Driver Route Matching for Package Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Online shopping companies face high costs and inefficiencies in providing expedited delivery services, as they need to maintain physical warehouses and rely on large commercial delivery companies, which increases shipping time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A system that identifies and recruits candidate delivery drivers based on their regular driving patterns, allowing packages to be delivered along their existing routes, using mobile devices to analyze and match delivery routes with online shoppers' locations, and implementing a shared trunk space and moving hubs to optimize delivery routes and reduce the need for additional vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If physical warehouses are maintained around countries to minimize shipping time, then delivery speed is improved, but company investment and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines package delivery with existing commuter driving routes. Drivers who already travel between locations for work purposes are recruited to deliver packages along their regular routes, merging two functions (commuting and delivery) into one. This eliminates the need for dedicated delivery vehicles and infrastructure while maintaining delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a universal delivery network where regular commuters serve multiple purposes: their primary job and package delivery. The same vehicle and driver perform both their occupational tasks and delivery tasks, making the delivery system multi-functional and reducing the need for specialized delivery infrastructure.
2Productivity
If large commercial delivery companies are used to deliver products, then delivery capacity is improved, but shipping costs paid by end users increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the self-motivated behavior of commuters who already travel between locations. Drivers are incentivized through tip jars and bonuses to voluntarily deliver packages during their regular routes. This self-service approach replaces expensive commercial delivery operations with motivated individuals performing deliveries as part of their existing routines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from commercial delivery models to commuter-based delivery. Instead of paid employees following scheduled routes, the system uses incentivized commuters on their existing routes, changing the cost structure from fixed salaries to tip-based compensation with performance bonuses.
3Reliability
If expedited delivery services are provided with prime delivery, then customer satisfaction is improved, but additional costs are imposed on end users
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary routing analysis to identify commuters whose existing routes already pass near customer locations. By pre-matching packages with drivers whose routes naturally align with delivery destinations, the system can provide expedited delivery without requiring additional travel or specialized logistics, thereby reducing costs while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and computer program product related to delivery of packages to online shopping customers. In an embodiment, the invention provides a method comprising identifying a pool of candidate delivery drivers; analyzing driving patterns of the candidate drivers in a geographic area; analyzing activities of specified online shoppers in the geographic area; and sending a message to contact one of the candidate drivers to deliver a package or packages to an online shopper based on a defined matching of the analyzed driving patterns of the candidate drivers with the analyzed activities of the online shoppers. In an embodiment, each of the candidate drivers has an associated mobile communications device; and the analyzing driving patterns of the candidate drivers includes using specified changes in locations of the mobile communication devices associated with the candidate delivery drivers to identify the driving patterns of the candidate drivers.