Cooperative Shipment Exception Resolution System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Undeliverable parcels during transport pose a significant logistical challenge for carriers, resulting in costly and time-consuming returns for shippers, as they have limited involvement and information about the consignee, leading to inefficient handling and potential loss of merchandise.
Innovation Solution
A cooperative system and method that detects exception events during transit, communicates with the shipper to obtain consignee instructions, and holds the parcel within a defined intervention time window, allowing the shipper to resolve the issue by contacting the consignee and completing the transport according to their instructions, using a network of communication links between the shipper, carrier, and consignee, with online applications for tracking and resolving distressed shipments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the carrier follows traditional rules for processing distressed shipments (multiple delivery attempts followed by intermediate holding), then the shipment may eventually be delivered, but the shipper incurs enormous expense and time loss due to returns and reprocessing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting exception events early during transit and immediately notifying the shipper. This allows the shipper to take corrective action (contact consignee, provide instructions) before the shipment is returned, preventing the costly return process from occurring in the first place
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the carrier detects exceptions, communicates them to the shipper, receives instructions, and then adjusts delivery actions accordingly. This continuous feedback enables real-time resolution of delivery issues without requiring full return cycles
2Ease of operation
If the shipper has no involvement in the shipment after tendering to the carrier, then the carrier has full control over the shipment, but the shipper lacks information and opportunity to resolve delivery exceptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system restores information flow to the shipper by implementing a feedback mechanism that notifies the shipper of exception events during transit. This allows the shipper to regain awareness and involvement in the shipment status without compromising carrier operational control
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary communication platform between the carrier, shipper, and consignee. It facilitates information exchange and coordination among all parties, enabling the shipper to contact the consignee and provide instructions while the carrier maintains delivery operations
3Productivity
If the carrier implements a system to detect exception events and communicate with the shipper during transit, then the shipper can resolve issues and save shipments, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be universal and multi-functional, handling various types of exception events (delivery exceptions, undeliverable parcels, distressed shipments) through a single integrated platform. It performs multiple functions including detection, notification, communication facilitation, and tracking within one system framework
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service resolution where the shipper can independently contact the consignee, receive instructions, and provide resolution directions without requiring extensive carrier or third-party intervention. The automated notification and tracking features allow parties to resolve issues independently
Data Source
AI summary
A cooperative system and an associated method are provided for resolving a distressed shipment during transport by a carrier, where the distressed shipment includes one or more parcels rendered temporarily undeliverable by an exception event while in transit from a shipper to a consignee. The inventive method involves the shipper in the task of contacting the consignee for the additional information necessary to resolve the shipment. The system creates a cooperative of participating shippers and carriers, working together to complete a shipment and thereby avoid the delay and expense associated with a premature or unnecessary return.