Semi-Trailer Load Selection Using Revenue-Based Trip Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Owner-operators of semi-trailer trucks face challenges in accurately and efficiently selecting and scheduling loads to maximize revenues, often relying on a revenue per mile model that does not always optimize earnings, and struggle with complex logistics due to prioritizing other business aspects over load scheduling.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a processor or server to receive user input data, search for load transport jobs based on a search radius and candidate threshold, assign jobs to trip profiles, and sort them by total revenue, optimizing load selection and scheduling to maximize profitability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If owner-operators select loads 1-at-a-time manually, then they can control and manage their business, but the process becomes very complex and difficult and does not maximize revenues
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service load selection by using algorithms to automatically evaluate and rank multiple loads based on profitability metrics, eliminating the need for manual 1-at-a-time selection and reducing operational complexity while maximizing revenue
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of load selection with an automated computer-based system that uses algorithms and software to evaluate loads, compare options, and generate optimized load portfolios, thereby reducing complexity and improving ease of operation
2Productivity
If owner-operators use a revenue per mile model for scheduling loads, then the scheduling process is simplified, but revenues are not maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the evaluation parameter from simple revenue per mile to a comprehensive profitability metric that considers multiple factors including total revenue, time constraints, and load characteristics, thereby maximizing revenue generation while the automated system manages the increased complexity
3Productivity
If owner-operators prioritize other business aspects over load scheduling, then business control is maintained, but load scheduling accuracy and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual load scheduling with an automated computer-based system that continuously and accurately evaluates loads based on profitability metrics, ensuring high selection accuracy even when operators prioritize other business aspects
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automated feedback through load rankings and profitability analyses, enabling operators to make informed decisions quickly without manually analyzing each load's potential, thereby maintaining both accuracy and efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A system for optimized load selection for semi-trailer trucks. A processor or a server of the system is configured to receive, via a user device in communication with the server, user input data indicating a starting location, a search radius, and a search candidate threshold, search a load board for one or more load transport jobs based on the starting location and the search radius indicated in the received user input data, and select a quantity of the one or more load transport jobs based on the search candidate threshold indicated in the received user input data. The processor or the server is configured to assign each of the selected one or more load transport jobs to one or more trip profiles, each having a total revenue, and sort the one or more trip profiles based on the total revenue of each of the one or more trip profiles.