Joint delivery support system, joint delivery support method, and program

Abstract

This joint distribution assistance system comprises a first reception unit, a first output control unit, a second reception unit, and a second output control unit. The first reception unit receives, for individual joint-distribution shippers when a joint-distribution load is expected, a sending load for loading onto a distribution means of another shipper in the joint distribution and an acceptance load for accepting onto a host distribution means in the joint distribution. In cases where joint distribution is established when the load is expected, the first output control unit presents a load for which joint distribution is possible as a recommended acceptance load to the shipper handling the acceptance load, and presents the load for which joint distribution is possible as a recommended sending load to the shipper handling the sending load. The second reception unit receives, for individual shippers when the joint-distribution load is estimated, a sending load and an acceptance load. In cases where joint distribution is established when the load is estimated, the second output control unit presents the load for which joint distribution is possible as an estimated acceptance load to the shipper handling the acceptance load, and presents the load for which joint distribution is possible as an estimated sending load to the shipper handling the sending load.

Description

Joint delivery support system, joint delivery support method, and recording medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a joint delivery support system and the like.

[0002] Joint deliveries are when multiple shippers load their cargo onto the same truck or other delivery vehicle. One method of joint delivery is for a shipper to load other shippers' cargo into the empty space of a delivery vehicle they use. Another method of joint delivery is for multiple shippers to prepare a separate delivery vehicle exclusively for joint deliveries.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes the generation of a joint delivery plan for jointly delivering cargoes of multiple shippers to each shipper.

[0004] JP 2018-180893 A

[0005] When a shipper carries out joint deliveries by loading other shippers' cargo into the available space on the delivery vehicle they use, there is a problem in that the operations required around the day of delivery to check detailed cargo volumes between multiple shippers are complicated.

[0006] An example of an objective of the present disclosure is to provide a joint delivery support system that facilitates operations related to joint delivery.

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the joint delivery support system comprises: a first reception means for receiving, for each shipper of a joint delivery, an outgoing shipment volume to be loaded onto another shipper's delivery means in the joint delivery and an incoming shipment volume to be received by the shipper's own delivery means in the joint delivery when the shipment volume for the joint delivery is estimated; a first output control means for, if the joint delivery has been concluded when the shipment volume is estimated, presenting the shipment volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the incoming shipment volume as a recommended incoming shipment volume, and presenting the shipment volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the outgoing shipment volume as a recommended outgoing shipment volume; a second reception means for receiving the outgoing shipment volume and the incoming shipment volume for each shipper when the shipment volume for the joint delivery is confirmed; and a second output control means for, if the joint delivery has been concluded when the shipment volume for the joint delivery is confirmed, presenting the shipment volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the incoming shipment volume as a confirmed incoming shipment volume, and presenting the shipment volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the outgoing shipment volume as a confirmed outgoing shipment volume.

[0008] A joint delivery support method in one aspect of the present disclosure, when a cargo volume for a joint delivery is estimated, accepts, for each shipper of the joint delivery, the outgoing cargo volume to be loaded onto another shipper's delivery means in the joint delivery and the incoming cargo volume to be received by the shipper's own delivery means in the joint delivery; if the joint delivery has been concluded when the cargo volume is estimated, presents the cargo volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the incoming cargo volume as a recommended incoming cargo volume, and presents the cargo volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the outgoing cargo volume as a recommended outgoing cargo volume; when the cargo volume for the joint delivery is confirmed, accepts the outgoing cargo volume and the incoming cargo volume for each shipper; if the joint delivery has been concluded when the cargo volume for the joint delivery is confirmed, presents the cargo volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the incoming cargo volume as a confirmed incoming cargo volume, and presents the cargo volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the outgoing cargo volume as a confirmed outgoing cargo volume.

[0009] A program in one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute the following processes: when a cargo volume for a joint delivery is estimated, accept, for each shipper of the joint delivery, the outgoing cargo volume to be loaded onto the delivery means of other shippers in the joint delivery and the incoming cargo volume to be received by the shipper's own delivery means in the joint delivery; if the joint delivery has been concluded when the cargo volume is estimated, present the cargo volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the incoming cargo volume as a recommended incoming cargo volume, and present the cargo volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the outgoing cargo volume as a recommended outgoing cargo volume; when the cargo volume for the joint delivery is confirmed, accept the outgoing cargo volume and the incoming cargo volume for each shipper; and when the cargo volume for the joint delivery is confirmed, if the joint delivery has been concluded, present the cargo volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the incoming cargo volume as a confirmed incoming cargo volume, and present the cargo volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the outgoing cargo volume as a confirmed outgoing cargo volume.

[0010] Each program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, joint delivery operations can be simplified.

[0012] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a joint delivery support system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the joint delivery support system 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the connection between the joint delivery support system and other devices. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a joint delivery support system 20 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of accepting a fixed transport allowable capacity. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of accepting information about the cargo volume at the time of forecasting the previous day for shipper A when a joint delivery is concluded, and displaying the cargo volume status. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of accepting information about the cargo volume at the time of forecasting the current day for shipper B when a joint delivery is concluded, and displaying the cargo volume status. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of accepting information about the cargo volume at the time of confirmation for shipper A when a joint delivery is concluded, and displaying the cargo volume status. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of receiving information on the cargo volume at the time of forecasting the previous day for shipper A when joint delivery is concluded, and displaying the cargo volume status. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying the cargo volume status at the time of forecasting the previous day for shipper B when joint delivery is not concluded. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of receiving information on the cargo volume at the time of forecasting the current day for shipper A when joint delivery is not concluded, and displaying the cargo volume status. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying the cargo volume status at the time of forecasting the previous day for shipper B when joint delivery is not concluded. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of receiving information on the cargo volume at the time of confirmation for shipper A when joint delivery is concluded, and displaying the cargo volume status. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying the cargo volume status at the time of confirmation for shipper B when joint delivery is concluded. FIG. 7 is a flowchart (part 1) showing an example of an operation example of the joint delivery support system 20 according to embodiment 2. FIG. 8 is a flowchart (part 2) showing an example of an operation example of the joint delivery support system 20 according to embodiment 2. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a computer hardware configuration.

[0013] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of a joint delivery support system, a joint delivery support method, a program, and a non-transitory recording medium for recording the program according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. The present embodiments do not limit the disclosed technology.

[0014] When a joint delivery is carried out by loading cargo from other shippers into the available space on a delivery vehicle used by a shipper, the operation of checking detailed cargo volumes between multiple shippers around the day of the joint delivery is cumbersome. For example, it is expected that multiple shippers carrying out joint delivery will repeatedly confirm the volume of each other's cargo by telephone, email, etc. around the day of the joint delivery. Therefore, in each embodiment, the joint delivery support system aims to simplify the operation around the day of the joint delivery.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) First, in embodiment 1, basic functions of a joint delivery support system will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a joint delivery support system according to embodiment 1. The joint delivery support system 10 includes a first reception unit 101, a first output control unit 102, a second reception unit 103, and a second output control unit 104.

[0016] The first reception unit 101 receives, for each shipper of the joint delivery, the outgoing shipment volume to be loaded onto the delivery means of the other shipper in the joint delivery and the incoming shipment volume to be received by the shipper's own delivery means in the joint delivery when the cargo volume for the joint delivery is estimated. The type of delivery means is not particularly limited, and may be a vehicle such as a truck, a ship, an airplane, or the like.

[0017] If a joint delivery is possible when the cargo volume is estimated, the first output control unit 102 presents the cargo volume available for joint delivery to a shipper with an inbound volume as a recommended inbound volume, and presents the cargo volume available for joint delivery to a shipper with an outbound volume as a recommended outbound volume. The determination of whether a joint delivery is possible will be described in the second embodiment. The first output control unit 102 may also present the accepted outbound volume and inbound volume. Note that the presentation method is not particularly limited, but for example, the first output control unit 102 may display the status of each cargo volume on the shipper's terminal device.

[0018] In addition, the second reception unit 103 receives the outgoing shipment volume and the incoming shipment volume for each shipper when the volume of cargo for joint delivery is determined.

[0019] Next, when the cargo volume for joint delivery is confirmed, if joint delivery has been established, the second output control unit 104 presents the cargo volume that can be jointly delivered to the shipper who has an inbound volume as the confirmed inbound volume, and presents the cargo volume that can be jointly delivered to the shipper who has an outbound volume as the confirmed outbound volume.

[0020] 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the joint delivery support system 10 according to embodiment 1. When the volume of cargo for joint delivery is estimated, the first reception unit 101 receives the outgoing volume and the incoming volume for each shipper of the joint delivery (step S101).

[0021] Then, when the cargo volume is estimated and joint delivery has been established, the first output control unit 102 presents the cargo volume that can be jointly delivered to the shipper who has an incoming volume as a recommended incoming volume, and presents the cargo volume that can be jointly delivered to the shipper who has an outgoing volume as a recommended outgoing volume (step S102).

[0022] The second reception unit 103 receives the outgoing shipment volume and the received shipment volume for each shipper when the cargo volume for the joint delivery is confirmed (step S103). If the joint delivery is established when the cargo volume for the joint delivery is confirmed, the second output control unit 104 presents the cargo volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the received shipment volume as the confirmed received shipment volume, and presents the cargo volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the outgoing shipment volume as the confirmed outgoing shipment volume (step S104). The joint delivery support system 10 then terminates processing.

[0023] As described above, in the first embodiment, the joint delivery support system 10 accepts the outgoing shipment volume and the received shipment volume for each shipper of the joint delivery when the shipment volume for the joint delivery is estimated. When a joint delivery is concluded, the joint delivery support system 10 presents the shipment volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the received shipment volume as the recommended received shipment volume, and presents the shipment volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the outgoing shipment volume as the recommended outgoing shipment volume. Furthermore, the joint delivery support system 10 accepts the outgoing shipment volume and the received shipment volume for each shipper when the shipment volume is confirmed. When a joint delivery is concluded, the joint delivery support system 10 presents the shipment volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the received shipment volume as the confirmed received shipment volume, and presents the shipment volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the outgoing shipment volume as the confirmed outgoing shipment volume. In this way, the joint delivery support system 10 accepts information regarding the shipment volume for each shipper and presents the status regarding the shipment volume, thereby facilitating the operation of the shipment volume around the day of the joint delivery.

[0024] (Embodiment 2) Next, embodiment 2 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In embodiment 2, a specific example of the presentation of recommended incoming and outgoing quantities and confirmed incoming and outgoing quantities will be described. Furthermore, embodiment 2 will be described using trucks as an example of delivery means. Below, to the extent that the description of embodiment 2 is not unclear, explanations of content that overlaps with the above description will be omitted.

[0025] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a connection between the joint delivery support system and other devices. For example, the joint delivery support system 20 is connected to a terminal device 21 via a communication network NT. In FIG. 3, the type of the terminal device 21 is not particularly limited, and may be a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, a tablet device, or the like. Note that the terminal device 21 may be pre-installed with an application program that can transmit information to the joint delivery support system 20 or output information from the joint delivery support system 20.

[0026] In a joint delivery, there are multiple shippers, so each shipper has its own terminal device 21. In Fig. 3, the terminal device 21 of shipper A is represented as terminal device 21-A, and the terminal device 21 of shipper B is represented as terminal device 21-B.

[0027] 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a joint delivery support system 20 according to embodiment 2. The joint delivery support system 20 includes, for example, a first reception unit 201, a first output control unit 202, a second reception unit 203, a second output control unit 204, and a determination unit 205. The joint delivery support system 20 includes the determination unit 205 in addition to the components of the joint delivery support system 10 according to embodiment 1.

[0028] The first reception unit 201 may have, as a basic function, the function of the first reception unit 101 according to embodiment 1. The first output control unit 202 may have, as a basic function, the function of the first output control unit 102 according to embodiment 1. The second reception unit 203 may have, as a basic function, the function of the second reception unit 103 according to embodiment 1. The second output control unit 204 may have, as a basic function, the function of the second output control unit 104 according to embodiment 1.

[0029] First, for example, the first reception unit 201 may receive a fixed allowable transport capacity for each shipper in the joint delivery when the cargo volume for the joint delivery is estimated. Here, the fixed allowable transport capacity is the amount of cargo that can be loaded onto a truck prepared by the shipper.

[0030] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of accepting a fixed allowable transport capacity. The screen shown in FIG. 5 is an example displayed on shipper A's terminal device 21-A. In FIG. 5, the fixed allowable transport capacity is referred to as a "fixed transport capacity." In FIG. 5, the first reception unit 201 has already accepted Company B's fixed allowable transport capacity and is accepting Company A's fixed allowable transport capacity. The first output control unit 202 displays the fixed allowable transport capacity accepted from shipper B. In FIG. 5, the screen includes an input field for Company A's fixed allowable transport capacity and a Confirm button. When the Confirm button is pressed, the first reception unit 201 accepts the value entered in the input field as Company A's fixed allowable transport capacity. In FIG. 5, shipper A and shipper B both have a fixed allowable transport capacity of 100 P / L (pallet). The unit of cargo volume, P / L, is an example, and other units may be used. Note that P / L will be omitted in the following explanation.

[0031] Next, the first reception unit 201 receives information regarding the cargo volume in the joint delivery for each shipper of the joint delivery when the cargo volume is estimated. Then, the first output control unit 202, when the cargo volume in the joint delivery is estimated, presents the cargo volume situation at the time of the estimated cargo volume to the shipper based on the information regarding the cargo volume received by the first reception unit 201.

[0032] Specifically, for example, when estimating the volume of cargo for a joint delivery, the first reception unit 201 receives, for each shipper in the joint delivery, the outgoing volume to be loaded onto the other shipper's truck in the joint delivery and the incoming volume to be received by the company's truck in the joint delivery. Here, for example, if at least one of the outgoing volume and the incoming volume is present, the first reception unit 201 may accept the other as 0. Also, for example, if either the outgoing volume or the incoming volume is absent, the first reception unit 201 may accept it as 0. Furthermore, when accepting the outgoing volume and the incoming volume, the first reception unit 201 may also accept at least one of the company's total volume of cargo and the shipping volume of cargo to be loaded onto the company's truck. Note that, for example, the first reception unit 201 accepts the shipping volume of cargo to be loaded onto the company's truck so that it does not exceed a fixed transport capacity. The shipping volume of cargo to be loaded onto the company's truck may be abbreviated to shipping volume.

[0033] If joint delivery were decided based on a single cargo volume response (acceptance of cargo volume) from a shipper, there would be no room for cargo volume adjustment between the shippers. Therefore, to allow room for cargo volume adjustment, the first reception unit 201 may repeatedly receive information regarding the cargo volume for joint delivery when estimating the cargo volume. For example, the first reception unit 201 may receive information regarding the cargo volume for joint delivery a predetermined number of times for each shipper when estimating the cargo volume. The predetermined number of times is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, two or more times. In other words, the predetermined number of times is the number of adjustments between the shippers. Each time the first reception unit 201 performs the receiving process, the first output control unit 202 presents the status of the joint delivery cargo volume for each shipper based on the information regarding the cargo volume received by the first reception unit 201. Here, the first output control unit 202 may present the status of the joint delivery cargo volume in chronological order. Furthermore, the first output control unit 202 may display the received information regarding the cargo volume in chronological order. Hereinafter, the incoming volume accepted by the first accepting unit 201 will also be referred to as the volume of incoming goods that can be accepted, and the outgoing volume accepted by the first accepting unit 201 will also be referred to as the volume of outgoing goods that can be sent.

[0034] However, if the cargo volume acceptance process is performed too many times, it will be a hassle for the shipper. Therefore, for example, the first acceptance unit 201 may perform the first acceptance process when the cargo volume is estimated from the day before to three days before the delivery date. Then, the first acceptance unit 201 may perform the second acceptance process from the day before the delivery date when the cargo volume for the day of delivery is estimated. In such a case, each shipper may check the cargo volume situation of each shipper at the time of the estimated cargo volume for the previous day and consider whether to prepare a separate truck for their own company. Furthermore, the estimated cargo volume for the day just before the cargo volume is confirmed is adjusted between the shippers so that it is essentially the same as the cargo volume at the time of confirmation.

[0035] The determination unit 205 determines whether joint delivery is possible based on information about the cargo volume received from each shipper when the cargo volume is estimated. The determination unit 205 determines whether any of the shippers has an inbound volume and whether any of the shippers has an outbound volume. Here, the determination unit 205 determines that joint delivery is not possible if none of the shippers has an inbound volume. Alternatively, the determination unit 205 determines that joint delivery is not possible if none of the shippers has an outbound volume. The determination unit 205 determines that joint delivery is possible if any of the shippers has an inbound volume and any of the shippers has an outbound volume.

[0036] Furthermore, when a joint delivery is established, the determination unit 205 may determine the amount of cargo that can be jointly delivered. In the case of a joint delivery between two shippers, for example, the determination unit 205 may identify the smaller of the amount of cargo that can be received by one shipper and the amount of cargo that can be delivered by the other shipper as the amount of cargo that can be jointly delivered.

[0037] When a joint delivery is established at the time of cargo volume estimation, the first output control unit 202 presents the cargo volume that can be jointly delivered to a shipper who has an acceptable cargo volume as a recommended incoming cargo volume, and presents the cargo volume that can be jointly delivered to a shipper who has an outgoing cargo volume as a recommended outgoing cargo volume.

[0038] On the other hand, when a joint delivery has not been established at the time of cargo volume forecasting, the first output control unit 202 presents the received outgoing cargo volume to a shipper who has an outgoing cargo volume as a recommended outgoing cargo volume, and presents the outgoing cargo volume received from a shipper who has an outgoing cargo volume as a recommended receiving volume to a shipper who has neither an outgoing cargo volume nor an acceptable cargo volume. Alternatively, when a joint delivery has not been established at the time of cargo volume forecasting, the first output control unit 202 presents the received acceptable cargo volume to a shipper who has an acceptable cargo volume as a recommended receiving volume, and presents the acceptable cargo volume received from a shipper who has an acceptable cargo volume as a recommended outgoing cargo volume to a shipper who has neither an outgoing cargo volume nor an acceptable cargo volume.

[0039] The second reception unit 203 receives information regarding the cargo volume in the joint delivery for each shipper of the joint delivery when the cargo volume for the joint delivery is determined. The second output control unit 204 presents the cargo volume status at the time of determination of the cargo volume to the shipper based on the information regarding the cargo volume received by the second reception unit 203 when the cargo volume for the joint delivery is determined.

[0040] Specifically, for example, the second reception unit 203 receives the incoming and outgoing quantities in the joint delivery for each shipper when the cargo volume is determined.

[0041] Then, just as when estimating cargo volume, the determination unit 205 determines whether joint delivery is possible based on information regarding cargo volume received from each shipper when confirming cargo volume. The determination unit 205 determines whether any of the shippers has an inbound volume and whether any of the shippers has an outbound volume. Here, if none of the shippers has an inbound volume, joint delivery is not possible. Alternatively, if none of the shippers has an outbound volume, joint delivery is not possible. If any of the shippers has an inbound volume and any of the shippers has an outbound volume, joint delivery is possible. Furthermore, the determination unit 205 may determine the cargo volume that is possible for joint delivery when joint delivery is possible.

[0042] Specifically, for example, when the cargo volume for a joint delivery is confirmed, if the joint delivery has been established, the second output control unit 204 presents the cargo volume available for joint delivery to a shipper with an inbound volume as the confirmed inbound volume, and presents the cargo volume available for joint delivery to a shipper with an outbound volume as the confirmed outbound volume. Specifically, for example, when the cargo volume is confirmed, if the joint delivery has not been established, the second output control unit 204 presents no cargo volume to a shipper as the confirmed inbound volume and the confirmed outbound volume.

[0043] Next, a specific example of receiving information about the load amount and displaying the load amount status will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0044] (Example of a joint delivery arrangement) Examples of screens when a joint delivery arrangement is made will be described. First, an example will be described in which information regarding the estimated cargo volume for the previous day is received and the cargo volume status is displayed.

[0045] FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of receiving information about the estimated cargo volume for the previous day for shipper A when a joint delivery is established, and displaying the cargo volume status. The screen shown in FIG. 6A is an example displayed on shipper A's terminal device 21-A. In FIG. 6A, the first reception unit 201 has already received the shipping cargo volume, acceptable cargo volume, and deliverable cargo volume for company B, and is now receiving the shipping cargo volume, acceptable cargo volume, and deliverable cargo volume for company A. In FIG. 6A, the first output control unit 202 causes the terminal device 21-A to display the shipping cargo volume, acceptable cargo volume, and deliverable cargo volume for shipper B. For shipper B, the shipping cargo volume is 100, the acceptable cargo volume is 0, and the deliverable cargo volume is 50. In other words, the total cargo volume for shipper B is 150.

[0046] 6A , the screen includes, for shipper A, an input field for shipping cargo volume, an input field for acceptable cargo volume, an input field for outgoing cargo volume, and a confirm button. When the confirm button is pressed, the first reception unit 201 accepts the numerical value entered in the input field for shipping cargo volume as the shipping cargo volume, the numerical value entered in the input field for acceptable cargo volume as the acceptable cargo volume, and the numerical value entered in the input field for outgoing cargo volume as the outgoing cargo volume. Specifically, in FIG. 6A , for example, the first reception unit 201 accepts 50 as the shipping cargo volume, 30 as the acceptable cargo volume, and 0 as the outgoing cargo volume, in response to an operation by shipper A.

[0047] 6A, the screen also includes an update button for the cargo volume of shipper B. For example, the update button may be made pressable when the cargo volume is updated by shipper B. When the update button is pressed, the first output control unit 202 displays the updated cargo volumes for shipper B.

[0048] The first output control unit 202 causes the terminal device 21-A to display the fixed transport capacity as the total amount of trucks for each shipper, and causes a graphic representing the truck to distinguishably display the amount of cargo that can be received, the amount of cargo that can be shipped, and the amount of cargo that can be delivered. In Figure 6A, the graphic is, for example, a picture of a truck.

[0049] For example, a truck of shipper A is loaded with cargo of shipper A's shipping volume and cargo of shipper A's acceptable volume. In Fig. 6A, the screen shows a picture of shipper A's truck and the shipping volume of shipper A and the acceptable volume of shipper A on the loading platform.

[0050] For example, a truck belonging to shipper B is loaded with cargo equal to shipper B's shipping volume. Then, for example, cargo equal to shipper B's available shipping volume is loaded onto another truck. In Figure 6A, the screen shows a picture of shipper B's truck, with shipper B's shipping volume displayed on the loading platform, and shipper B's available shipping volume displayed outside the loading platform.

[0051] Next, the determination unit 205 determines that joint delivery is possible because either of the shippers has an acceptable cargo volume and either of the shippers has an unsent cargo volume. For example, in Figure 6A, the acceptable cargo volume for shipper A is 30, and the unsent cargo volume for shipper B is 50. The determination unit 205 determines that 30 is the cargo volume that can be jointly delivered.

[0052] In FIG. 6A, the first output control unit 202 causes the terminal device 21-A of the shipper A to display 30 as the recommended incoming quantity and 0 as the recommended outgoing quantity.

[0053] 6A, each incoming volume, each outgoing volume, and each outgoing volume are displayed in different patterns so that they can be distinguished. However, the available incoming volume and the recommended incoming volume have the same pattern, and the available outgoing volume and the recommended outgoing volume have the same pattern. Also, each incoming volume, each outgoing volume, and each outgoing volume may be displayed in different colors so that they can be distinguished.

[0054] 6B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying the cargo volume status at the time of forecast on the previous day for shipper B when a joint delivery is established. The screen shown in FIG. 6B is an example displayed on shipper B's terminal device 21-B. In FIG. 6B, the first output control unit 202 causes shipper B's terminal device 21-B to display 0 as the recommended incoming volume and 30 as the recommended outgoing volume.

[0055] Each shipper checks the inputted acceptable and outgoing cargo volumes and the recommended inbound and outbound volumes. For example, for shipper B, the available outgoing cargo volume is 50, but the recommended outgoing cargo volume is 30. Therefore, although a joint delivery of a 30-volume shipment has been agreed upon, shipper B needs to consider a 20-volume shipment. Therefore, shipper B may not agree to a joint delivery, but may instead arrange for a truck to load a new 50-volume shipment. Alternatively, shipper B may arrange for a joint delivery of a 30-volume shipment and a separate delivery of a 20-volume shipment. In this way, each shipper can consider a joint delivery for the next day by checking the inputted acceptable and outgoing cargo volumes and the recommended inbound and outgoing volumes at the forecast time the day before.

[0056] Next, an example will be described in which information regarding the expected cargo volume for the day when a joint delivery is established is received and the cargo volume status is displayed.

[0057] FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of receiving information about the expected cargo volume for the day for shipper A when a joint delivery is established, and displaying the cargo volume status. The screen shown in FIG. 7A is an example displayed on shipper A's terminal device 21-A. In FIG. 7A, the first reception unit 201 has already received the shipping cargo volume, acceptable cargo volume, and deliverable cargo volume for Company B, and is now receiving the shipping cargo volume, acceptable cargo volume, and deliverable cargo volume for Company A. In FIG. 7A, the first output control unit 202 causes the terminal device 21-A to display the shipping cargo volume, acceptable cargo volume, and deliverable cargo volume for shipper B. For shipper B, the shipping cargo volume is 100, the acceptable cargo volume is 0, and the deliverable cargo volume is 50. The total cargo volume for shipper B is 150. In other words, there is no change from the estimated cargo volume for shipper B on the previous day.

[0058] 7A , the screen includes an input field for the shipping quantity, an input field for the acceptable quantity, an input field for the unloadable quantity, a confirm button, and a re-input button. When the confirm button is pressed, the first reception unit 201 accepts the numerical value entered in the input field for the shipping quantity as the shipping quantity, the numerical value entered in the input field for the acceptable quantity as the acceptable quantity, and the numerical value entered in the input field for the unloadable quantity as the unloadable quantity. The first reception unit 201 accepts 50 as the shipping quantity, 30 as the acceptable quantity, and 0 as the unloadable quantity, based on the operation by shipper A. Furthermore, for example, once the confirm button is pressed, the input fields may be rendered in a state where numerical values ​​cannot be entered. For example, when the re-input button is pressed, each input field may again be rendered in a state where numerical values ​​can be entered.

[0059] 7A, the screen also includes an update button for the cargo volume of shipper B. For example, the update button may be made pressable when the cargo volume is updated by shipper B. When the update button is pressed, the first output control unit 202 displays the updated cargo volumes for shipper B.

[0060] The first output control unit 202 causes the terminal device 21-A to display the fixed transport capacity as the total amount of trucks for each shipper, and to distinguishably display the received acceptable amount of cargo, the outgoing amount of cargo, and the outgoing amount of cargo on the image of the truck. For example, shipper A's truck is loaded with shipper A's outgoing amount of cargo and the acceptable amount of cargo. Therefore, in Figure 7A, the screen displays shipper A's outgoing amount of cargo and shipper A's acceptable amount of cargo on the loading platform of the image of shipper A's truck.

[0061] For example, a truck belonging to shipper B is loaded with cargo equal to shipper B's shipping volume. Then, for example, cargo equal to the amount of cargo that can be delivered is loaded onto another truck. In Figure 7A, the screen shows a picture of shipper B's truck, with the amount of cargo that shipper B can deliver displayed on the loading platform, and the amount of cargo that shipper B can deliver displayed outside the loading platform.

[0062] Next, the determination unit 205 determines that joint delivery is possible because either of the shippers has an acceptable cargo volume and either of the shippers has an unsent cargo volume. For example, in Figure 7A, the acceptable cargo volume for shipper A is 30, and the unsent cargo volume for shipper B is 50. The determination unit 205 determines that 30 is the cargo volume that can be jointly delivered.

[0063] When joint delivery is established at the time of projecting the cargo volume for the day, the first output control unit 202 presents the cargo volume that can be jointly delivered to a shipper who has an acceptable cargo volume as a recommended incoming cargo volume, and presents the cargo volume that can be jointly delivered to a shipper who has an outgoing cargo volume as a recommended outgoing cargo volume.

[0064] In FIG. 7A, the first output control unit 202 causes the terminal device 21-A of the shipper A to display 30 as the recommended incoming quantity and 0 as the recommended outgoing quantity.

[0065] FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying the cargo volume status for shipper B at the time of the previous day's forecast when a joint delivery is established. The screen shown in FIG. 7B is an example displayed on shipper B's terminal device 21-B. In FIG. 7B, the first output control unit 202 causes shipper B's terminal device 21-B to display 0 as the recommended incoming cargo volume and 30 as the recommended outgoing cargo volume. In the following explanation, the screen configuration including input fields for inputting each cargo volume for shipper B may be the same as the screen configuration including input fields for inputting each cargo volume for shipper A, and therefore detailed explanation using drawings etc. will be omitted.

[0066] Each shipper checks the inputted acceptable and outgoing cargo volumes and the recommended incoming and outgoing cargo volumes.

[0067] Next, an example will be described in which information regarding the cargo volume at the time of confirmation on the day in the case where a joint delivery is established is received and the status of the cargo route is displayed.

[0068] FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of receiving information regarding the volume of goods at the time of confirmation for shipper A when a joint delivery is concluded, and displaying the status of the volume of goods. The screen shown in FIG. 8A is an example displayed on shipper A's terminal device 21-A. FIG. 8A shows an example in which the second reception unit 203 has already received the incoming and outgoing volumes for company B, and is now receiving the incoming and outgoing volumes for company A. In FIG. 8A, the second output control unit 204 causes the terminal device 21-A to display the incoming and outgoing volumes received from shipper B. For shipper B, the incoming and outgoing volumes are 0 and 30, respectively.

[0069] 8A , the screen includes an input field for the shipment volume, an input field for the acceptable volume, an input field for the unloadable volume, a confirm button, and a re-input button. When the confirm button is pressed, the second reception unit 203 accepts the numerical value entered in the input field for the shipment volume as the shipment volume, the numerical value entered in the input field for the acceptable volume as the acceptable volume, and the numerical value entered in the input field for the unloadable volume as the unloadable volume. When the volume is confirmed, the second reception unit 203 accepts 30 as the incoming volume and 0 as the unloadable volume, as operated by shipper A. Furthermore, for example, once the confirm button is pressed, the input fields may be rendered in a state where numerical values ​​cannot be entered. For example, when the re-input button is pressed, each input field may again be rendered in a state where numerical values ​​can be entered.

[0070] 8A, the screen also includes an update button for the cargo volume of shipper B. For example, the update button may be made pressable when the cargo volume is updated by shipper B. When the update button is pressed, the second output control unit 204 displays the updated cargo volumes for shipper B.

[0071] When determining the cargo volume, the determination unit 205 determines that joint delivery is possible because either shipper has an inbound volume and either shipper has an outbound volume. For example, in FIG. 8A , the inbound volume for shipper A is 30, and the outbound volume for shipper B is 30. The determination unit 205 determines that 30 is the cargo volume that can be jointly delivered.

[0072] If a joint delivery has been established at the time of confirming the cargo volume, the second output control unit 204 presents the cargo volume available for joint delivery to shipper A, who has an inbound volume, as the confirmed inbound volume, and presents the cargo volume available for joint delivery to shipper B, who has an outbound volume, as the confirmed outbound volume. In Figure 8A, the second output control unit 204 causes shipper A's terminal device 21-A to display 30 as the confirmed inbound volume and 0 as the confirmed outbound volume.

[0073] Also, in Figure 8A, the second output control unit 204 displays on the terminal device 21-A the fixed transport capacity as the total amount of trucks for each shipper, and displays on the loading platform of the image of the truck the amount of cargo accepted for shipment when the amount of cargo for that day was estimated and the confirmed amount of cargo received in a distinguishable manner.

[0074] 8B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying the confirmed volume status for shipper B when a joint delivery is established. The screen shown in FIG. 8B is an example displayed on shipper B's terminal device 21-B. In FIG. 8B, the second output control unit 204 causes shipper B's terminal device 21-B to display 0 as the confirmed received volume and 30 as the confirmed outgoing volume.

[0075] Also, in Figure 8B, the second output control unit 204 displays on the terminal device 21-B the fixed transport capacity as the total amount of trucks for each shipper, and displays on the loading platform of the image of the truck the amount of cargo accepted for shipment when the amount of cargo for that day was estimated and the amount of cargo to be received in a distinguishable manner.

[0076] (Example where joint delivery has not been established) Examples of each screen when joint delivery has not been established will be described. First, an example will be described in which information regarding the expected cargo volume for the previous day is received and the cargo volume status is displayed.

[0077] FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of receiving information about the estimated cargo volume for the previous day for shipper A when a joint delivery is established, and displaying the cargo volume status. The screen shown in FIG. 9A is an example displayed on shipper A's terminal device 21-A. The screen configuration shown in FIG. 9A is the same as the screen configuration in FIG. 6A, so detailed description will be omitted. FIG. 9A shows an example in which the first reception unit 201 has already received the shipping cargo volume, acceptable cargo volume, and deliverable cargo volume for company B, and is now receiving the shipping cargo volume, acceptable cargo volume, and deliverable cargo volume for company A. In FIG. 9A, the first output control unit 202 causes the terminal device 21-A to display the shipping cargo volume, acceptable cargo volume, and deliverable cargo volume for shipper B. For shipper B, the shipping cargo volume is 50, the acceptable cargo volume is 0, and the deliverable cargo volume is 0.

[0078] The first reception unit 201 receives, through operation by shipper A, 100 as the shipment quantity, 0 as the receivable quantity, and 10 as the unloadable quantity. The total quantity of shipper A is 110.

[0079] For example, a truck belonging to shipper A is loaded with cargo of the amount of cargo to be shipped by shipper A. In Fig. 9A, the screen shows a picture of shipper A's truck, with the amount of cargo to be shipped by shipper A displayed on the loading platform, and the amount of cargo that shipper A can deliver is displayed outside the loading platform.

[0080] For example, all of the cargo of shipper B's shipment is loaded onto shipper B's truck. In Fig. 9A, the screen shows the image of shipper B's truck with the shipment volume of shipper B displayed on the loading platform.

[0081] Next, the determination unit 205 determines that joint delivery has not been established because one of the shippers has an acceptable cargo volume but neither of the shippers has an available cargo volume. For example, in FIG. 9A , the available cargo volume for shipper A is 10, and the acceptable and available cargo volumes for shipper B are 0. When joint delivery has not been established at the time of cargo volume estimation, the first output control unit 202 displays the accepted available cargo volume as a recommended available cargo volume on the terminal device 21-A of shipper A, which has an available cargo volume.

[0082] 9B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying the cargo volume status at the time of forecast on the previous day for shipper B when joint delivery has not been established. The screen shown in FIG. 9B is an example displayed on the terminal device 21-B of shipper B. In FIG. 9B, the first output control unit 202 presents the sendable cargo volume received from a shipper with an sendable cargo volume as a recommended receiving volume to the terminal device 21-B of shipper B, who has no sendable cargo volume or acceptable cargo volume.

[0083] In FIG. 9B, 10 is displayed as the recommended incoming quantity and 0 is displayed as the recommended outgoing quantity.

[0084] Next, an example will be described in which information regarding the expected cargo volume for the day when joint delivery is not established is received and the cargo volume status is displayed.

[0085] FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of receiving information about the expected cargo volume for that day for shipper A when joint delivery is not established, and displaying the cargo volume status. The screen shown in FIG. 10A is an example displayed on shipper A's terminal device 21-A. The screen configuration shown in FIG. 10A is the same as that of FIG. 7A, so detailed description will be omitted. In FIG. 10A, the first reception unit 201 has already received the shipping cargo volume, acceptable cargo volume, and deliverable cargo volume for Company B, and is now receiving the shipping cargo volume, acceptable cargo volume, and deliverable cargo volume for Company A. In FIG. 10A, the first output control unit 202 causes the terminal device 21-A to display the shipping cargo volume, acceptable cargo volume, and deliverable cargo volume for shipper B. For shipper B, the shipping cargo volume is 50, the acceptable cargo volume is 0, and the deliverable cargo volume is 0. In other words, there are no changes from the previous day's forecast.

[0086] The first reception unit 201 receives, through operation by shipper A, 100 as the shipment quantity, 0 as the receivable quantity, and 10 as the unloadable quantity.

[0087] The first output control unit 202 causes the terminal device 21-A to display the fixed transport capacity as the total amount of trucks for each shipper, and to distinguishably display the received acceptable amount of cargo, the outgoing amount of cargo, and the outgoing amount of cargo on the image of the truck. For example, shipper A's truck is loaded with shipper A's outgoing amount of cargo and the acceptable amount of cargo. Therefore, in Figure 10A, the screen displays shipper A's outgoing amount of cargo and shipper A's acceptable amount of cargo on the loading platform of the image of shipper A's truck.

[0088] For example, a truck of shipper A is loaded with cargo of shipper A's shipping volume and cargo of shipper A's acceptable volume. In Fig. 10A, the screen shows a picture of shipper A's truck and the shipping volume of shipper A and the acceptable volume of shipper A on the loading platform.

[0089] For example, a truck belonging to shipper B is loaded with cargo equal to the amount of cargo shipped by shipper B. Then, cargo equal to the amount of cargo that can be shipped by shipper B is loaded onto another truck. In Fig. 10A, the screen shows the image of shipper B's truck with the amount of cargo shipped by shipper B displayed on the loading platform.

[0090] Next, the determination unit 205 determines that joint delivery is not possible because shipper A has an outgoing cargo volume but shipper B does not have an acceptable cargo volume. For example, in FIG. 10A, the outgoing cargo volume for shipper A is 10, and the acceptable cargo volume and outgoing cargo volume for shipper B are 0.

[0091] When the cargo volume for the day is estimated and joint delivery has not been established, the first output control unit 202 presents the available cargo volume to shipper A who has an available cargo volume as a recommended outgoing cargo volume.

[0092] In FIG. 10A, the first output control unit 202 causes the terminal device 21-A of shipper A to display 0 as the recommended incoming quantity and 10 as the recommended outgoing quantity.

[0093] FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying the cargo volume status of shipper B at the time of the previous day's forecast when joint delivery is not established. The screen shown in FIG. 10B is an example displayed on shipper B's terminal device 21-B. In FIG. 10B, when joint delivery is not established at the time of the expected cargo volume for the day, the first output control unit 202 presents shipper A's outgoing cargo volume as the recommended incoming cargo volume on shipper B's terminal device 21-B. In FIG. 10B, the screen displays 10 as the recommended incoming cargo volume and 0 as the recommended outgoing cargo volume.

[0094] Next, an example will be described in which information regarding the cargo volume at the time of confirmation on the day when joint delivery is not established is received and the status of the cargo route is displayed.

[0095] FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of receiving information regarding the confirmed cargo volume for shipper A when joint delivery is not established, and displaying the cargo volume status. The screen shown in FIG. 11A is an example displayed on shipper A's terminal device 21-A. The configuration of the screen shown in FIG. 11A is the same as the screen configuration of FIG. 8A, so detailed description will be omitted. FIG. 11A shows an example in which the first reception unit 201 has already received the incoming and outgoing volumes for company B, and is now receiving the incoming and outgoing volumes for company A. In FIG. 11A, the first output control unit 202 causes the terminal device 21-A to display the incoming and outgoing volumes received from shipper B. The incoming and outgoing volumes for shipper B are 0, and the outgoing volumes are 0.

[0096] When determining the cargo volume, the second reception unit 203 receives 0 as the incoming volume and 10 as the outgoing volume through operation by shipper A.

[0097] The determination unit 205 determines that joint delivery is not possible because shipper A has an outgoing shipment volume but shipper B has neither an inbound shipment volume nor an outbound shipment volume.

[0098] If a joint delivery has not been established at the time of determining the cargo volume, the second output control unit 204 presents the determined received and outgoing volumes to each shipper as no cargo volume. In Fig. 11A, the second output control unit 204 causes the terminal device 21-A of shipper A to display 0 as the determined received and outgoing volumes.

[0099] Also, in Figure 11A, the second output control unit 204 displays the fixed transport capacity for shipper A as the total amount of trucks on the terminal device 21-A, and displays the amount of cargo accepted for shipment at the time of the estimated amount of cargo for that day on the loading platform of the image of the truck.

[0100] 11B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying the confirmed volume status for shipper B when joint delivery is not established. The screen shown in FIG. 11B is an example displayed on shipper B's terminal device 21-B. In FIG. 11B, the second output control unit 204 causes shipper B's terminal device 21-B to display 0 as the confirmed received volume and confirmed outgoing volume.

[0101] Also, in Figure 11B, the second output control unit 204 displays the fixed transport capacity for shipper B as the total amount of trucks on the terminal device 21-B, and displays 50, which is the amount of shipment accepted at the time of the estimated amount of cargo for that day, on the loading platform of the image of the truck.

[0102] 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B, an example was described in which shipper A has an available cargo volume, but shipper B does not have an available or available cargo volume. Here, for example, the first reception unit 201 briefly describes an example in which shipper A has an available cargo volume, but shipper B does not have an available or available cargo volume. For example, the first reception unit 201 receives 30 as the available cargo volume from shipper A and 0 as the available and available cargo volumes from shipper B. Because the determination unit 205 received 0 as the available and available cargo volumes for shipper B, it determines that joint delivery has not been established. Then, the first output control unit 202 displays 30 as the recommended incoming volume and 0 as the recommended outgoing volume for shipper A on shipper A's terminal device 21-A. The first output control unit 202 causes the terminal device-B of the shipper B to display 0 as the recommended incoming quantity and 30 as the recommended outgoing quantity for the shipper B.

[0103] For ease of explanation, the acceptable and undeliverable cargo volumes at the forecast for the current day in FIGS. 7A and 7B are shown as examples in which they are unchanged from the acceptable and undeliverable cargo volumes at the forecast for the previous day in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Furthermore, the acceptable and undeliverable cargo volumes at the forecast for the current day in FIGS. 9A and 9B are shown as examples in which they are unchanged from the acceptable and undeliverable cargo volumes at the forecast for the previous day in FIGS. 10A and 10B. After the forecast for the previous day, each shipper may arrange for a separate truck or adjust the delivery date of the parcel. As a result, the acceptable and undeliverable cargo volumes at the forecast for the current day may change from the forecast for the previous day. For example, even if joint delivery of a portion of the parcel volume was agreed upon at the forecast for the previous day, joint delivery may no longer be agreed upon at the forecast for the current day. On the other hand, even if joint delivery of a portion of the parcel volume was not agreed upon at the forecast for the previous day, joint delivery may still be agreed upon at the forecast for the current day. For example, if shipper A's acceptable cargo volume increases from 30 in the previous day's forecast to 50 in the current day's forecast, and shipper B's outgoing cargo volume is 50, all of shipper B's outgoing cargo volume of 50 can be loaded onto shipper A's truck. Therefore, even if there is no outgoing cargo volume from either shipper in the previous day's forecast, joint delivery is not required, and joint delivery support system 20 can accept the acceptable cargo volume and outgoing cargo volume in the current day's forecast and adjust the cargo volume between shippers.

[0104] Furthermore, for example, each screen may be provided with an input field for comments by each shipper. Then, the first reception unit 201 receives the comments input in the comment input field. The first output control unit 202 displays the received comments on the terminal device 21 of each shipper. Then, the second reception unit 203 receives the comments input in the comment input field. The second output control unit 204 displays the received comments on the terminal device 21 of each shipper.

[0105] Also, an example has been described in which the first reception unit 201 receives input of numerical values ​​through an operation by the shipper to receive each cargo volume. For example, the first reception unit 201 may receive input so that each cargo volume can be selected graphically. For example, the first reception unit 201 may receive input so that the volume of cargo can be selected from the cells representing the truck capacity, or the volume of cargo that can be received. For example, similar to the first reception unit 201, the second reception unit 203 may receive input so that the volume of cargo can be selected graphically. The second reception unit 203 may receive input so that the volume of cargo can be selected from the cells representing the truck capacity.

[0106] In the above example, the predetermined number of times, which is the number of times information about cargo volume is received, is two. The predetermined number may be dynamically variable. The number of adjustments between shippers may be specified by the shipper. For example, if the shipper determines that no further adjustments are necessary after checking the cargo volume status of multiple shippers in the first adjustment, the second adjustment between shippers may be skipped. Specifically, for example, the first reception unit 201 may receive, through the shipper's operation, a skip of the process of receiving information about the estimated cargo volume for the second adjustment. For example, the determination unit 205 may determine whether the acceptable cargo volume and the unloadable cargo volume between shippers match. Then, for example, if the acceptable cargo volume and the unloadable cargo volume between shippers match, the first reception unit 201 does not perform the process of receiving information about the next cargo volume. On the other hand, for example, if the acceptable cargo volume and the unloadable cargo volume between shippers do not match, the first reception unit 201 performs the process of receiving information about the next cargo volume.

[0107] In addition, in each drawing, the size of the truck illustration has been described using an example in which it is the same for shipper A and shipper B. For example, the size of the truck illustration may be a size corresponding to the fixed transport allowable capacity, i.e., the capacity of the truck used by the shipper. For example, on each screen, the size of the truck illustration of a shipper with a large fixed transport allowable capacity may be displayed larger than the size of the truck illustration of a shipper with a large fixed transport allowable capacity. Furthermore, truck illustrations may be used that correspond to the function or type of truck used by the shipper.

[0108] In addition, an example has been described in which the shipping volume, the acceptable volume, and the unloadable volume are displayed on each screen, with the fixed transport capacity as the total volume. Here, the shipping volume and the acceptable volume may be expressed as a percentage of the fixed transport capacity. For example, if the fixed transport capacity is 150 and the shipping volume is 120, the shipping volume may be expressed as 80%.

[0109] 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the joint delivery support system 20 according to embodiment 2. Here, an example is described in which the first reception unit 201 receives information related to the cargo volume when the cargo volume is estimated for the previous day and when the cargo volume is estimated for the current day.

[0110] First, the first reception unit 201 receives a fixed transport capacity for each shipper (step S201). Next, the first reception unit 201 receives the amount of cargo that can be received and the amount of cargo that can be sent for each shipper at the time of the previous day's forecast (step S202). The determination unit 205 determines whether joint delivery has been established (step S203).

[0111] If a joint delivery has been established (step S203: Yes), the first output control unit 202 presents the recommended incoming and outgoing quantities at the time of establishment (step S204). In step S204, if a joint delivery has been established, the first output control unit 202 presents the cargo quantity that can be jointly delivered to a shipper who has an acceptable cargo quantity as the recommended incoming cargo quantity, and presents the cargo quantity that can be jointly delivered to a shipper who has an available outgoing cargo quantity as the recommended outgoing cargo quantity.

[0112] If a joint delivery has not been established (step S203: No), the first output control unit 202 presents the recommended incoming and outgoing quantities for the case where the joint delivery has not been established (step S205). In step S205, when a joint delivery has not been established, the first output control unit 202 presents the accepted outgoing quantity to a shipper with an outgoing quantity as a recommended outgoing quantity, and presents the outgoing quantity received from a shipper with an outgoing quantity as a recommended incoming quantity to a shipper without an outgoing or acceptable quantity. Alternatively, when a joint delivery has not been established, the first output control unit 202 presents the accepted acceptable quantity to a shipper with an acceptable quantity as a recommended incoming quantity, and presents the acceptable quantity received from a shipper with an acceptable quantity as a recommended outgoing quantity to a shipper without an outgoing or acceptable quantity.

[0113] After step S204 or step S205, the first receiving unit 201 receives the expected incoming and outgoing cargo amounts for the day (step S206). The determining unit 205 determines whether joint delivery has been established (step S207).

[0114] If the joint delivery is established (step S207: Yes), the first output control unit 202 presents the recommended incoming and outgoing quantities at the time of establishment (step S208). In step S208, the first output control unit 202 presents the recommended outgoing and incoming quantities in the same manner as in step S204.

[0115] If the joint delivery is not established (step S207: No), the first output control unit 202 presents the recommended incoming and outgoing quantities in the case where the joint delivery is not established (step S209). In step S209, the first output control unit 202 presents the recommended outgoing and incoming quantities in the same manner as in step S205.

[0116] After step S208 or step S209, the second receiving unit 203 receives the incoming and outgoing quantities when the cargo volume for the day is determined (step S210). The determining unit 205 determines whether joint delivery has been established (step S211).

[0117] If the joint delivery is established (step S211: Yes), the first output control unit 202 presents the confirmed received and outgoing quantities at the time of establishment (step S212), and the joint delivery support system 20 terminates the processing.

[0118] If joint delivery has not been established (step S211: No), the first output control unit 202 presents no cargo volume as each confirmed incoming volume and confirmed outgoing volume (step S213), and the joint delivery support system 20 terminates processing.

[0119] As described above, in the second embodiment, when a joint delivery has not been concluded at the time of estimating cargo volume, the joint delivery support system 20 presents the received outgoing volume to a shipper with an outgoing volume as a recommended outgoing volume, and presents the outgoing volume received from a shipper with an outgoing volume as a recommended receiving volume to a shipper with no outgoing or receiving volume. Alternatively, when a joint delivery has not been concluded at the time of estimating cargo volume, the joint delivery support system 20 presents the received receiving volume to a shipper with a receiving volume as a recommended receiving volume, and presents the receiving volume received from a shipper with a receiving volume as a recommended outgoing volume to a shipper with no outgoing or receiving volume. In this way, the joint delivery support system 20 can promote the use of joint delivery by recommending a cargo volume that will allow joint delivery even when joint delivery has not been concluded at the time of estimating cargo volume.

[0120] Furthermore, when the quantity of cargo is confirmed, if the joint delivery has not been established, the joint delivery support system 20 presents the shipper with "no quantity of cargo" as the confirmed inbound and outbound quantities. In this way, when the quantity of cargo is confirmed, the joint delivery support system 20 presents a notice to the shipper if the joint delivery has not been established. The shipper can confirm that the joint delivery has not been established and can make arrangements for other delivery means more quickly.

[0121] Furthermore, when the joint delivery support system 20 estimates the cargo volume, it performs a process of accepting information on the cargo volume for joint delivery for each shipper a predetermined number of times, and each time it performs the accepting process, it presents the status of the cargo volume for joint delivery for each shipper. This makes it easier to adjust the cargo volume between shippers. Furthermore, if the number of adjustments is too many, it will be a hassle for the shipper. Therefore, for example, the predetermined number of times may be two. This allows the cargo volume to be adjusted between shippers and saves the shipper the trouble.

[0122] Furthermore, depending on the cargo volume situation of each shipper, there may be cases where it is not necessary to adjust the cargo volume multiple times, or where it is better to adjust the cargo volume multiple times. Therefore, the predetermined number of times may be determined based on the outgoing and incoming volumes accepted by each shipper when the cargo volume is estimated. This allows the shipper to adjust the cargo volume according to the cargo volume situation.

[0123] This concludes the description of each embodiment. Each embodiment may be modified or used in appropriate combination.

[0124] In addition, in each embodiment, the joint delivery support systems 10 and 20 may be configured to include some of the functional units and information.

[0125] Furthermore, each embodiment is not limited to the examples described above and can be modified in various ways. Furthermore, the configuration of the joint delivery support systems 10 and 20 in the embodiments is not particularly limited. For example, the joint delivery support systems 10 and 20 may be realized by a single device, such as a single server. When each functional unit of the joint delivery support systems 10 and 20 is realized by a single device, the single device may be called, for example, a joint delivery support device, an information processing device, or the like, and is not particularly limited.

[0126] Alternatively, the joint delivery support systems 10 and 20 in each embodiment may be realized by different devices for different functions or data. For example, each functional unit may be configured by multiple servers, and the joint delivery support system may be realized. For example, the joint delivery support systems 10 and 20 may be realized by a database server including each DB (Database) and a server having each functional unit.

[0127] In each embodiment, each piece of information or each DB may include part of the information described above. Also, each piece of information or each DB may include information other than the information described above. Each piece of information or each DB may be divided into more detailed pieces of information or multiple DBs, or may be a single DB. For example,

[0128] Furthermore, each screen is merely an example and is not particularly limited. Buttons, lists, check boxes, information display fields, input fields, etc. (not shown) may be added to each screen. Furthermore, the background color of the screen may be changed.

[0129] Furthermore, the process of generating information to be displayed on the terminal device may be performed by the first output control unit 202 or the second output control unit 204. Furthermore, this process may be performed by the terminal device.

[0130] (Example of Computer Hardware Configuration) Next, an example of a hardware configuration when each device, such as the joint delivery support systems 10, 20 and terminal devices described in each embodiment, is implemented by a computer will be described. Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a computer hardware configuration. For example, some or all of each device can be implemented using any combination of a computer 80 and a program as shown in Fig. 14.

[0131] The computer 80 includes, for example, a processor 801, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 802, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 803, and a storage device 804. The computer 80 also includes a communication interface 805 and an input / output interface 806. The components are connected to each other, for example, via a bus 807. The number of each component is not particularly limited, and there may be one or more of each component.

[0132] The processor 801 controls the entire computer 80. The processor 801 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a physics processing unit (PPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a quantum processor, or a combination thereof, and is not particularly limited.

[0133] The computer 80 also includes a ROM 802, a RAM 803, and a storage device 804. Examples of the storage device 804 include a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid state drive (SSD). For example, the storage device 804 stores an operating system (OS) program, application programs, and programs according to the embodiments. Alternatively, the ROM 802 stores application programs and programs according to the embodiments. The RAM 803 is used as a work area for the processor 801.

[0134] The processor 801 also loads programs stored in the storage device 804, ROM 802, etc. The processor 801 then executes each process coded in the program. The processor 801 may also download various programs via the communication network NT. The processor 801 also functions as a part or all of the computer 80. The processor 801 may then execute the processes or instructions in the illustrated flowchart based on the program.

[0135] The communication interface 805 is connected to a communication network NT such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) via a wireless or wired communication line. The communication network NT may be composed of multiple communication networks NT. As a result, the computer 80 is connected to external devices and external computers 80 via the communication networks NT. The communication interface 805 serves as an interface between the communication network NT and the inside of the computer 80. The communication interface 805 also controls the input and output of data from external devices and external computers 80.

[0136] Furthermore, the input / output interface 806 is connected to at least one of an input device, an output device, and an input / output device. The connection method may be wireless or wired. Examples of the input device include a keyboard, a mouse, and a microphone. Examples of the output device include a display device, a lighting device, and an audio output device that outputs audio. Examples of the input / output device include a touch panel display. Note that the input device, output device, and input / output device may be built into the computer 80 or may be external.

[0137] The hardware configuration of the computer 80 is an example. The computer 80 may have some of the components shown in FIG. 14 . The computer 80 may have components other than those shown in FIG. 14 . For example, the computer 80 may have a drive device or the like. The processor 801 may then read programs and data stored on a recording medium attached to the drive device or the like into the RAM 803. Examples of non-transitory tangible recording media include optical disks, flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories. As described above, the computer 80 may have input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. The computer 80 may have an output device such as a display. The computer 80 may also have an input device, an output device, and an input / output device.

[0138] The computer 80 may also include various sensors (not shown). The types of sensors are not particularly limited. The computer 80 may also include an imaging device capable of capturing images or videos.

[0139] This concludes the description of the hardware configuration of each device. There are various variations in the method of realizing each device. For example, each device may be realized by any combination of a different computer and program for each component. Furthermore, multiple components of each device may be realized by any combination of a single computer and program.

[0140] Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by circuits for specific applications. Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by general-purpose circuits including a processor such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by a combination of circuits for specific applications and general-purpose circuits. Furthermore, these circuits may be a single integrated circuit. Alternatively, these circuits may be divided into multiple integrated circuits. The multiple integrated circuits may be connected via a bus or the like.

[0141] Furthermore, when some or all of the components of each device are realized by a plurality of computers, circuits, etc., the plurality of computers, circuits, etc. may be centrally located or distributed.

[0142] The joint delivery support method described in each embodiment is realized by execution by the joint delivery support systems 10 and 20. In addition, for example, the joint delivery support method is realized by execution of a prepared program by a computer such as a server or a terminal device.

[0143] The programs described in each embodiment are recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a HDD, SSD, flexible disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or USB memory. The programs are then read from the recording medium and executed by a computer. The programs may also be distributed via a communication network NT.

[0144] The components of the joint delivery support systems 10 and 20 in the embodiments described above may be implemented by dedicated hardware, such as a computer. Alternatively, the components may be implemented by software. Alternatively, the components may be implemented by a combination of hardware and software.

[0145] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to various embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. The configuration and details of each of the present disclosures may include embodiments to which various modifications that would be apparent to those skilled in the art are applied within the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may also include embodiments in which the details described herein are appropriately combined or substituted as necessary. For example, details described using a particular embodiment may also be applied to other embodiments to the extent that no contradiction occurs. For example, although multiple operations are described in sequence in the form of a flowchart, the order of the descriptions does not limit the order in which the multiple operations are performed. Therefore, when implementing each embodiment, the order of the multiple operations may be changed as long as it does not interfere with the content.

[0146] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as follows: However, some or all of the above-described embodiments are not limited to the following.

[0147] (Supplementary Note 1) A joint delivery support system comprising: a first reception means for receiving, for each shipper of a joint delivery, an outgoing shipment volume to be loaded onto another shipper's delivery means in the joint delivery and an incoming shipment volume to be received by the shipper's own delivery means in the joint delivery when the cargo volume for the joint delivery is estimated; a first output control means for, if the joint delivery has been concluded when the cargo volume is estimated, presenting the cargo volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the incoming shipment volume as a recommended incoming shipment volume, and presenting the cargo volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the outgoing shipment volume as a recommended outgoing shipment volume; a second reception means for receiving the outgoing shipment volume and the incoming shipment volume for each shipper when the cargo volume for the joint delivery is confirmed; and a second output control means for, if the joint delivery has been concluded when the cargo volume for the joint delivery is confirmed, presenting the cargo volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the incoming shipment volume as a confirmed incoming shipment volume, and presenting the cargo volume available for joint delivery as a confirmed outgoing shipment volume to the shipper with the outgoing shipment volume. (Supplementary Note 2) The joint delivery support system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein, when the joint delivery has not been established at the time of forecasting the cargo volume, the first output control means presents the received outgoing volume to the shipper who has the outgoing volume as the recommended outgoing volume, and presents the outgoing volume received from the shipper who has the outgoing volume as the recommended receiving volume to the shipper who does not have the outgoing volume or the receiving volume. (Supplementary Note 3) The joint delivery support system according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein, when the joint delivery has not been established at the time of forecasting the cargo volume, the first output control means presents the received receiving volume to the shipper who has the receiving volume as the recommended receiving volume, and presents the receiving volume received from the shipper who has the receiving volume as the recommended outgoing volume to the shipper who does not have the outgoing volume or the receiving volume. (Appendix 4) The joint delivery support system described in any of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the second output control means, if the joint delivery has not been established at the time of confirming the cargo volume, presents the shipper with "no cargo volume" as the confirmed inbound volume and the confirmed outbound volume.(Supplementary Note 5) The joint delivery support system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein the first reception means performs a process of receiving information on the joint delivery cargo volume for each shipper a predetermined number of times when the cargo volume is estimated, and the first output control means presents the status of the joint delivery cargo volume for each shipper each time the reception process is performed. (Supplementary Note 6) The joint delivery support system according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the predetermined number of times is two. (Supplementary Note 7) The joint delivery support system according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the predetermined number of times is determined based on the outgoing cargo volume and the incoming cargo volume received for each shipper when the cargo volume is estimated. (Supplementary Note 8) A joint delivery support method, wherein, when estimating the cargo volume for a joint delivery, the outgoing cargo volume to be loaded onto the delivery means of another shipper in the joint delivery and the incoming cargo volume to be received by one's own delivery means in the joint delivery are accepted for each shipper of the joint delivery; if the joint delivery has been concluded when the cargo volume is estimated, the cargo volume available for the joint delivery is presented to the shipper with the incoming cargo volume as a recommended incoming cargo volume, and the cargo volume available for the joint delivery is presented to the shipper with the outgoing cargo volume as a recommended outgoing cargo volume; when determining the cargo volume for the joint delivery, the outgoing cargo volume and the incoming cargo volume are accepted for each shipper; if the joint delivery has been concluded when the cargo volume for the joint delivery is determined, the cargo volume available for the joint delivery is presented to the shipper with the incoming cargo volume as a confirmed incoming cargo volume, and the cargo volume available for the joint delivery is presented to the shipper with the outgoing cargo volume as a confirmed outgoing cargo volume.(Supplementary Note 9) A computer-readable non-transitory recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute the following processes: when estimating cargo volume for a joint delivery, accept, for each shipper of the joint delivery, the outgoing cargo volume to be loaded onto other shippers' delivery means in the joint delivery and the incoming cargo volume to be received by its own delivery means in the joint delivery; if the joint delivery has been concluded when the cargo volume is estimated, present the cargo volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the incoming cargo volume as a recommended incoming cargo volume, and present the cargo volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the outgoing cargo volume as a recommended outgoing cargo volume; when confirming the cargo volume for the joint delivery, accept the outgoing cargo volume and the incoming cargo volume for each shipper; and when confirming the cargo volume for the joint delivery, if the joint delivery has been concluded, present the cargo volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the incoming cargo volume as a confirmed incoming cargo volume, and present the cargo volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the outgoing cargo volume as a confirmed outgoing cargo volume. (Supplementary Note 10) A program that causes a computer to execute the following processes: when estimating cargo volume for a joint delivery, accept, for each shipper of the joint delivery, the outgoing cargo volume to be loaded onto other shippers' delivery means in the joint delivery and the incoming cargo volume to be received by the shipper's own delivery means in the joint delivery; if the joint delivery has been concluded when the cargo volume is estimated, present the cargo volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the incoming cargo volume as a recommended incoming cargo volume, and present the cargo volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the outgoing cargo volume as a recommended outgoing cargo volume; when confirming the cargo volume for the joint delivery, accepts the outgoing cargo volume and the incoming cargo volume for each shipper; when confirming the cargo volume for the joint delivery, if the joint delivery has been concluded, present the cargo volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the incoming cargo volume as a confirmed incoming cargo volume, and present the cargo volume available for joint delivery to the shipper with the outgoing cargo volume as a confirmed outgoing cargo volume.

[0148] 10, 20 Joint delivery support system 21, 21-A, 21-B Terminal device 80 Computer 101, 201 First reception unit 102, 202 First output control unit 103, 203 Second reception unit 104, 204 Second output control unit 205 Determination unit 801 Processor 802 ROM 803 RAM 804 Storage device 805 Communication interface 806 Input / output interface 807 Bus A, B Shipper NT Communication network

Claims

1. a first receiving means for receiving, for each shipper of the joint delivery, an outgoing shipment volume to be loaded onto the delivery means of another shipper in the joint delivery and an incoming shipment volume to be received by the shipper's own delivery means in the joint delivery when the cargo volume of the joint delivery is estimated; a first output control means for, when the joint delivery is concluded at the time of the estimated cargo volume, presenting the cargo volume available for joint delivery to the shipper who has the incoming volume as a recommended incoming volume, and presenting the cargo volume available for joint delivery to the shipper who has the outgoing volume as a recommended outgoing volume; a second receiving means for receiving the outgoing shipment volume and the incoming shipment volume for each of the shippers when the cargo volume for the joint delivery is determined; a second output control means for presenting the cargo volume available for joint delivery to a shipper who has the incoming volume as a confirmed incoming volume, and presenting the cargo volume available for joint delivery to a shipper who has the outgoing volume as a confirmed outgoing volume, when the cargo volume for the joint delivery is confirmed and the joint delivery is concluded; A joint delivery support system equipped with:

2. When the joint delivery has not been established at the time of the cargo volume forecast, the first output control means presents the received outgoing volume to the shipper who has the outgoing volume as the recommended outgoing volume, and presents the outgoing volume received from the shipper who has the outgoing volume as the recommended incoming volume to the shipper who does not have the outgoing volume or the incoming volume. The joint delivery support system according to claim 1.

3. When the joint delivery has not been established at the time of the cargo volume forecast, the first output control means presents the received incoming volume to the shipper who has the incoming volume as the recommended incoming volume, and presents the received incoming volume received from the shipper who has the incoming volume as the recommended outgoing volume to the shipper who does not have the outgoing volume or the incoming volume. The joint delivery support system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the joint delivery is not established at the time of determining the cargo quantity, the second output control means presents the shipper with "no cargo quantity" as the determined inbound quantity and the determined outbound quantity. The joint delivery support system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The first receiving means performs a process of receiving information regarding the cargo volume of the joint delivery for each of the shippers a predetermined number of times when the cargo volume is estimated, The first output control means presents the status of the cargo volume of the joint delivery for each of the shippers each time the receiving process is performed. The joint delivery support system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The predetermined number of times is two. The joint delivery support system according to claim 5.

7. The predetermined number of times is determined based on the outgoing shipment volume and the incoming shipment volume received by each shipper at the time of the cargo volume forecast. The joint delivery support system according to claim 5.

8. When the cargo volume of the joint delivery is estimated, the outgoing cargo volume to be loaded onto the delivery means of the other shippers in the joint delivery and the incoming cargo volume to be received by the company's delivery means in the joint delivery are received for each shipper of the joint delivery, When the cargo volume is estimated, if the joint delivery is established, the cargo volume that can be jointly delivered is presented to the shipper who has the incoming volume as a recommended incoming volume, and the cargo volume that can be jointly delivered is presented to the shipper who has the outgoing volume as a recommended outgoing volume; When determining the cargo volume of the joint delivery, the outgoing shipment volume and the incoming shipment volume are received for each of the shippers; When the cargo volume for the joint delivery is determined, if the joint delivery is established, the cargo volume available for the joint delivery is presented to the shipper who has the received volume as the determined received volume, and the cargo volume available for the joint delivery is presented to the shipper who has the outgoing volume as the determined outgoing volume. Joint delivery support method.

9. On the computer, When the cargo volume of the joint delivery is estimated, the outgoing cargo volume to be loaded onto the delivery means of the other shippers in the joint delivery and the incoming cargo volume to be received by the company's delivery means in the joint delivery are received for each shipper of the joint delivery, When the cargo volume is estimated, if the joint delivery is established, the cargo volume that can be jointly delivered is presented to the shipper who has the incoming volume as a recommended incoming volume, and the cargo volume that can be jointly delivered is presented to the shipper who has the outgoing volume as a recommended outgoing volume; When determining the cargo volume of the joint delivery, the outgoing shipment volume and the incoming shipment volume are received for each of the shippers; When the cargo volume for the joint delivery is confirmed, if the joint delivery is established, the cargo volume available for the joint delivery is presented to the shipper who has the incoming volume as the confirmed incoming volume, and the cargo volume available for the joint delivery is presented to the shipper who has the outgoing volume as the confirmed outgoing volume. A program that executes a process.