Logistics interface system and method

Abstract

A system may include shipment-data of a cargo captured by the server from the input, the shipment-data used by the server to organize transportation, tracking, and delivery of the cargo based upon an intermodal module that compares transportation routes using watercraft, trains, road vehicles, and aircraft in view of at least one of seasonal variations, user preferences, labor issues along the route, and weather so the user can see a list of the transportation routes listed in order of optimization at the output. The system may further include a tracking module in communication with the server that monitors a user selected transportation route. The system may additionally include an invoice module in communication with the server that evidences delivery of the cargo and generates an invoice based upon the shipment-data and data generated by the cargo' s transportation, tracking, and delivery.

Description

LOGISTICS INTERFACE SYSTEM AND METHODBACKGROUND

[0001] The embodiments relate to the field of logistics .

[0002] Generally, logistics is the management of the movement of goods between parties in a supply-chain . Such parties may include manufacturers , retailers , distributors , warehousers , suppliers , transporters , consumers , operators , and purchasers . SUMMARY

[0003] According to an embodiment , a logistics system may include an input , an output , and a server connected to the input and the output . The system may also include shipment-data of a cargo captured by the server from the input, the shipment-data used by the server to organize transportation, tracking, and delivery of the cargo based upon an intermodal module that compares transportation routes using watercraft , trains , road vehicles , and aircraft in view of at least one of seasonal variations , user preferences , labor is sues along the route , and weather so the user can see a list of the transportation routes listed in order of optimization at the output . The system may further include a tracking module in communication with the server that monitors a user selected transportation route . The system may additionally include an invoice module in communication with the server that evidences delivery of the cargo and generates an invoice based uponthe shipment-data and data generated by the cargo' s transportation, tracking, and delivery . The system may also include an output in communication with the server to generate the invoice for the user .

[0004] The system may further include an interface in communication with the input that segregates user access to the system to at least one of a client , a logistics company, a transporter, and a consumer based upon permis sions . The system may additionally include a profile for each of the client, the logistics company, the transporter, and the consumer that defines what each user provides to the system and what each user can request from the system .

[0005] The system may also include the transportation routes optimized based upon what each user provides to the system and what each user requests from the system . In one embodiment, the logistics company may combine cargo of at least one of clients and consumers using a single container carried by a transporter . In another embodiment , the logistics company may select drivers , road vehicles , containers , and trailers used by the transporter .

[0006] The system may further include a restrictions module that monitors parameters of the cargo and guides at least one of the client , the logistics company, the transporter, and the consumer in the compliance requirements of the cargo . In one embodiment, theparameters may include at least one of weight restrictions , hazard materials permits , route limitations , time sensitivity of the cargo , cargo orientation, size restrictions , and temperature thresholds .

[0007] In one embodiment, the optimization may be updatable during the cargo ' s transit . In another embodiment, the interface may include sliders that enable the parameters to be entered . In another embodiment, the tracking module compares various transportation routes during the cargo' s transit to suggest alternative transportation routes to the user in view of at least two of traffic, weather, civil disturbance , strike , war, accidents , route closures , dangerous conditions , and mechanical failures along the user selected transportation route .

[0008] The system may additionally include an analytics module that provides a price quote for transportation of the cargo using current pricing and historical data within user selected thresholds . The system may also include an odd-cargo module that provides analyzation of at least one of the cargo ' s transportation constraints and route constraints that the cargo has .

[0009] In one embodiment, the odd-cargo module analyzation of the at least one of the cargo' s transportation constraints and route constraints considers hazardous materials . In another embodiment , the odd-cargomodule addres ses cargo with at least one of temperature restrictions , liquid tankers , food-grade , and sanitary restrictions that impacts at least one of the cargo' s transportation, tracking, and delivery of the cargo .

[0010] The system may further include a specification module that integrates the server with existing logistics platforms so data can be exchanges between the server and the existing logistics platforms . The system may additionally include a transloading module that enables the cargo to be sorted and put on different transportation methods for different final delivery destinations . In one embodiment, the transloading module is based upon destinations , availability of labor, and limitations of transportation vehicles .BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF the DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG . 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system in accordance with the embodiments .

[0012] FIG . 2 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to various embodiments .

[0013] FIG . 3 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG . 2 .

[0014] FIG . 4 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG . 2 .

[0015] FIG . 5 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG . 2 .

[0016] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 2.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 2.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 2.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 2.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 2.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 2.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an alternative system in accordance with the embodiments of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an alternative system in accordance with the embodiments of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 2.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of advantages of the system in accordance with the embodiments of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0027] With reference now to Fig . 1 , a logistics control system 10 is initially described . In one embodiment, the system 10 includes a server 12 , e . g . a computer processing device such as a computer program, computer, tablet computer, smart phone, bar code scanner, radio frequency scanner, and / or the like . The system 10 also includes an input 13 , an output 15, connected to the server 12 . In one embodiment, shipment-data 14 of a cargo 16 is captured by the server 12 .

[0028] According to an embodiment, the system may also include a user 32 and shipment-data 14 of a cargo 16 captured by the server 12 from the input 13 , the shipmentdata used by the server to organize transportation, tracking, and delivery of the cargo based upon an intermodal module 17 that compares transportation routes using watercraft, trains , road vehicles , and aircraft in view of at least one of seasonal variations , user preferences , labor issues along the route, and weather so the user can see a list of the transportation routes listed in order of optimization at the output . The user 32 is the logistics company, consumer, supplier, transporter, retailer, distributor, client, and / or manufacturer . The system 10 further includes a tracking module 42 in communication with the server 12 that monitors a user 32 selected transportation route . The system 10 additionally includes an invoice module 62 in communication with theserver that evidences delivery of the cargo 16 and generates an invoice 18 based upon the shipment-data 14 and data generated by the cargo' s transportation, tracking, and delivery . The system 10 also includes an output 15 in communication with the server 12 to generate the invoice 18 for the user 32 .

[0029] In one embodiment, the system 10 further includes an interface 24 in communication with the input 13 that segregates user 32 acces s to the system to at least one of a client , a logistics company, a transporter, and a consumer based upon permis sions . In another embodiment , the system 10 additionally includes a profile 36 for each of the client, the logistics company, the transporter, and the consumer that defines what each user 32 provides to the system and what each user can request from the system .

[0030] In one embodiment, the system 10 also includes the transportation routes optimized based upon what each user 32 provides to the system and what each user requests from the system . For example, the logistics company can combine cargo 16 of at least one of clients and consumers using a single container carried by a transporter . In another example , the logistics company can select drivers , road vehicles , containers , and trailers used by the transporter .

[0031] In one embodiment, the system 10 further includes a restrictions module 60 that monitors parameters of thecargo 16 and guides at least one of the client , the logistics company, the transporter, and the consumer in the compliance requirements of the cargo . For instance, the parameters can include at least one of weight restrictions , hazard materials permits , route limitations , time sensitivity of the cargo , cargo orientation, size restrictions , and temperature thresholds .

[0032] In one embodiment, the system 10 can optimize and be updatable during the cargo ' s 16 transit . In another embodiment, the interface 24 includes sliders that enable the parameters to be entered . In another embodiment, the tracking module 42 compares various transportation routes during the cargo' s 16 transit to suggest alternative transportation routes to the user 32 in view of at least two of traffic , weather, civil disturbance , strike, war, accidents , route closures , dangerous conditions , and mechanical failures along the user selected transportation route .

[0033] In one embodiment, the system 10 additionally includes an analytics module 48 that provides a price quote for transportation of the cargo 16 using current pricing and historical data within user 32 selected thresholds . In another embodiment , the system 10 includes an odd-cargo module 54 that provides analyzation of at least one of the cargo' s transportation constraints and route constraints that the cargo 16 has .

[0034] For example , the odd-cargo module 54 analyzation of the at least one of the cargo' s 16 transportation constraints and route constraints considers hazardous materials . In another example , the odd-cargo module 54 addres ses cargo 16 with at least one of temperature restrictions , liquid tankers , food-grade , and sanitary restrictions that impacts at least one of the cargo' s transportation, tracking, and delivery of the cargo . In another example , topographical information such as road gradient and oversized load requirements are considered when selecting the transportation route .

[0035] In one embodiment, the system further includes a specification module 50 that integrates the server 12 with existing logistics platforms 52 so data can be exchanges between the server and the existing logistics platforms . In another embodiment , the system 10 additionally includes a transloading module 40 that enables the cargo 16 to be sorted and put on different transportation methods for different final delivery destinations . For instance, the transloading module 40 is based upon destinations , availability of labor, and limitations of transportation vehicles . For example , there can limitation on the capacity and number of axels on the trucks , size of the container, and / or the like .

[0036] In one embodiment, the system 10 communicates over a communications network 25 , which enables a signal totravel anywhere within system 10 and / or to any other component / system connected to system 10 . The communications network 25 is wired and / or wireless , for example . The communications network 25 is local and / or global with respect to system 10 , for instance .

[0037] In one embodiment, the system 10 will have a website that will house all the key information . Users 32 will be able to view the shipment and delivery status by keying reference codes such as origin city, shipment reference number, supplier name, consumer name, etc .

[0038] In another embodiment, system 10 will send in alerts to the administrators and operators of the asset if the shipment is not checked in within a predetermined travel duration (or) within a certain time after reaching the destination point .

[0039] The system 10 uses the following list of cost parameters (variables ) for transporting the freight by train . Trains run between rail terminals located in maj or cities . There are several different rail companies in the USA that often operate on the same routes . Their offers differ in price and quality of services (one of the most important determinants here is the guaranteed time for transporting trailers between railway terminals ) . The price on a given route is usually fixed as the base price plus fuel surcharge .

[0040] The above rail transport price charged by the rail operator from the shipping point (shipper) to the destination (receiver) is supplemented by additional costs :1 . the cost of bringing the goods from the customer sending the cargo (shipper) to the terminal of the transportation company where the cargo is consolidated with other orders ,2 . the cost of delivering the trailer loaded at the terminal of the transportation company to the railway terminal , from where it is sent to the final railway terminal , 3. the cost of transporting the trailer from the destination railway terminal to the destination terminal of the transportation company where the loads are separated and prepared for delivery to the customer, 4 . the cost of delivering the cargo from the destination terminal of the transportation company to the customer (receiver) .

[0041] These costs are most dependent on the distance between individual points 1 to 4 and are variable depending on market conditions (general changes in transport prices at a given moment) . We can assume constant values in mile ranges (plus fuel surcharge) , eg : 0 to 100 miles - $300 ;100 to 200 miles : $450 ; 200 to 300 miles : $ 600 ; 300 to 400 miles : $750

[0042] In the event that the cargo shipped from the customer ( shipper) is not planned to be consolidated with other orders at the terminal of the transportation company, we can omit points 1 and 2 and replace them with the costof transporting the trailer from the customer sending the cargo ( shipper) to the railway terminal from where it is sent to the destination railway terminal . Similarly, if the cargo shipped from the customer ( shipper) has not been consolidated with other orders , points 3 and 4 can be omitted and replaced with the cost of transporting the trailer from the destination rail terminal to the final customer (receiver) .

[0043] In one embodiment, the cost matrix for trains would contain the values from the above points 1 to 4 plus the price paid to the railway line operator . There is a time factor to consider . Generally, the sooner the goods are delivered from the shipper to the receiver, the better .

[0044] In one embodiment, the system 10 includes a warehouse module 46 . The warehouse module 46 can see the current Orders tab and we will need to add a Trips tab where the Dispatcher / Route Manager approved trips will be located . To Orders->Origin, we will have to add fields that specify who and with what equipment (usually a local driver) picked up the load from the shipping company (Origin Customer) and brought it to the warehouse :Local Driver Name, Local Driver Truck Number, Local Driver Trailer Number . These fields are edited by the dispatcher . This information will be needed by the warehouse to locate individual orders before they reach the warehouse . Since we are entering the stage of adding information using photosor scans, we should add a few places where these new documents will be added: a. Rate Confirmation, i.e. a contract with information about the contracted order in the form of a scan or photo at the bottom in the Billing category b. Bill of Loading, i.e. a bill of lading that the driver receives and signs at the time of receiving the load from the shipping company (Origin) in the form of a scan or photo at the bottom in the Origin category, c. Photo (s) of the load picked up by the driver from the shipping company (Origin) at the bottom in the Origin category as "Pictures of picked up freight" d. Photo / photos of the cargo received at the company’s warehouse after being delivered by a local driver in the Specification category as "Pictures of freight accepted at the terminal", e. Photo (s) of each load (order) at the time of loading onto the trailer destined for the trip, listed below in the Destination category as "Pictures of freight sent from the terminal", f. Photo (s) of each load (order) at the time of delivery to the customer at the bottom in the destination category as "Pictures of freight delivered to the receiver", g. Photo of the bill of lading signed by the company receiving the goods (Destination) after delivery at the bottom in the Destination category as "Picture of Proof of Delivery" 4. In the Orders category, the warehouse changes the status in Additional Inf ormation->Status to "In Warehouse" after unloading the load brought by the localdriver . 5 . The system must record the time (date and time ) when the cargo is unloaded (i . e . when the status changes to " In Warehouse" ) . The warehouse takes pictures of the unloaded cargo (point 3 . a) 6 . To Orders->Specif ication, add fields "Actual Number of Pallet Spots" , "Actual Total Weight" which will contain verified parameters of orders after unloading them into the warehouse . This new information ( Specification) will have to be taken into account in the optimization proces s . The optimization option for orders not unloaded to the warehouse must still be active (then the order status is "booked" or "Picked up" ) and the information from the Specif ication->Total Length and Total Weight items is used for calculations , while for orders unloaded to the warehouse and marked Status->In Warehouse will take information from Specif ication->Actual Number of Pallet Spots and Actual Total Weight . 7 . After approval of the optimized route by the dispatcher for a given day, it will be shown in the "Trips" tab in the main menu below Orders and above Optimizations . This new category is needed to include generated and approved routes and loaded trailers for further checks and updates of routes . 8 . Automatically, the status of orders from each approved route after optimization will change to "Consolidated" and these orders will be automatically transferred from Orders->New to ORDERS->Archived 9 . There is also a very important sidenote to add the option of manually arranging the route by the dispatcher from individual orders without activating the "Optimize" option . The dispatcher should have the "Create New Trip Manually" function in the new Trips tab, after selecting which the next route number is generated (trip number) and the dispatcher manually places selected orders in this route and determines their order (maybe on a drag and drop basis ) . 10 . In the Trips tab, the warehouse manager will see the routes approved by the dispatcher in the current form after optimization (orders arranged in order for unloading) . It will be able to sort them by the date the routes were optimized or manually created . Each order will have to contain all its fields as in the Orders view . After clicking on the trip number of the selected route for loading, a new window will open (example in the attached sketch "Magazine" ) 11 . The warehouse manager will select the trailer type first and then the trailer number from the list of trailers available for loading at the respective hub . Here we will need to add a Mechanic Shop Module which will validate the technical condition of the trailer to be loaded and sent on the road . A list with a point-by-point inspection of the trailer will be attached. If the trailer is not approved, it cannot be used . 12 . After selecting the trailer, the warehouse manager must physically inspect the internal condition of the trailer after returning it to the loading door and before loading,check the "Approved" box on the left and put his initials next to it in the box on the right next to "Trailer inspected and approved for use" . Below is space for a picture ( s ) of an empty trailer ready to be loaded . Below will be a list of orders that will be loaded into the trailer with all the fields as in the Orders view . Here, we should add additional columns for each order (attachment "Magazyn" ) : a) a field for a photo taken by the warehouse after each order has been loaded onto the trailer; b) number of straps used to secure the order; c) number of load bard or load locks used to secure each order; d) loader ’ s initials ; e) order loaded (check box to mark that the order has been loaded) . These new columns can be placed on the right side of the screen, although the left side could be clearer . It would be best if there was an option to move the columns as it is now in the Orders category . 13 . It is important that the trailer loading sequence presented for the warehouse is opposite to the unloading sequence determined in the optimization process . For example, if the system determined first delivery 1 in Dallas , TX; delivery 2 in San Antonio, TX; And last delivery 3 in Laredo, TX then the trailer must be loaded first with the Laredo, TX freight (as it will be unloaded last) , then to San Antonio, and last to Dallas (as it will be delivered as delivery number 1 and should be closest to the trailer door) . 14 . After loading and unchecking allorders , the responsible person at the warehouse checks the "Paperwork in trailer" box (if the freight bills have been placed in the trailer) , checks the "Seal required" box if the trailer should be sealed after loading and enters the seal number in the field after " If yes , please enter seal number, and check the "Loading completed and approved by" box, put his initials to the right and press Save . This moment is registered and stored in the system as the end time of loading the trailer . At this point, the statuses of all loaded orders change to "on trailer" . 15. A loaded trailer with an assigned trailer number is moved to the Trips category in the main menu below Orders and above Optimizations . This new category is needed to place generated and loaded trailers in it for further control and updating of routes (including assigning drivers and trucks to loaded trailers ) 16. The dispatcher selects a specific trip number with the loaded trailer and assigns the driver and truck number to it . It then sends the information to the driver and waits for an acknowledgment of receipt of the information . After this moment, all orders on a given load (trip) change their status automatically to "Dispatched" . This point, along with the description of the Trips category and the driver module, will be described in the next step .

[0045] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art , aspects may be embodied as a system, method, and / or computer program product . Accordingly, embodiments may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment , an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software , micro-code, etc . ) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit , " "module" or " system . " Furthermore, embodiments may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium ( s ) having computer readable program code embodied thereon .

[0046] Any combination of one or more computer readable medium ( s ) may be utilized . The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium . A computer readable storage medium may be , for example, but not limited to , an electronic , magnetic, optical , electromagnetic , infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus , or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing . More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list ) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following : an electrical connection having one or more wires , a portable computer diskette , a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM) , a read-only memory (ROM) , an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory) , an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) , an optical storage device , a magnetic storagedevice , or any suitable combination of the foregoing . In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus , or device .

[0047] A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example , in baseband or as part of a carrier wave . Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms , including, but not limited to , electromagnetic , optical , or any suitable combination thereof . A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate , propagate , or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus , or device .

[0048] Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireles s , wireline , optical fiber cable, RF, etc . , or any suitable combination of the foregoing .

[0049] Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the embodiments may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages , including an obj ect oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional proceduralprogramming languages , such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages . The program code may execute entirely on the user ’ s computer, partly on the user ’ s computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user ’ s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server . In the latter scenario , the remote computer may be connected to the user ’ s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) , or the connection may be made to an external computer ( for example , through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider) .

[0050] Aspects of the embodiments are described above with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods , apparatus ( systems ) and computer program products according to the embodiments . It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams , and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams , can be implemented by computer program instructions . These computer program instructions may be provided to a proces sor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data proces sing apparatus to produce a machine , such that the instructions , which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data proces sing apparatus , create means forimplementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks .

[0051] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data proces sing apparatus , or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks .

[0052] The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data proces sing apparatus , or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide proces ses for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks .

[0053] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of pos sible implementations of systems , methods and computer program products according to various embodiments . In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module , segment , or portion ofcode , which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function ( s ) . It should also be noted that , in some alternative implementations , the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures . For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved . It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts , or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions .

[0054] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting . As used herein, the singular forms "a" , "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well , unless the context clearly indicates otherwise . It will be further understood that the terms " comprises" and / or " comprising, " when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features , integers , steps , operations , elements , and / or components , but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more otherfeatures , integers , steps , operations , elements , components , and / or groups thereof .

[0055] The corresponding structures , materials , acts , and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure , material , or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed . The description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed . Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments . The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated .

[0056] While the preferred embodiment has been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art , both now and in the future , may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow . These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the embodiments first described .

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is :1 . A logistics system comprising : an input; an output; a server connected to the input and the output; haulage-data of a cargo captured by the server from the input, the haulage-data used by the server to organize transportation, tracking, and delivery of the cargo based upon an intermodal module that compares transportation routes using watercraft, trains , road vehicles , and aircraft in view of at least one of seasonal variations , user preferences , labor issues along the route, and weather so the user can see a list of the transportation routes listed in order of optimization at the output; a tracking module in communication with the server that monitors a user selected transportation route; an invoice module in communication with the server that evidences delivery of the cargo and generates an invoice based upon the haulage-data and data generated by the cargo' s transportation, tracking, and delivery; and an output in communication with the server to generate the invoice for the user .2 . The system of claim 1 further comprising an interface in communication with the input that segregatesuser access to the system to at least one of a client, a logistics company, a shipper, and a customer based upon permissions .

3. The system of claim 2 further comprising a profile for each of the client, the logistics company, the shipper, and the customer that defines what each user provides to the system and what each user requests from the system.4 . The system of claim 3 further comprising the transportation routes optimized based upon what each user provides to the system and what each user requests from the system.

5. The system of claim 3 wherein the logistics company combines cargo of at least one of clients and customers using a single container carried by a shipper .

6. The system of claim 3 wherein the logistics company selects drivers , road vehicles , containers , and trailers used by the shipper .7 . The system of claim 3 further comprising a restrictions module that monitors parameters of the cargo and guides at least one of the client, the logistics company, the shipper, and the customer in the compliance requirements of the cargo .8 . The system of claim 7 wherein the parameters include at least one of weight restrictions , hazard materials permits , route limitations , time sensitivity of the cargo , cargo orientation, size restrictions , and temperature thresholds .9 . The system of claim 4 wherein the optimization is updatable during the cargo' s transit .10 . The system of 7 wherein the interface includes sliders that enable the parameters to be entered .11 . The system of claim 1 wherein the tracking module compares various transportation routes during the cargo' s transit to suggest alternative transportation routes to the user in view of at least two of traffic , weather, civil disturbance , strike, war, accidents , route closures , dangerous conditions , and mechanical failures along the user selected transportation route .12 . The system of claim 1 further comprising an analytics module that provides a price quote for transportation of the cargo using current pricing and historical data within user selected thresholds .13 . The system of claim 1 further comprising an odd-cargo module that provides analyzation of at least one of the cargo' s transportation constraints and route constraints that the cargo does not have .14 . The system of claim 3 wherein the oddcargo module analyzation of the at least one of the cargo ' stransportation constraints and route constraints considers hazardous materials .

15. The system of claim 3 wherein the oddcargo module addresses cargo with at least one of temperature restrictions , liquid tankers , food-grade, and sanitary restrictions that impacts at least one of the cargo' s transportation, tracking, and delivery of the cargo .

16. The system of claim 1 further comprising a specification module that integrates the server with existing logistics platforms so data can be exchanges between the server and the existing logistics platforms .17 . The system of claim 1 further comprising a transloading module that enables the cargo to be sorted and put on different transportation methods for different final delivery destinations .18 . The system of claim 7 wherein the transloading module is based upon destinations , availability of labor, and limitations of transportation vehicles .

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