrant requesting consolidated transport (e.g., the aforementioned registrant ID), collection date and time in units of reservation slots, collection location, cargo quantity in units of the number of box pallets 2 required for consolidated transport (also simply referred to as the "number of box pallets"), delivery location, or shipping fee. A reservation slot is, for example, a reservation slot by date or a reservation slot by date and time period (e.g., morning / afternoon).

[0042] 3 is an example of the reservation database 132. The database in this example stores reservation information and the like relating to reservation IDs "R0001," "R0002," "R0003," and "R0004."

[0043] The reservation information for reservation ID "R0001" includes data such as the registrant "C0002," the pickup date and time "20△△ year △△ month △△ day morning," the pickup location "△ Kogyo Sakata Office," the quantity of cargo "1 box pallet," the delivery location "△△ Community Center, Omiya Ward, Saitama City," and the delivery fee "△△△△△ yen." This reservation information indicates the registrant requesting the consolidated transport, the pickup date and time, the pickup location, the quantity of cargo, the delivery location stored in the delivery location database 134 (described later), and the delivery fee for a reservation for consolidated transport from a pickup location in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture to a delivery location in Omiya Ward, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, which is included in the transportation area between Yamagata Prefecture and Saitama Prefecture, which is the transportation area for which reservations are accepted by the system S in this example. This information enables the support device 1 to appropriately manage consolidated transport reservations for the registrant within the transportation area.

[0044] The reservation information for reservation ID "R0002" includes data such as the registrant "C0001," the pickup date and time "20△△ year, △△ month, △△ day, morning," the pickup location "△△ Community Center, Omiya Ward, Saitama City," the quantity of cargo "two box pallets," the delivery location "△ Kogyo Sakata Office," and the shipping fee "△△△△△ yen." This reservation information indicates the registrant requesting the consolidated transport, the pickup date and time, the pickup location, the quantity of cargo, the delivery location stored in the delivery location database 134 (described later), and the shipping fee for a reservation for consolidated transport from a pickup location in Omiya Ward, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture to a delivery location in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, which is included in the transportation area between Yamagata Prefecture and Saitama Prefecture, which is the transportation area for which reservations are accepted by the system S in this example. This information enables the support device 1 to appropriately manage consolidated transport reservations for the registrant within the transportation area.

[0045] The reservation information for reservation ID "R0003" includes data such as the registrant "C0003," the pickup date and time "20△△ year, △△ month, △△ day, afternoon," the pickup location "△△ Warehouse," the quantity of cargo "one box pallet," the delivery location "△ Kogyo Sakata Office," and the shipping fee "△△△△△ yen." This reservation information is for a reservation for consolidated transport from a pickup location in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, to a delivery location in the same city, which is included in the transportation area between Yamagata Prefecture and Saitama Prefecture, which is the transportation area for which reservations are accepted in the system S in this example. It indicates the registrant requesting the consolidated transport, the pickup date and time (in units of morning and afternoon), the pickup location, the quantity of cargo, the delivery location stored in the delivery location database 134 (described later), and the shipping fee. This allows the support device 1 to appropriately manage consolidated transport reservations for the registrant in question within the transportation area.

[0046] The reservation information for reservation ID "R0004" includes data such as the registrant "C0003," the pickup date and time "20△△ year △△ month △△ day morning," the pickup location "△△ warehouse," the quantity of cargo "5 box pallets," the delivery location "△△ community center, Omiya Ward, Saitama City," and the delivery fee "△△△△△ yen." This reservation information is for a reservation for consolidated transport from a pickup location in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture to a delivery location in Omiya Ward, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, which is included in the transportation area between Yamagata Prefecture and Saitama Prefecture, which is the transportation area accepted by system S in this example. The reservation information includes the registrant requesting the consolidated transport, the pickup date and time (both morning and afternoon), the pickup location, the quantity of cargo, the delivery location stored in the delivery location database 134 (described later), and the delivery fee. This allows the support device 1 to appropriately manage consolidated transport reservations for the registrant within the transportation area.

[0047] (Transportation Database 133) The transportation database 133 stores the number of box pallets that the transport company that carries out the above-mentioned consolidated transport can undertake transportation, as well as other data (transport information) related to the transport company. The transportation database 133 is managed by the box pallet number management unit 113.

[0048] To facilitate database operations, the transportation information is preferably stored in association with information that identifies the transportation information (e.g., a "transportation ID"). To confirm the transportation capacity of the carrier related to the reservation application and to ensure that consolidated transportation after the reservation is properly carried out, the transportation information preferably includes, for example, the name of the carrier and data related to the number of box pallets that the carrier can transport per reservation slot. To facilitate registrants by displaying this information on the reservation screen described below, the data related to the number of box pallets that the carrier can transport per reservation slot preferably includes the maximum number and the remaining number that reflects the number of box pallets reserved at that time.

[0049] 4 is an example of the transportation database 133. The database in this example stores transportation information and the like relating to transportation IDs "T0001," "T0002," and "T0003."

[0050] The transportation information associated with transportation ID "T0001" includes the name of the carrier "△△ Transportation" and data related to the transportation capacity for each reservation slot, such as "[Date and time, Yamagata direction, number of box pallets (maximum 6, 1 remaining)]" and "[Date and time, Saitama direction, number of box pallets (maximum 6, 5 remaining)]." This transportation information indicates the maximum number of box pallets that can be transported per reservation slot and the remaining number of box pallets for the carrier "△△ Transportation," which operates transportation services using 2-ton trucks between Yamagata Prefecture and Saitama Prefecture, which is the transportation area for which reservations are accepted in system S according to this example. This allows the support device 1 to appropriately manage reservations for consolidated transportation for that carrier within the transportation area.

[0051] The transportation information associated with transportation ID "T0002" includes the name of the carrier "△△ Truck" and data related to the transportation capacity for each reservation slot, such as "[Date and time, Yamagata direction, number of box pallets (maximum 10, 0 remaining)]" and "[Date and time, Saitama direction, number of box pallets (maximum 10, 7 remaining)]." This transportation information indicates the maximum number of box pallets that can be transported per reservation slot and the remaining number of box pallets for the carrier "△△ Truck," which performs transportation operations using 4-ton trucks between Yamagata Prefecture and Saitama Prefecture, which is the transportation area for which reservations are accepted in system S according to this example. This allows the support device 1 to appropriately manage reservations for consolidated transportation for that carrier within the transportation area.

[0052] The transportation information for transportation ID "T0003" includes data such as the name of the carrier "△△ Co., Ltd." and the transportation capacity for each reservation slot, such as "[Date and time, Yamagata direction, number of box pallets (maximum 16, 2 remaining)]" and "[Date and time, Saitama direction, number of box pallets (maximum 16, 9 remaining)]." This transportation information indicates the maximum number of box pallets that can be transported per reservation slot and the remaining number of box pallets for the carrier "△△ Co., Ltd.", which performs transportation operations using 10-ton trucks between Yamagata Prefecture and Saitama Prefecture, which is the transportation area for which reservations are accepted in system S according to this example. This allows the support device 1 to appropriately manage reservations for consolidated transportation for that carrier within the transportation area.

[0053] (Delivery location database 134) Data (delivery place information) of a plurality of delivery places that are delivery destinations for the above-mentioned consolidated transport is stored in the delivery place database 134. The delivery place database 134 is managed by the delivery place management unit 114.

[0054] To facilitate database operations, the delivery location information is preferably stored in association with information identifying the delivery location information (e.g., "delivery location ID"). To ensure that reservations including the designation of a delivery location and consolidated transport related to delivery after the reservation can be properly carried out, the delivery location information preferably includes, for example, data related to the name, address, and capacity of the delivery location for each reservation slot. To properly estimate the costs related to the use of the delivery location, the delivery location information preferably further includes a usage fee for the delivery location or information that contributes to the calculation of the usage fee (e.g., surrounding land prices).

[0055] 5 is an example of the delivery place database 134. The database in this example stores delivery place information and the like relating to delivery place IDs "P0001," "P0002," and "P0003."

[0056] The delivery location information for delivery location ID "P0001" includes data such as the name "△△ Community Center, Omiya Ward, Saitama City," the address "△△ Town, △△, Omiya Ward, Saitama City," the surrounding land price "△△ million yen / square meter," and the capacity for each reservation slot "[date and time, number of box pallets (maximum 6, 1 remaining)]." This delivery location information indicates the delivery location information (name, address) required by the carrier, information contributing to the calculation of the usage fee (surrounding land price), and information required to determine whether or not a reservation can be made for the delivery location, which is a community center in Omiya Ward, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, within the transportation area between Yamagata Prefecture and Saitama Prefecture, which is the transportation area for which reservations are accepted by the system S in this example. This allows the support device 1 to appropriately manage delivery locations within the transportation area.

[0057] The delivery location information for delivery location ID "P0002" includes data such as the name "△△ Warehouse," the address "△-△, △△ Town, Sakata City," the surrounding land price "△ million yen / square meter," and the storage capacity "[date and time, number of box pallets (maximum 6, 1 remaining)]." This delivery location information indicates the delivery location information (name, address) required by the carrier for the delivery location, which is a warehouse in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, included in the transportation area between Yamagata Prefecture and Saitama Prefecture, which is the transportation area for which reservations are accepted in the system S according to this example, information that contributes to calculating the usage fee (surrounding land price), and information required to determine whether or not a reservation can be made (storage capacity). This allows the support device 1 to appropriately manage delivery locations within the transportation area.

[0058] The delivery location information for delivery location ID "P0003" includes data such as the name "△△ Parking Lot," the address "△△-△, △△-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama City," the surrounding land price "△△ million yen / square meter," and the capacity "[date and time, number of box pallets (maximum 20, 12 remaining)]." This delivery location information indicates the delivery location information (name, address) required by the carrier, information contributing to the calculation of the usage fee (surrounding land price), and information required to determine whether or not to accept a reservation (capacity), for a delivery location that is a parking lot in Omiya-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, which is included in the transportation area between Yamagata Prefecture and Saitama Prefecture, which is the transportation area for which reservations are accepted in the system S according to this example. This allows the support device 1 to appropriately manage delivery locations within the transportation area.

[0059] (Large-scale language model) The large-scale language model of this embodiment is configured to generate responses to inquiries from customers who use the above-mentioned consolidated transportation.

[0060] In order to generate an appropriate response according to the content of the inquiry and its context, it is preferable that the large-scale language model has been pre-trained using training data for inquiries from customers using the above-mentioned mixed transport, which includes the content of the inquiry, including the context that led to the inquiry as necessary, as explanatory variables, and which includes responses according to the situation of the above-mentioned explanatory variables as objective variables.

[0061] The data related to the large-scale language model may be stored in either the storage unit 13 or an external server. A large-scale language model in which data is stored in an external server provides generated text, etc. to the assistance device 1 via, for example, an API, etc.

[0062] (Transportation Area) The transportation area of ​​the support device 1 of this embodiment preferably includes one administrative district (e.g., a prefecture) and another administrative district distant from the administrative district (e.g., a non-adjacent prefecture). This allows the support device 1 of this embodiment to flexibly manage schedules, enjoy the benefits of medium-distance transportation that is highly profitable, and not too long a continuous driving time, while supporting efficient mixed-load transportation by specializing in the area. The above-mentioned one administrative district preferably includes the manufacturing or production area of ​​the cargo G. In this case, the above-mentioned other administrative district preferably includes the consumption area of ​​the cargo G. This allows the support device 1 to support mixed-load transportation, which is in high demand and involves transporting cargo G from the manufacturing or production area to the consumption area. The following describes an example in which the transportation area extends from Yamagata Prefecture to Saitama Prefecture.

[0063] (Baggage G) The type of luggage G used in the support device 1 of this embodiment is not particularly limited. To facilitate rapid loading onto the box pallet 2, the luggage G is preferably stored in a box-shaped body, such as a cardboard box. The size of the luggage G is not particularly limited. Because the luggage G is stored in a box pallet 2 having walls 22 and a lid 23, the sizes of the multiple luggage G stored therein may vary. The total weight of the luggage G stored on one box pallet 2 is not particularly limited as long as it is equal to or less than a given weight limit. The given weight limit is, for example, 500 kg. If the total weight exceeds the given weight limit, it is preferable that the registrant provide data indicating that the total weight exceeds the given weight limit to the support device 1 via terminal T. At this time, it is preferable that the support device 1 calculates an invoice amount reflecting the weight excess using the invoice amount calculation unit 116.

[0064] [Communications Section 14] The communication unit 14 is not particularly limited as long as it includes a component that connects the support device 1 to the network N and enables communication. Examples of such a component include a network card that complies with the Ethernet standard and a communication device that complies with wireless LAN.

[0065] [Box Palette 2] The box pallet 2 of this embodiment is an assembly type configured so that the four walls 22 and the lid 23 can be attached to the pallet 21 after the cargo G has been placed on the pallet 21. The materials of the pallet 21, the walls 22, and the lid 23 are not particularly limited. Resin is preferable as the material to achieve both lightness and robustness. To increase robustness while maintaining lightness, the edges of the pallet 21, the walls 22, and the lid 23 may be reinforced with metal. The metal is preferably a lightweight metal such as an aluminum alloy.

[0066] Because the box pallet 2 is an assembly type, the four walls 22 and the lid 23 can be removed from the pallet 21 to make it compact. This allows the box pallet 2 to take up less space when the carrier brings it to the collection point. This also allows the carrier's workers to transport the box pallet 2 with less effort than when transporting a large box pallet such as a roll box pallet.

[0067] The box pallet 2 can accommodate cargo G without having to expend the effort of lifting the cargo G above the top of the walls 22, as the four walls 22 and the lid 23 can be attached to the pallet 21 with the cargo G placed on the pallet 21. As a result, the box pallet 2 can reduce the effort required for the carrier's workers to load the cargo G.

[0068] FIG. 6 shows an example of a box pallet 2. In this example, a package G in the form of a cardboard box is placed on a pallet 21. In this example, of the four walls 22, the back wall 22 (reference numerals 22a and 22b) is inserted into the pallet 21 from above before the package G is placed on it, and a fitting portion provided at the bottom end fits into the pallet 21, thereby fixing it to the box pallet 2. Of the four walls 22, the front wall 22 (reference numerals 22c and 22d) is inserted into the pallet 21 from above and attached later after the package G is placed on the pallet 21.

[0069] In order to increase the strength of the box pallet 2 as a box, the walls 22 in this example are configured so that when inserted from above, the edges of adjacent walls 22 fit together. This allows the carrier worker to place the cargo G on the pallet 21 from the side and place it along the back wall 22 that is fixed to the box pallet 2 in advance, and then insert the front wall 22, which is lighter than the cargo G, to surround the box pallet 2 on all four sides.

[0070] The carrier's worker then attaches the lid 23 so that its edges cover the outside of the four walls 22. The lid 23 prevents the cargo G from being soiled by foreign objects from above, and also increases the strength of the box pallet 2 as a box. Because the walls 22 and lid 23, which are added later, are lighter than the cargo G, the carrier's worker can store the cargo G inside the box pallet 2 with less effort than if the cargo G were to be placed from above a non-assembly type box pallet.

[0071] It should be noted that the box pallet 2 of this example can also be operated by placing the cargo G on the pallet 21 without fixing the walls 22, and then attaching the four walls 22. Similarly, the box pallet 2 of this example can also be operated by fixing one or three walls 22, then placing the cargo G on the pallet 21, and then attaching the remaining walls 22. This allows the worker of the shipping company to flexibly change the procedure for loading the cargo G onto the box pallet 2 depending on the type of cargo G or the situation at the collection location, etc.

[0072] It is preferable that the add-on walls 22 and lid 23 have substantially the same dimensions as the pallet 21 when viewed from the outside after installation. This allows workers to carry the unassembled walls 22 and lid 23 stacked on top of the pallet 21. An example of the shape of such a box pallet 2 when assembled is a cube with interior dimensions of 110 cm on each side.

[0073] Roll box pallets, wheeled carts surrounded on three sides by metal fences approximately the same height as the worker, are used as box pallets. However, roll box pallets do not have handles like hand trucks, so they are usually carried by using the pipes at the four corners. This raises concerns that workers may be injured if their hands get caught between the roll box pallet and the side wall of a building in a narrow passage such as a door. Furthermore, because roll box pallets are tall and have a high center of gravity, there is a risk of them tipping over due to runaway casters. The box pallet 2 described above can be transported by stacking the unassembled wall 22 and lid 23 on the pallet 21, reducing these risks.

[0074] [Network N] The type of the network N is not particularly limited as long as it enables communication between the support device 1, etc. The type of the network N is, for example, the Internet, a mobile phone network, a wireless LAN, etc.

[0075] [Terminal T] Terminal T is used by the administrator of the support device 1, registrants who use the support device 1, shipping companies, etc. Types of terminal T include, for example, mobile terminals such as smartphones, tablet terminals, and laptop computers, and fixed terminals such as desktop computers. Registrants are customers who have registered information in the support device 1 in order to use mixed transport using box pallets.

[0076] [Main flowchart of support processing] Fig. 7 is a main flowchart showing an example of a preferred flow of the support processing of this embodiment. Fig. 8 is a diagram continuing from the previous figure. Fig. 9 is a diagram continuing from the previous figure. Fig. 10 is a diagram continuing from the previous figure. Below, using Figs. 7 to 10, an example of a preferred flow of the support processing executed by the support device 1 of this embodiment will be shown.

[0077] The support process includes a series of processes (registrant management steps) for managing data related to registrants who use mixed transport using the box pallet 2. Steps S1 to S5 are an example of this process.

[0078] [Step S1: Determine whether to display the registration screen] The control unit 11 operates the registrant management unit 111 in cooperation with the memory unit 13 and the communication unit 14. Then, the control unit 11 executes a process using the registrant management unit 111 to determine whether to display a registration screen (registration screen display determination step). The registration screen is a screen for registering customers (senders) who use mixed transport using box pallets 2 as registrants. If the control unit 11 determines that the screen should be displayed, it proceeds to step S2, and if not, it proceeds to step S3.

[0079] The determination procedure in the registration screen display determination step includes, for example, a procedure of determining that the registration screen is to be displayed when data requesting the display of the registration screen is received from terminal T.

[0080] [Step S2: Display the registration screen] The control unit 11 executes a process of displaying the above-mentioned registration screen using the registrant management unit 111 (registration screen display execution step). The control unit 11 moves the process to step S3. The registration screen includes input fields for, for example, the registrant's login information (e.g., account name, password), the registrant's corporate name, the person in charge at the registrant's corporate body, or the registrant's contact information (e.g., email address). These input fields are configured so that the entered data is sent to the support device 1.

[0081] [Step S3: Determine whether to update registrant information] Control unit 11 executes a process of determining whether to update the registrant information using registrant management unit 111 (registrant information update determination step). If control unit 11 determines that the registrant information should be updated, it proceeds to step S4, and if not, it proceeds to step S5.

[0082] The procedure for determining whether to update the registrant information in the registrant information update determination step includes, for example, a procedure for determining that the registrant information should be updated when registrant information entered via the above-mentioned registration screen is received.

[0083] [Step S4: Update registrant information] Control unit 11 executes a process to update the above-mentioned registrant information using registrant management unit 111 (registrant information update execution step). Control unit 11 moves the process to step S5. In the registrant information update execution step, registrant management unit 111 updates the registrant information stored in registrant database 131 using the above-mentioned input data.

[0084] [Step S5: Login process] The control unit 11 executes the login process for the registrant using the registrant management unit 111 (login process step). The control unit 11 moves the process to step S6. The login process step displays a login screen in response to a command from the terminal T, for example, and places a registrant who has been successfully authenticated in a logged-in state. The login process step also displays the login screen when the support device 1 determines that login is required to execute the commanded process.

[0085] The support process includes a series of processes (reservation management steps) for managing reservations for consolidated transport. Steps S6 to S11 are an example of this process.

[0086] [Step S6: Determine whether to display the reservation screen] The control unit 11 operates the reservation management unit 112 in cooperation with the memory unit 13 and the communication unit 14. Then, the control unit 11 executes a process using the reservation management unit 112 to determine whether to display a reservation screen (reservation screen display determination step). This reservation screen is configured to allow reservations for consolidated transport to be made, and is configured to display reservation slots within which registrants can reserve consolidated transport by a carrier. If the control unit 11 determines that the screen should be displayed, it proceeds to step S7, and if not, it proceeds to step S12.

[0087] The determination procedure in the reservation screen display determination step includes, for example, a procedure of determining that the reservation screen is to be displayed when data requesting the display of the reservation screen is received from terminal T.

[0088] [Step S7: Get the number of box pallets] The control unit 11 operates the box pallet number management unit 113 in cooperation with the memory unit 13 and the communication unit 14. Then, the control unit 11 executes a process using the box pallet number management unit 113 to acquire the number of box pallets that the carrier can undertake transportation for each reservation slot (box pallet number acquisition step). The control unit 11 moves the process to step S8. In the box pallet number acquisition step, the box pallet number management unit 113 acquires the above-mentioned number of box pallets from the transportation information stored in the transportation database 133.

[0089] [Step S8: Identify available reservation slots] The control unit 11 uses the box pallet number management unit 113 to execute a process of identifying a reservation slot in which a registrant can reserve mixed transport using a box pallet 2 (reservation slot identification step). The control unit 11 moves the process to step S9.

[0090] If a carrier is not specified, in the reservation slot identification step, the box pallet number management unit 113 identifies, for example, reservation slots in which the number of box pallets that one or more carriers can undertake to transport is equal to or greater than the number of box pallets that the registrant is reserving for consolidated transport as reservation slots for consolidated transport. If a carrier is specified, in the reservation slot identification step, the box pallet number management unit 113 identifies, as reservation slots for reservations for consolidated transport, reservation slots in which the number of box pallets that the carriers can undertake to transport is equal to or greater than the number of box pallets that the registrant is reserving for consolidated transport. Alternatively, the box pallet number management unit 113 may identify, as reservation slots for reservations for consolidated transport, reservation slots in which multiple carriers can work together to transport that number of box pallets 2.

[0091] It is preferable that the reservation management step further includes a series of processes related to the display of a delivery location specification screen configured to allow the registrant to specify a desired delivery location from at least two or more delivery locations that are delivery destinations for the consolidated transport. Step S9 is an example of such processes.

[0092] [Step S9: Extract delivery location candidates] The control unit 11 operates the delivery location candidate extraction unit 115 in cooperation with the storage unit 13 and the communication unit 14. Then, the control unit 11 executes a process using the delivery location candidate extraction unit 115 to extract delivery location candidates from multiple delivery locations that will be delivery destinations for consolidated transport (delivery location candidate extraction step). The control unit 11 moves the process to step S10. In the delivery location candidate extraction step, the delivery location candidate extraction unit 115 extracts delivery location candidates from the delivery location database 134 managed by the delivery location management unit 114. This extraction includes, for example, a procedure for extracting delivery locations that fall within the area specified by the above-mentioned registrant as the destination of consolidated transport as delivery location candidates. In order to support delivery to locations different from the registrant's address and to leave the registrant room for choice, it is preferable that the delivery location candidate include two or more locations, including one or more locations different from the registrant's address.

[0093] In this case, the delivery location candidate extraction unit 115 preferably executes a procedure for extracting one or more delivery locations that are convenient for the carrier or registrant from multiple delivery locations stored in the delivery location database 134 by processing using a machine learning model that inputs data related to the registrant and the carrier. In this case, the machine learning model preferably includes multiple delivery locations and data identifying the carrier or registrant as explanatory variables, and has been pre-trained using training data that includes one or more delivery locations as a target variable. This allows the support device 1 to extract an appropriate delivery location based on the training data, even if a delivery location that is convenient for the carrier or registrant cannot be identified based on simple criteria such as distance from the delivery destination.

[0094] The learning data is preferably prepared based on communication from the carrier or the registrant. This allows the delivery location candidate extraction unit 115 to extract delivery locations that reflect the convenience of the carrier or the registrant, which cannot be determined from publicly available data such as map data. Examples of such convenience include the convenience of the transport vehicle used by the carrier, the convenience of the carrier's collection means, the convenience of the registrant's entrance and exit, the convenience of the registrant's neighborhood relationships, etc.

[0095] The support process preferably further includes a series of processes (a billing amount calculation step) for calculating the amount to be charged to the registrant for the consolidated transport related to the reservation. This enables the support device 1 to support dynamic pricing that dynamically determines delivery fees. Step S10 is an example of this process.

[0096] [Step S10: Calculate the billing amount] The control unit 11 operates the billing amount calculation unit 116 in cooperation with the memory unit 13 and the communication unit 14. Then, the control unit 11 executes a process using the billing amount calculation unit 116 to calculate the billing amount to be charged to the registrant for the consolidated transport related to the above-mentioned reservation (billing amount calculation step). The control unit 11 proceeds to step S11.

[0097] In order to adjust the invoice amount according to the busy and slow seasons of the transportation business, the invoice amount calculation unit 116 may calculate the invoice amount based on these periods in the invoice amount calculation step. Also, in order to realize dynamic pricing according to the busyness of the transportation company, the invoice amount calculation unit 116 may calculate the invoice amount according to the remaining number of box pallets that the transportation company can undertake. In this case, the invoice amount calculation unit 116 calculates the invoice amount so that, for example, the smaller the remaining number, the higher the invoice amount.

[0098] When the delivery location candidate extraction step is being executed, it is preferable that the invoice calculation unit 116 calculates an invoice amount that is not affected by the weight of the packages G loaded on each box pallet 2 when the weights are all below the upper limit and that reflects the costs associated with using the delivery location candidate. As a result, when a registrant specifies one of the delivery location candidate as a desired delivery location, the support device 1 can calculate an invoice amount that reflects the costs associated with using the delivery location candidate, using an easy-to-understand fee system that is not affected by the weight as long as the weight of the packages G per box pallet 2 is below the upper limit.

[0099] At this time, it is preferable that the billing amount calculation unit 116 calculates a billing amount for each delivery place candidate that reflects the cost of using the delivery place estimated based on the land price of the delivery place candidate. In this way, when a registrant specifies one of the delivery place candidates as a desired delivery place, the support device 1 can calculate a billing amount that reflects the cost of using the desired delivery place estimated based on the land price of the desired delivery place.

[0100] [Step S11: Display the reservation screen] The control unit 11 operates the screen display command unit 117 in cooperation with the memory unit 13 and the communication unit 14. Then, the control unit 11 executes a process of displaying a reservation screen R using the screen display command unit 117 (reservation screen display execution step). The control unit 11 proceeds to step S12. The screen display command unit 117 commands the display of a reservation screen R configured to allow a user to make a reservation for consolidated transport. Specifically, the screen display command unit 117 commands the display of a reservation screen R showing reservation slots in which a registrant can reserve consolidated transport by a carrier. At this time, the reservation slots available for reservation are displayed based on the number of box pallets, as specified in the reservation slot specification step. Note that the screen display command unit 117 may display a reservation slot accompanied by the number of box pallets that can be newly reserved. At this time, the number of box pallets that can be newly reserved may be an exact number or a rough number. The screen display command unit 117 may also display the availability of multiple reservation slots collectively by day, week, month, etc.

[0101] When the delivery place candidate extraction step is being executed, it is preferable that the screen display command unit 117 further executes a procedure (delivery place designation screen display step) of commanding the display of a delivery place designation screen P configured so that the registrant can designate a desired delivery place as a delivery destination from two or more delivery place candidates extracted by the delivery place candidate extraction unit 115. This allows the registrant to designate a desired delivery place from two or more delivery place candidates, including a place different from the registrant's address, according to their convenience.

[0102] When the billing amount calculation step is being executed, the screen display command unit 117 preferably commands the display of a reservation screen R along with the calculated billing amount. The screen display command unit 117 may also display the billing amount for each reservation slot. The screen display command unit 117 may also display the billing amount for each desired delivery location. When both the delivery location candidate extraction step and the billing amount calculation step are being executed, the screen display command unit 117 preferably commands the display of a delivery location specification screen P that shows delivery location candidates along with the calculated billing amount.

[0103] The screen display command unit 117 is preferably configured to allow the user to select a collection location from multiple collection location candidates, including the registrant's address and a shared collection location. This allows the support device 1 to support the collection and transportation of packages G for which multiple registrants have requested mixed transport at different times, at a shared collection location. This allows the support device 1 to increase the utilization rate of the loading space of the transport vehicle.

[0104] The support device 1 executes a process to receive data related to a reservation application for consolidated transport from a registrant based on the reservation screen (application receiving step). Step S12 is an example of this process. Thereafter, if the reservation related to the above-mentioned application is equal to or less than the number of box pallets that the carrier can undertake transportation and is a transportation reservation within the transportation area of ​​the carrier, the support device 1 executes a series of processes to accept the reservation (reservation accepting step). Steps S13 to S14 are an example of this process. If the support device 1 accepts the reservation related to the application, it executes a process to instruct the carrier to bring the box pallet 2 and head to the collection point related to the reservation (collection instruction step). Step S15 is an example of this process. Through this series of processes, the support device 1 supports the carrier in providing transportation that is easy for the sender to understand, by transporting box pallets 2 as a unit and charging a fee for each box pallet 2.

[0105] [Step S12: Determine whether a reservation has been made] The control unit 11 operates the application receiving unit 118 in cooperation with the memory unit 13 and the communication unit 14. Then, the control unit 11 executes a process using the application receiving unit 118 to determine whether a reservation application has been made (application reception determination step). If the control unit 11 determines that a reservation application has been made, it transfers the process to step S13; if not, it transfers the process to step S16. In the application reception determination step, the application receiving unit 118 attempts to receive data related to a reservation application for consolidated transport based on the reservation screen R from the registrant. Then, if this attempt is successful, it determines that a reservation application has been made.

[0106] [Step S13: Determine whether the application can be accepted] The control unit 11 operates the reservation acceptance unit 119 in cooperation with the memory unit 13 and the communication unit 14. Then, the control unit 11 executes a process using the reservation acceptance unit 119 to determine whether the above-mentioned application can be accepted (reservation acceptance determination step). If the control unit 11 determines that the application can be accepted, it moves the process to step S14, and if not, it moves the process to step S16. In the reservation acceptance determination step, the reservation acceptance unit 119 determines that the reservation related to the above-mentioned application can be accepted if the number of box pallets is equal to or less than the number that the carrier can undertake to transport and if the reservation is for transportation within the transportation area of ​​the carrier.

[0107] [Step S14: Accept application] The control unit 11 uses the reservation acceptance unit 119 to execute a process to accept the above-mentioned application (reservation acceptance execution step). The control unit 11 moves the process to step S15. In the reservation acceptance execution step, the reservation acceptance unit 119 realizes the process to accept the above-mentioned application by, for example, updating the reservation database 132 managed by the reservation management unit 112. At this time, the box pallet number management unit 113 updates the number of box pallets stored in the transportation database 133, etc., according to the number of box pallets related to the reserved mixed transport.

[0108] [Step S15: Order collection] The control unit 11 operates the collection command unit 120 in cooperation with the memory unit 13 and the communication unit 14. Then, the control unit 11 executes a process using the collection command unit 120 to command a carrier to collect items based on the reservation accepted in the above-described procedure (collection command step). The control unit 11 moves the process to step S16. That is, when the collection command unit 120 accepts the reservation related to the above-described application, it commands the carrier to bring the box pallet 2 and head to the collection point related to the reservation. At this time, the collection command unit 120 commands the carrier to bring a prefabricated box pallet 2 configured so that the four walls 22 and the lid 23 can be attached later.

[0109] In order to speed up the timing of loading onto the pallet 21 and reduce the burden on the carrier, it is preferable that the collection command unit 120 instructs the carrier to bring only the four walls 22 and the lid 23 of the above-mentioned assembled box pallet 2, and also instructs the registrant to load the cargo G onto the pallet 21 prior to collection.

[0110] The support process preferably includes a series of processes for invoicing a delivery fee when delivery completion is reported, and instructing a carrier to distribute the delivery fee when payment for the invoice is made. Steps S16 to S19 are an example of such processes.

[0111] [Step S16: Determine whether delivery completion has been reported] The control unit 11 cooperates with the storage unit 13 and the communication unit 14 to execute a process of determining whether delivery completion has been reported (delivery completion determination step). If the control unit 11 determines that delivery completion has been reported, it moves the process to step S17, and if not, it moves the process to step S18. In the delivery completion determination step, the control unit 11 determines that delivery completion has been reported, for example, when data reporting delivery completion is received.

[0112] [Step S17: Send request] The control unit 11 cooperates with the storage unit 13 and the communication unit 14 to execute a process of transmitting a bill related to the completion of delivery (bill transmission step). The control unit 11 moves the process to step S18. In the bill transmission step, the control unit 11 transmits, for example, data indicating a bill related to the bill amount calculated in the bill amount calculation step to the registrant's terminal T.

[0113] [Step S18: Determine whether payment has been made] The control unit 11, in cooperation with the storage unit 13 and the communication unit 14, executes a process of determining whether payment has been made for the above-mentioned bill (payment determination step). If the control unit 11 determines that payment has been made, it proceeds to step S19, and if not, it returns to step S1 and repeats the processes from step S1 to step S19. In the payment determination step, the control unit 11 determines that payment has been made, for example, when data indicating payment completion transmitted from the payment service is received.

[0114] [Step S19: Command distribution of shipping fee] The control unit 11, in cooperation with the memory unit 13 and the communication unit 14, executes a process of issuing an instruction to distribute the delivery fee to the carrier, etc. that performed the consolidated transport related to the above-mentioned delivery completion (delivery fee distribution instruction step). The control unit 11 returns the process to step S1 and repeats the processes from step S1 to step S19. In the delivery fee distribution instruction step, the control unit 11 transmits data to the manager's terminal T instructing the carrier to pay the distribution amount, which is the payment amount multiplied by a predetermined distribution rate. Furthermore, if the delivery fee includes a delivery location usage fee, the control unit 11 transmits data to the manager's terminal T instructing the carrier to pay that fee from the delivery fee to the operator of the delivery location.

[0115] [Bidding Steps] The support device 1 preferably executes a bidding step in which multiple carriers submit bids for the consolidated transport related to the accepted reservation. The bidding step is realized, for example, by a series of procedures in which data indicating the details of the accepted reservation along with a bidding deadline is sent to multiple carriers, and data indicating a successful bid is sent to a carrier that meets the requirements for a successful bid based on the data indicating the details of the bids received from the carriers. The requirements for a successful bidder include, for example, being the earliest bidder, having a successful bid with the lowest allocation amount, or being selected by lottery among bidders who submitted bids by the bidding deadline. This allows the support device 1 to appropriately assign transport personnel even when multiple carriers are responsible for the consolidated transport.

[0116] [Shipping status display step] It is preferable that the support device 1 executes a delivery status display step for receiving data related to the delivery status of the above-mentioned consolidated transport from the carrier and displaying the delivery status based on the data on the terminal T. This allows the support device 1 to show the registrant the delivery status, such as whether the package G is being delivered, has arrived at the delivery location, or has arrived at the delivery location and been picked up by the recipient.

[0117] [Effect of support processing] The support device 1 that executes the above-described support process displays a registration screen and manages the data of registrants through a series of processes that update the registrant database 131 based on input via this registration screen (steps S1 to S4). The support device 1 then executes a login process based on this data managed by the registrant management unit 111 (step S5). As a result, the support device 1 of this embodiment can manage consolidated transport so that only registrants who have registered and therefore have no concerns about payment can use the service. Furthermore, as a result, the support device 1 of this embodiment reduces the burden on senders of having to input customer information required for the use of consolidated transport one by one. Therefore, the above-described series of processes contributes to the realization of consolidated transport that is easy for senders to request and places a smaller burden on carriers.

[0118] The support device 1 executes a series of processes (steps S6 to S11) to display a reservation screen R indicating whether or not mixed transport in units of box pallets 2 can be reserved for each reservation slot, based on data such as the number of box pallets stored in the transport database 133 managed by the box pallet number management unit 113. In this way, the support device 1 of this embodiment supports the transport company in providing transport that is easy to understand for the sender, who transports in units of box pallets 2 and charges a fee.

[0119] The support device 1 executes a series of processes to accept a reservation made via the reservation screen R described above if the reservation is for a number of box pallets or less that the carrier can transport and is a reservation for transportation within the carrier's transportation area (steps S12 to S14). In this way, the support device 1 of this embodiment accepts reservations only for the number of box pallets that the carrier can transport within the transportation area, thereby avoiding the burden of handing over to another carrier and reducing the burden on the carrier and the user. By limiting reservations to within the transportation area and per box pallet 2, the carrier can easily grasp freight rates, workload, cost-effectiveness, and the like.

[0120] After accepting the reservation, the support device 1 instructs the carrier to bring the box pallet 2 and proceed to the collection point associated with the reservation (step S15). The box pallet 2 of this embodiment is placed on the ground or the like with its four walls 22 and lid 23 removed, enabling rapid loading without the obstruction of the walls 22. Furthermore, by retrofitting the four walls 22 and lid 23 to the box pallet 2 after loading the cargo G, the risk of contamination or damage due to contact with other products can be reduced without requiring the sender or carrier to expend the effort of special packaging to reduce such risk. In addition, since transportation using such a box pallet 2 is limited to the transportation area, the carrier can quickly grasp the workload and procedures involved in collecting the cargo using the box pallet 2. This allows the support device 1 of this embodiment to simultaneously eliminate the need for the carrier to carry the box pallet 2 in advance and achieve rapid loading.

[0121] As a result, the support device 1 that executes the above-mentioned support processing supports the realization of mixed transport that is easy for the sender to understand as described above, eliminates the sender's need to arrange for pallets, etc., is easy for the sender to request, and places less of a burden on the carrier.

[0122] Furthermore, the support device 1 of this embodiment can take an aspect in which the support processing further includes a series of processes (steps S9 to S11) related to the display of a delivery location specification screen P configured to enable the registrant to specify a desired delivery location from at least two or more of the multiple delivery locations that will be the delivery destinations for consolidated transport. By allowing the registrant to specify a delivery location different from their address as the delivery destination for transport limited to the transport area, the support device 1 increases convenience for the sender without increasing the effort on the part of the transport company to identify the delivery location, and reduces the risk of redelivery and the burden on the transport company.

[0123] The series of processes related to the display of the delivery location specification screen P may include a procedure for extracting one or more delivery locations suitable for the carrier or the registrant from multiple delivery locations stored in the delivery location database 134 by processing using a machine learning model that inputs data related to the registrant and the carrier (step S9). This allows the support device 1 to recommend an appropriate delivery location to the registrant (sender) even when delivery locations suitable for the carrier or the registrant cannot be narrowed down by simple criteria such as distance from the destination. Moreover, the support device 1 of this embodiment prevents the expansion of the machine learning model and increases in management costs and processing time by limiting the delivery location to consolidated transport within the transport area. Therefore, by displaying the extracted delivery location, the support device 1 further enhances convenience for the sender and further reduces the risk of redelivery, thereby reducing the burden on the carrier.

[0124] The support device 1 of this embodiment executes a procedure for calculating the invoice amount for mixed transport so that the weight is not affected when the weight of each of the packages G loaded on each box pallet 2 is equal to or less than the upper limit (step S10). By using this procedure and limiting the transport area, the support device 1 of this embodiment can calculate the invoice amount using an easy-to-understand fee system that is not affected by the weight as long as the weight of the packages G per box pallet 2 is equal to or less than the upper limit.

[0125] The support device 1 of this embodiment may take a form in which, when a delivery location is specified, it executes a procedure for calculating the billing amount for the consolidated transport, including the usage fee for that delivery location (step S10). By using this procedure and limiting the transport area, the support device 1 of this embodiment can calculate the billing amount that reflects the usage fee for the delivery location, while maintaining the easy-to-understand fee structure described above. In this case, the support device 1 of this embodiment may take a form in which it calculates the usage fee based on the land price related to the delivery location. By calculating the usage fee in this way for transport limited to the transport area, the support device 1 can propose the use of an appropriate usage fee, even for delivery locations that do not specify usage fees, without complicating the database related to land prices and the usage fee calculation procedure.

[0126] The support device 1 of this embodiment can take a form of executing a series of processes to bill for delivery fees and distribute the paid delivery fees to a carrier, etc. (Steps S16 to S19). As a result, even if a delivery location different from the registrant's address is specified as the delivery destination and the fee for the delivery location is included in the billing, the support device 1 of this embodiment can bill an appropriate delivery fee including the fee and distribute an appropriate amount of the paid delivery fee to the carrier and the operator of the delivery location.

[0127] As described above, the support device 1 of this embodiment shortens the time required to apply for consolidated transport and makes it easy to check for missed orders. In addition, the support device 1 eliminates the stress associated with applying via telephone. The support device 1 prevents problems such as not knowing how to request by making an easy-to-understand application for consolidated transport using a reservation screen. The support device 1 makes it easy to calculate freight charges by transporting two box pallets at a time within a limited transport area, and also reduces concerns about damage during transport.

[0128] <Example of use of the support device 1 of this embodiment> The following is an example of how the support device 1 of this embodiment is used.

[0129] [User Registration] A customer who wishes to use the consolidated transport service for cargo G commands the support device 1 to display a registration screen via the terminal T. Then, the customer performs user registration via the registration screen.

[0130] [Login] A registrant who has completed user registration logs in to the support device 1 via a terminal T. This enables the support device 1 to support mixed transport using various information that has been registered in advance via the registration screen.

[0131] [Book consolidated transport] Once logged in, the registrant commands the support device 1 to display a reservation screen R via terminal T. The support device 1 checks the number of box pallets 2 that the carrier can transport for mixed transport for each reservation slot, and causes terminal T to display a reservation screen R indicating the reservation slots in which the registrant can reserve mixed transport for the number of box pallets 2 that they desire. The registrant makes a reservation via the reservation screen R.

[0132] [Reservation screen R and delivery location selection screen P] FIG. 11 is an example of a reservation screen R. This example shows a reservation screen R for specifying a pickup date and making a reservation. At the top of the reservation screen R, text and other information are displayed indicating that the screen was displayed after logging in, specifying the pickup location and transportation direction, and specifying the number of box pallets 2 to be transported in a consolidated shipment. In the center of the reservation screen R, a one-month calendar is displayed, with icons indicating "available for the day," "partially available," and "no availability" for each date that aggregates morning and afternoon reservation slots. This allows registrants to reserve consolidated shipments by selecting the "available for the day" or "partially available" icon. This example also shows the basic shipping fee when the registrant's address is used as the delivery location, and indicates that an additional fee will be charged if the delivery location is elsewhere, such as when "drop-off delivery" is desired.

[0133] In this example, a delivery location specification screen P for specifying a delivery location for a consolidated transport related to a specified reservation slot is superimposed on the reservation screen R. The delivery location specification screen P indicates that for the morning of the specified "△ day," the delivery destination "△ Kogyo Omiya Office" can be specified without an additional charge, the "△△ Parking Lot" which is easy for transport vehicles to enter and convenient for pickup can be specified for a relatively high additional charge of "△△△△ yen," and the "△△ Community Center, Omiya Ward, Saitama City" which has limited parking space and is inconvenient for pickup can be specified for a relatively low additional charge of "△△△ yen." Furthermore, the delivery location specification screen P indicates that for the afternoon of the specified "△ day," the inexpensive "△△ Community Center, Omiya Ward, Saitama City" cannot be specified, but the "△ Kogyo Omiya Office" can be specified without an additional charge, and the "△△ Parking Lot" which is easy for transport vehicles to enter and convenient for pickup can be specified for a relatively high additional charge of "△△△△ yen." This allows the registrant to consider the amount to be charged and specify a delivery location that suits their convenience.

[0134] The registrant uses terminal T to specify "△ day" from the calendar on reservation screen R, check "△△ parking lot" for "△ day afternoon" on the pop-up delivery location specification screen P, and press the "Reserve" button to reserve a mixed transport with "△△ parking lot" as the delivery location for that reservation slot.

[0135] [Pickup] When a mixed transport is booked and accepted, the support device 1 instructs the carrier to bring the box pallet 2 and collect the cargo. The carrier brings the box pallet 2 and heads to the collection location, places the cargo G on the pallet 21, and then attaches the wall 22 and lid 23. This allows the carrier to store the cargo G inside the box pallet 2 without having to expend the effort of lifting the cargo G up onto the wall 22 or fence, or the like, and without having to perform the tiring task of moving the roll box pallet while being careful not to get injured by tipping or colliding with it.

[0136] [Delivery] The carrier loads the box pallet 2 with the cargo G stored inside onto a truck or other vehicle and delivers it to the "△△ parking lot," the delivery location specified at the time of collection. The carrier removes the lid 23 and wall 22 from the box pallet 2 and places the cargo G in the designated area of ​​the "△△ parking lot." The carrier takes the box pallet 2 back and reuses it. Staff at the delivery destination collect the delivered cargo G. The carrier reports the completion of the consolidated transport.

[0137] 〔settlement〕 When the support device 1 receives data reporting the completion of the consolidated transport, it sends an invoice for the consolidated transport to the registrant. The registrant pays the shipping fee in accordance with the invoice. The support device 1 calculates the distribution amount to be distributed to the carrier from the shipping fee and pays the distribution amount.

[0138] It should be noted that within the scope of the concept of the present invention, those skilled in the art may conceive of various modifications and alterations. Therefore, it is understood that such modifications and alterations fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, even if a person skilled in the art appropriately adds, deletes, or modifies components of the above-described embodiment, or adds, omits, or modifies the conditions of a process, such modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they maintain the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] S System 1 Support equipment 11 Control section 111 Registration Management Department 112 Reservation Management Department 113 Box Pallet Quantity Management Department 114 Delivery Location Management Department 115 Delivery location candidate extraction unit 116 Billing Amount Calculation Department 117 Screen display command section 118 Application Receiving Department 119 Reservation Reception Department 120 Collection Command Center 13 Storage section 131 Registrant Database 132 Reservation Database 133 Transportation Database 134 Delivery Location Database 14 Communications Department 2 box pallets 21 palettes 22 Wall 23 Lid G Luggage R Reservation screen P Delivery location selection screen N Network T-Terminal

Claims

1. a registrant management unit that manages data related to registrants who use mixed transport using box pallets; a reservation management unit that manages data related to reservations for the consolidated transportation; a box pallet number management unit that manages the number of box pallets that a carrier can undertake transportation for each reservation slot; a screen display command unit that commands the display of a reservation screen configured to allow reservations for the consolidated transportation; an application receiving unit that receives data related to a reservation application for the consolidated transportation based on the reservation screen from the registrant; a reservation acceptance unit that accepts the reservation when the reservation related to the application is for a number of box pallets or less that the carrier can undertake to transport and is a transportation reservation within the transportation area of ​​the carrier; a collection command unit that commands a carrier to bring the box pallet and head to the collection point related to the reservation when the reservation related to the application is accepted; Equipped with the reservation management unit updates data relating to the reservation when the reservation is accepted; The box pallet number management unit manages the number of box pallets for each reservation slot divided by day or time slot, and updates the number of box pallets when the reservation is accepted, the screen display command unit commands the display of a reservation screen showing a reservation slot in which the registrant can reserve the consolidated transportation by the carrier, and the reservation slot is displayed based on the number of box pallets; The collection command unit commands the carrier to bring a prefabricated box pallet configured so that four walls and a lid can be attached later. Support equipment for mixed transport.

2. A delivery location management unit that manages data on a plurality of delivery locations that are delivery destinations for the consolidated transport is further provided, the screen display command unit further commands the display of a delivery location specification screen configured so that the registrant can specify a desired delivery location from at least two or more of the plurality of delivery locations, the desired delivery location being the delivery destination of the registrant, wherein the two or more delivery locations include one or more locations different from the address of the registrant; The collection command unit commands delivery to the desired delivery location. The support device according to claim 1 .

3. a delivery location candidate extraction unit that extracts one or more delivery locations that are convenient for the carrier or the registrant from the plurality of delivery locations by processing using a machine learning model that inputs data related to the registrant and the carrier; the screen display command unit commands the display of a delivery place designation screen configured to allow the registrant to designate a desired delivery place as a delivery destination from two or more delivery places including one or more delivery places extracted by the delivery place candidate extraction unit, the delivery location candidate extraction unit uses a machine learning model that has been pre-trained using training data that includes data related to the registrant and the shipping company as explanatory variables and that includes the delivery location as a target variable; The support device according to claim 2 .

4. a billing amount calculation unit that calculates a billing amount to be charged to the registrant for the consolidated transportation; the billing amount calculation unit calculates a billing amount that is not affected by the weights when the weights of the packages loaded on each box pallet are equal to or less than an upper limit and that reflects the costs associated with using the desired delivery location; The support device according to claim 2 .

5. the billing amount calculation unit calculates a billing amount that reflects the cost of using the desired delivery place estimated based on the land price related to the desired delivery place; The support device according to claim 4.

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