Carrier and Shipper Interfacing Framework for Empty Miles Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The trucking industry faces inefficiencies in cargo transportation, including delayed payment processing and lack of real-time tracking, due to the reliance on brokerage services and limited interaction between drivers, brokers, and shippers, leading to suboptimal route planning and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system, known as the Carrier and Shipper Interfacing and Shipment Tracking (CSIST) framework, which enables efficient matching of shipments to carriers, real-time tracking, and optimal route planning through a portal that allows carriers to input desired pickup and delivery points, identifies available shipments, and calculates opportunity costs based on empty miles, facilitating direct communication and payment processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If brokerage services are used to coordinate transportation, then cargo can be transported through established networks, but payment processing is delayed and interaction between drivers and shippers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the payment processing function from the traditional brokerage intermediary and places it directly into the digital platform system. The platform maintains a digital wallet that automatically processes payments to carriers upon delivery confirmation, eliminating the delayed check-based payment system of traditional brokerages and reducing payment processing time from weeks to minutes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback loops where shippers, carriers, and the platform continuously exchange information about shipment status, location, and delivery confirmation. This feedback mechanism enables automatic payment triggering when delivery is confirmed, creating a closed-loop system that eliminates payment delays while maintaining reliable transportation coordination.
2Reliability
If brokers act as intermediaries between shippers and carriers, then transportation can be coordinated through established networks, but direct interaction and control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a digital platform as a new type of intermediary that enhances rather than reduces direct interaction. The platform provides real-time communication tools, tracking, and coordination features that enable shippers and carriers to interact directly while maintaining the reliability of established transportation networks. The platform acts as a facilitator that connects parties directly rather than routing them through traditional brokerages.
3Ease of operation
If carriers are given freedom to choose routes, then operational flexibility is improved, but route optimization and cost efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic route optimization where the system provides carriers with real-time route recommendations based on current traffic, weather, and delivery constraints, while carriers retain the flexibility to adjust routes as needed. The system continuously updates optimal routes during transit, combining carrier operational flexibility with data-driven efficiency improvements rather than imposing fixed rigid routes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses real-time feedback from GPS tracking, traffic data, and delivery confirmation to continuously optimize routes. The system monitors carrier progress and provides dynamic routing recommendations that improve efficiency while respecting carrier autonomy. This feedback loop enables route optimization without removing carrier flexibility, as carriers can see the benefits of suggested routes and make informed decisions.
4Ease of operation
If traditional paper-based delivery confirmation is used, then delivery can be verified with simple signature, but real-time tracking and processing are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical paper-based signature system with electronic verification methods including digital signatures, photo capture of delivered goods, and GPS location confirmation. These electronic verification methods maintain the simplicity of signature-based verification while simultaneously capturing and transmitting real-time data about delivery location, time, and condition to all parties and the platform system.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and computer program product provides efficient matching of shipments with carriers and real time online tracking of shipments. The method includes receiving a carrier input that includes a desired end destination of an equipment of the carrier, and a processor locating at least one available shipment having one of (i) a shipment pick-up point within a pre-established, shipment pick-up zone and (ii) a shipment delivery point within an acceptable shipment drop-off zone of the desired end destination. The processor dynamically determines and maps an optimal route and generates and displays an available shipment (AV) user interface (UI), with a complete route for the equipment from a desired starting point to the desired end destination. The processor then calculates and provides, via the AV UI, an opportunity cost of the shipment, based in part on a total number of empty miles associated with the route.