WO2017083930A1

WO2017083930A1 - "a computer system and a computer implemented method for arranging transport of a load"

Info

Publication number: WO2017083930A1
Application number: PCT/AU2016/051120
Authority: WO
Inventors: Siobhan LANCASTER; David BLOMELEY
Original assignee: Furry Dice Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-11-19
Filing date: 2016-11-18
Publication date: 2017-05-26
Also published as: AU2016358198A1

Abstract

Embodiments relate to a computer system for arranging transport of a load, the computer system comprising at least one network interface to communicate through a communications network with a customer computing device and with a respondent computing device associated with at least one load transporting vehicle and a processor in communication with the at least one network interface. The processor is configured to receive a request for the transport of the load from the customer computing device through the communications network, the request comprising information indicative of at least a pick-up location of the load; determine a current location of a plurality of load transporting vehicles; select or facilitate selection of one of the plurality of load transporting vehicles; and in response to the selection of the one load transporting vehicle, sending an invitation to accept the request for transporting the load to the respondent computing device associated with the selected vehicle.

Description

"A computer system and a computer implemented method

for arranging transport of a load"

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer system, a computer implemented method and a software application for arranging transport of a load.

Background

[0002] The field of arranging and managing transports of loads is often serviced by dedicated distributors. Distributors typically have a number of load transporting vehicles, such as trucks, that can be dispatched to transport a load from a pick-up location to a desired destination.

[0003] However, each distributor only has a limited number of available load transporting vehicles so that it can be difficult to arrange transport on demand. Furthermore, when returning to the distributor, a vehicle may drive empty and could transport another load.

[0004] Also, in some instances, vehicles are sourced for the transport of a load that are relatively far away from the pick-up location even though other available vehicles are available that are closer to the pick-up location.

[0005] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0006] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

Summary

[0007] Some embodiments relate to a computer system for arranging transport of a load, the computer system comprising: at least one network interface to communicate through a communications network with a customer computing device and with a respondent computing device associated with at least one load transporting vehicle;

a processor in communication with the at least one network interface and configured to:

receive a request for the transport of the load from the customer computing device through the communications network, the request comprising information indicative of at least a pick-up location of the load;

determine a current location of a plurality of load transporting vehicles; make information indicative of the plurality of load transporting vehicles available on the customer computing device through the communications network, the information including at least: the current location of each vehicle and at least one vehicle parameter indicative of loads that are transportable by the load transporting vehicle;

facilitate selection of one of the plurality of load transporting vehicles by the customer on the customer computing device; and

in response to the selection of the one load transporting vehicle on the customer computing device, sending an invitation to accept the request for transporting the load to the respondent computing device associated with the selected vehicle.

[0008] The at least one vehicle parameter may comprise one or more of the following: a maximum size of the load that is transportable by the vehicle; a maximum weight of the load that is transportable by the vehicle; a size of the load transporting portion of the vehicle; a type of the vehicle such as ute, van, flatbed, curtainsider, crane truck or the like; and equipment available with the vehicle, such as tail lift, front or back crane or any equipment that is fixed to the vehicle, or side pins, trolley, blanket or the like that may be loaded onto the vehicle.

[0009] The information made available on the customer computing device may further include one or more of the following: an estimate of costs for completing the transport of the load, identification information of the respondent, a driver and/or the associated load transporting vehicle, such as a licence plate number, and driver parameters such as driver qualifications and training or driver specialisations.

[0010] It should be noted that the respondent may or may not be the driver of the associated load transporting vehicle. For example, the respondent of the respondent computing device may be associated with a plurality of load transporting vehicles. In this instance, each load transporting vehicle may be associated with a driver computing device of a driver.

[0011] The request for the transport of the load may further include at least one load parameter indicative of the load to be transported. The at least one load parameter may for example comprise one or more of the following: a number of load items to be transported, a size of the load or of each load item, a weight of the load or each load item, and information indicative of a content of the load, such as food, liquid, glassware, furniture, bulk material, or the like.

[0012] The request for the transport of the load may further include information indicative of at least one desired destination. In this case, the information indicative of the load transport vehicles may include a cost estimate for completing the transport of the load. Additionally or alternatively, the information may include at least one suggested route from the pick-up location to the at least one desired destination.

[0013] The processor may be configured to identify at least one route from the pick-up location to the at least one desired destination. In one example, the processor may identify a plurality of routes from the pick-up location to the at least one desired destination. In this example, the processor may facilitate selection of one of the plurality of routes.

[0014] The processor may be configured to select the plurality of load transporting vehicles by matching the at least one load parameter and the at least one vehicle parameter. Additionally, the processor may select the plurality of load transporting vehicles relative to the pick-up location. For example, only vehicles may be selected for which the current location is within a predefined distance from the pick-up location and/or the at least one desired destination.

[0015] Furthermore, the processor may select the plurality of load transporting vehicles by determining availability of each of the vehicles. For example, the processor may facilitate selection of a availability status on the respondent computing device and/or the driver computing device.

[0016] In one example, the processor may be configured to facilitate selection of the one of the plurality of load transporting vehicle by facilitating manual selection by the customer. However, it is envisaged that the processor may automatically select the one of the plurality of load transporting vehicle based on the information provided with the request for transporting the load.

[0017] The processor may be configured to estimate the cost for the transport of the load. The cost may be estimated based on one or more of the following: a time for completing the transport of the load, a distance between the current location, the pick-up location and/or the at least one desired destination; the at least one load parameter of the load to be transported; and the at least one vehicle parameter of each of the plurality of load transporting vehicles.

[0018] The processor may be configured to determine the current location of each of the load transporting vehicles by communicating with a locating component of a driver computing device associated with a load transporting vehicle, such as a global positioning system (GPS) component. The locating component is typically configured to facilitate location-based and tracking functionality. Other suitable locating components may use cell tower triangulation or Wi-Fi triangulation or the like.

[0019] The processor may be configured to receive the information of the pick-up location by facilitating input of the information by the customer on the customer computing device. Alternatively, the information may be received by communicating with a locating component of the customer computing device, such as a GPS component.

[0020] The processor may be configured to receive information indicative of acceptance of the invitation. Upon acceptance of the invitation, the processor may be configured to make available further information to the respondent computing device, such as identification information of the customer and the load parameter of the load to be transported.

[0021] The invitation to accept the request for the transport of the load may expire within a predefined amount of time. The predefined amount of time may be 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 60 seconds, 2 minutes or 5 minutes.

[0022] If the invitation has expired or is declined by the respondent on the respondent computing device, the processor may facilitate selection of another one of the plurality of load transporting vehicles.

[0023] The processor may be configured to facilitate communications between the customer and the respondent or the driver associated with the selected load transporting vehicle. For example, communications may be facilitated between the customer computing device and the respondent computing device or driver computing device associated with the selected vehicle. Communications may be facilitated through one or more of the following services: telephone call, short message service (SMS), email, social media and any other suitable communications services.

[0024] The processor may be configured to receive information indicative of arrival at the pick-up location and/or at each of the desired destinations, status of loading and/or unloading of the load, and completion of the transport of the load. This may be implemented automatically by communicating with the locating component of the respondent/driver computing device and/or by facilitating input by the driver on the driver computing device. In one example, the processor may facilitate a sign off or a tick off by the driver on the driver computing device at the final destination when the transport of the load has been completed thereby indicating that the transport of the load has been completed.

[0025] The processor may be configured to track the selected load transporting vehicle by communicating with the locating component of the driver computing device, such as the GPS component. In one example, the processor may communicate an alert signal to the user computing device when the vehicle is within a predefined distance relative to the pickup location and/or the at least one desired destination.

[0026] The processor may make the information indicative of the plurality of load transporting vehicles available to the user computing device by displaying a map, such as a road map. Each of the plurality of load transporting vehicles may be represented by an icon on the map. The icon may be selected from a plurality of icons, wherein each icon is associated with a predefined vehicle parameter or range of vehicle parameters, such as a range of sizes or weights of the load that is transportable by the vehicle, or a different vehicle type. In this way, the customer is able to identify a suitable vehicle for the transport of the load by virtue of the displayed icon.

[0027] In this example, each icon representing a load transporting vehicle may be selectable such that upon selection of an icon, further information in relation to the load transporting vehicle is made available on the customer computing device. The further information may include one or more of the following: a vehicle parameter, vehicle information, a cost estimate, and driver identification information. [0028] The processor may be configured to facilitate rating of the respondent and/or the driver associated with the selected vehicle by the customer. Additionally, the processor may be configured to facilitate rating of the customer requesting the transport of the load by the respondent or the driver.

[0029] The processor may be configured to issue an invoice for the transport of the load and communicate the issued invoice to the customer computing device and/or the respondent computing device. The processor may further be configured to facilitate payment of the costs for the completed transport of the load. Payment of the costs may be triggered automatically.

[0030] According to some embodiments, there is provided a computer implemented method of arranging transport of a load, the method comprising:

receiving, at a computer server, a request for the transport of the load from a customer computing device through a communications network, the request comprising information indicative of at least a pick-up location of the load;

determining, at the computer server, a current location of a plurality of load transporting vehicles, each load transporting vehicle being associated with a respondent computing device;

making information indicative of the plurality of load transporting vehicles available on the customer computing device through the communications network, the information including at least: the current location of each load transporting vehicle and at least one vehicle parameter indicative of a load that is transportable by the load transporting vehicle;

facilitating selection of one of the plurality of load transporting vehicles by the customer on the customer computing device; and

in response to selecting the one load transporting vehicle on the customer computing device, sending an invitation to accept the request for transporting the load to the respondent computing device associated with the selected vehicle.

[0031] According to some embodiments, there is provided a software application for arranging transport of a load, the software application when executed on a computer system performing the steps of the above described method. [0032] According to some embodiments, there is provided a customer software application for arranging transport of a load, the customer software application when executed on a customer computing device being configured to perform the following steps:

transmitting a request for the transport of the load from the customer computing device through a communications network to a computer server, the request comprising information indicative of at least a pick-up location of the load;

receiving information indicative of a plurality of load transporting vehicles on the customer computing device through the communications network, the information including at least: a current location of each load transporting vehicle and at least one vehicle parameter indicative of a load that is transportable by the load transporting vehicle;

transmitting the selection of the one load transporting vehicle to the computer server via the communications network such that an invitation to accept the request for the transport of the load can be sent to a respondent computing device associated with the selected vehicle.

[0033] According to some embodiments, there is provided a respondent software application for arranging transport of a load, the respondent software application when executed on a respondent computing device configured to perform the following steps:

making information indicative of at least one vehicle parameter available to a computer server through a communications network, the at least one vehicle parameter being indicative of a load that is transportable by a load transporting vehicle associated with the respondent computing device;

making information indicative of a current location of the load transporting vehicle available to the computer server through the communications network;

receiving, through a communications network, at the respondent computing device an invitation to accept a request for transporting a load, the request comprising information indicative of at least a pick-up location of the load.

[0034] Described embodiments will be more fully understood from the following description of specific embodiments. The description is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings. [0035] Some embodiments relate to a computer implemented method of arranging transport of a load, the method comprising:

automatically matching the request for the transport of a load with an available load transporting vehicle that is capable of transporting the load by matching at least one load parameter with at least one vehicle parameter of each of the plurality of load transporting vehicles; and

based on the matching of the request, automatically selecting an available load transporting vehicle that is capable of transporting the load;

in response to automatically selecting the one load transporting vehicle, sending an invitation to accept the request for transporting the load to the respondent computing device associated with the selected vehicle.

[0036] Some embodiments relate to a computer system for arranging transport of a load, the computer system comprising:

at least one network interface to communicate through a communications network with a customer computing device and with a respondent computing device associated with at least one load transporting vehicle;

determine a current location of a plurality of load transporting vehicles; automatically match the request for the transport of a load with an available load transporting vehicle that is capable of transporting the load by matching at least one load parameter with at least one vehicle parameter of each of the plurality of load transporting vehicles; and based on the matching of the request, automatically select an available load transporting vehicle that is capable of transporting the load; and

in response to the automatic selection of the one load transporting vehicle, send an invitation to accept the request for transporting the load to the respondent computing device associated with the selected vehicle.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a computer system for arranging a transport of a load in accordance with some embodiments;

[0038] Figure 2 is an alternative representation of the computer system of Figure 1;

[0039] Figures 3A to 3V shows screenshots of a customer computing device when a software application in accordance with some embodiments is executed on the customer computing device;

[0040] Figures 4A to 4H shows screenshots of a driver computing device when a software application in accordance with some embodiments is executed on the driver computing device;

[0041] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a computer implemented method of arranging a transport of a load in accordance with some embodiments; and

[0042] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a computer implemented method of arranging a transport of a load in accordance with some alternative embodiments.

Description of Embodiments

[0043] Described embodiments invention generally relate to a computer system, a computer implemented method and a software application for arranging a transport of a load.

[0044] The transport of the load may be arranged through implementation of a computer system comprising at least a network interface and a processor. The network interface is configured to communicate through a communications network, such as the Internet, with remote computing devices, such as a customer computing device of a customer that requests the transport of the load and a respondent computing device of a respondent associated with at least one load transporting vehicle. Suitable load transport vehicles may include a road vehicle such as a truck, a railway vehicle, a cargo ship, an airplane and any other suitable vehicle that is able to transport a load. A load may include a plurality of load items, and may comprise goods, liquid, bulk material or the like.

[0045] The processor of the computer system is configured to control and coordinate operations and communications between the computer system and the remote computing devices. In particular, the processor may receive a request for the transport of a load through the Internet from a customer using the computing device. The request may include information indicative of at least one pick-up location of the load and a load parameter. The load parameter may be indicative of one or more of the following: a number of load items, a size and weight of the load, a type or content of the load and a requirement for the transport of the load. For example, the load to be transported may need to be kept at a predefined temperature.

[0046] The processor may determine a current location of a plurality of load transporting vehicles. Each load transporting vehicle is associated with a respondent computing device of a respondent. It will be appreciated that the respondent may or may not be the driver of the associated vehicle. For example, a respondent computing device may be associated with a plurality of load transporting vehicles and each load transporting vehicle is associated with a driver computing device.

[0047] The information indicative of the current location may be made available to the customer computing device, for example by rendering a road map and displaying icons relative to the pick-up location of the load wherein each icon represents a load transporting vehicle. Different icons may be displayed for different vehicle parameters, such as different sized vehicles, different types of vehicles or different equipment. For example, an icon may represent a 6 Tonne Flatbed with loading crane that is 27 minutes away and $100.

[0048] The processor further facilitates selection of one of the available vehicles by the customer on the customer computing device and in response to the selection, an invite to transport the load is communicated to the respondent computing device such that the respondent can accept the request for the transport of the load.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the processor may alternatively be configured to automatically select an available vehicle by matching the load parameters entered by the customer with vehicle parameters of the available vehicles. [0050] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide significant advantages. For example, the computer system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention enables sourcing of the closest load transporting vehicle. This is particularly advantageous for the transport of loads in regional and remote areas.

[0051] Furthermore, the computer system provides flexibility to the respondents and drivers of the load transporting vehicles as invitations to accept a request may only be forwarded to available vehicles, for example when the respondent has successfully logged into an application on the respondent computing device. In this way, respondents can source ad-hoc jobs for the transport of loads.

[0052] Also, the transport of a load can be requested immediately as only available vehicles may be selectable by the customer on the customer computing device. This enhances the reliability and expedites the process of arranging the transport of loads. Moreover, obtaining multiple cost estimate from different vehicle organisations will not be necessary. The computer system will provide a "one stop shop" for the transport of loads.

[0053] Referring now to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a computer system 100 for arranging a transport of a load. The computer system 100 comprises a computer server 102 which is accessible through a communications network, such as the Internet 104, from computing devices 106, 108, 110. The computing devices 106, 108, 110 may relate to customer computing devices of customers that request the transport of a load or to respondent computing devices of respondents associated with load transporting vehicles. The computing devices 106, 108, 110 may include a table computer 106, a smartphone 108, and a personal computer 110. However, any communications enabled computing devices that are capable of communicating with the computer server 102 are envisaged, such as a laptop computer or a PDA.

[0054] In the present example, the computer server 102 includes a processor 112 configured to control and coordinate operations, a memory 114 and a network interface 116 that communicate with each other via a bus 118. The network interface 116 facilitates wireless communications between the computer server 102 and the user computing devices 106, 108, 110 through the Internet 104. Specifically, the computer server 102 is accessible by the user computing devices 106, 108, 110 through web pages served to the user computing devices 106, 108, 110. This may be realised by software implemented by the processor 112, and through an application programming interface (API) that communicates with the user computing devices 106, 108, 110 using a dedicated application installed on the user computing devices 106, 108, 110.

[0055] The memory 114 stores instructions 120 and data 122 for the processes as described in the following, and the processor 112 performs the instructions 120 from the memory 114 to implement the processes. It should be noted that although the computer server 102 is shown as an independent network element, the computer server 102 may alternatively be part of another network element and functions performed by the computer server 102 may be distributed between multiple network elements.

[0056] An alternative representation of an exemplary implementation of the computer system 100 is schematically illustrated in Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings, with functional components of the computer server 102 shown instead of hardware components. The functional components in this example may be implemented using the hardware components shown in Figure 1 such that network interfaces are provided for facilitating communications with remote computing devices 106, 108, 110 and implementing actions in response to the communications.

[0057] In this example, the computer system 100 comprises a platform 202 that arranges the transport of a load by a load transporting vehicle. The platform 202 comprises a control unit 204 for controlling and coordinating operations of the components of the platform 202. This control unit 204 may for example be implemented by the processor 104 shown in Figure 1.

[0058] The platform 202 further comprises at least one network interface 206 for facilitating communications through a communications network 208, such as the Internet, between the platform 202 and remote computing devices, such as user computing devices 106, 108, 110. In this particular example, the platform 202 communicates with a customer computing device 210 of a customer that requests a transport of a load and a respondent computing device 212 of a respondent, wherein the respondent computing device 212 is associated with a load transporting vehicle. As mentioned above, the respondent may or may not be the driver of the associated load transporting vehicle. However, in the following examples, it is assumed that the respondent is also the driver of the associated vehicles.

[0059] In this particular example, communications between the platform 202 and the user computing devices 210, 212 are realised by an application programming interface (API) (not shown) communicating with a dedicated application installed on the computing devices 210, 212. In one example, two types of applications are available to be installed on the user computing devices 210, 212, i.e. a dedicated customer application for the customer computing device 210 and a dedicated respondent application for the respondent computing device 212. However, instead of providing two types of applications, the dedicated application may include different interfaces for the customer and the respondent.

[0060] The platform 202 further comprises a data base management system ("DBMS") 214 that is arranged to store information that is received at the network interface 206 in a data storage 216 of the platform 202. It will be appreciated that the information may alternatively be stored in a data storage that is not part of the platform 202. For example, the information may be stored in a cloud storage that can be accessed through the Internet 208.

[0061] In this example, the data storage 216 comprises a user database 218 for storing information on the customers and respondents such as identification information and rating information. The data storage 216 further comprises a vehicle database 220 for storing vehicle information, such as licence plates and vehicles parameters, and a location database 222 storing location information such as pick-up locations and desired destinations.

[0062] The platform 202 further comprises a dispatch component 224 in communication with the network interface 206. The dispatch component 214 is configured to determine the current location of a plurality of load transporting vehicles and make this information available to the customer on the customer computing device 210. The information made available on the customer computing device 210 may further include a vehicles parameter which may be obtained from the vehicle database 220. Suitable vehicle parameters may include one or more of the following: a maximum size of the load that is transportable by the vehicle; a maximum weight of the load that is transportable by the vehicle; a size of the load transporting portion of the vehicle; a type of the vehicle such as ute, van, flatbed, curtainsider, crane truck or the like; and equipment available with the vehicle, such as tail lift, front or back crane or any equipment that is fixed to the vehicle, or side pins, trolley, blanket or the like that may be loaded onto the vehicle.

[0063] In one particular example, the dispatch component 224 is configured to determine the current location only of vehicles that are available and capable of transporting the specified load. In this regard, the dispatch component 224 may be configured to determine availability of a load transporting vehicle, for example by obtaining status information of the respondent computing device 212. Specifically, the respondent computing device 212 may indicate availability if the respondent has successfully logged into the dedicated application on the respondent computing device 212.

[0064] Additionally or alternatively the dispatch component 224 may automatically match a request for the transport of a load with an available load transporting vehicle that is capable of transporting the load by matching the load parameter with the vehicle parameter of each vehicle.

[0065] In addition, the dispatch component 224 may be configured to determine the current location of available vehicles within a predetermined distance from the pick-up location. In one embodiment, the dispatch component 224 determines the current location of a load transporting vehicle by automatically communicating with a locating component of the respondent computing device 212. This locating component may for example be a GPS component, but may also refer to a component that uses cell tower triangulation, Wi- Fi triangulation or the like. It should be noted that the processor may be configured to communicate to an accelerator of the respondent computing device 212.

[0066] Information indicative of the plurality of available vehicles may be made available to the customer computing device 210 by rendering a road map. Each available load transporting vehicle may be represented by an icon that is displayed relative to the pick-up location and/or the desired destination.

[0067] In this particular example, the dispatch component 224 is further configured to facilitate selection of the displayed icons so that upon selection of the icon, further information in relation to the selected vehicle is made available to the customer computing device 210. The further information may include the vehicle parameter, information on the respondent, the licence plate number of the vehicle, a cost estimate to complete the transport of the load, and an estimated time period for completing the transport. The customer can then confirm selection of the vehicle to request the transport of the load by the selected vehicle.

[0068] In response to the selection of the one load transporting vehicle on the customer computing device 210, the dispatch component 224 is configured to communicate an invitation to accept the request for transporting the load to the respondent computing device 212 associated with the selected vehicle.

[0069] Once the invitation has been accepted, the dispatch component 224 may further facilitate direct communication between the customer computing device 210 and the respondent computing device 212. This may be facilitated by making available contact information of the customer and the respondent.

[0070] The computer server 202 may further comprise a tracking component 226. The tracking component 226 is configured to track progress of the transport of the load by tracking a current location of the selected load transporting vehicle. This may be implemented by communicating with the GPS component of the respondent computing device 212.

[0071] In this way, a load transporting vehicle may be tracked and monitored without the need for complex tracking systems that would need to be installed in each load transporting vehicle. By tracking the current location of the load transporting vehicle, it is possible to monitor the route from the pick-up location to the desired destination and identify possible bottlenecks and cost blow outs in relation to the transport. In this way, it is also possible to analyse the progress to reduce the time for the transport of a load, for example by reducing loading and unloading times.

[0072] The tracking component 226 may further be configured to communicate alerts to the customer computing device 210 when the selected load transporting vehicle is within a predetermined distance from the pick-up location and the desired destination. In this way, it can be ensured that the load is ready for loading and may potentially reduce loading and unloading times.

[0073] In this embodiment, the platform 202 further comprises a payment component 228. The payment component 228 is configured to automatically issue an invoice for the costs to complete the transport by the selected load transporting vehicle and communicate the invoice to the customer computing device 210. The issued invoice may further be communicated to the respondent computing device 212.

[0074] In addition to issuing an invoice, the payment component 228 may facilitate payment of the costs for completing the transport of the load. For example, the user database 218 may store account information of the customer such as credit card details and the payment component 228 may automatically charge the associated credit card with the costs for completing the transport of the load.

[0075] The computer system 200 may provide a cost effective system for arranging the transport of loads thereby minimising the costs compared to current rates if a dedicated distributor arranges and manages the transport of a load. Furthermore, the ability to monitor and track the load transporting vehicles may reduce hours spent for arranging and completing the transport. This is in particular of great benefit to smaller companies who are currently stung with higher prices than what larger companies pay big trucking companies.

[0076] A further advantage of implementing the payment component and automatically facilitating the payment for the transport is that invoices are issued and payment is generated immediately.

[0077] In this embodiment, the platform 202 further comprises a rating component 230. Rating component 230 is configured to allow for customers to rate the service provided by the driver, as well as allowing drivers to rate the customers who use their service. Rating component 230 may communicate the rating to user database 218. Rating component 230 may automatically calculate an average rating for each user, which may be stored as part of the user profile in user database 218.

[0078] Referring now to Figures 3A to 3Q, there is shown screenshots of a customer computing device, such as customer computing device 210 when the dedicated application for arranging transport of a load is executed on the customer computing device 210. In this particular example, the application is configured to communicate with the platform 202 of Figure 2.

[0079] Initially, for a customer to use the dedicated application for arranging transport of a load, the application needs to be downloaded and installed on the customer computing device 210. The application may be downloaded via a dedicated web page in a browser or through application stores such as iTunes or Android's play store.

[0080] Once the application is installed on the customer computing device 210, the customer is able to select a dedicated user interface. For example, two options may be made available, a customer user interface for customers requesting transport of a load and a respondent user interface for respondents and/or drivers. [0081] Upon selection of the customer user interface, the customer is guided through a registration process in which user information is entered and received at the network interface 206 of the platform 202. The user information may include a customer name 302, contact details of the customer such as an email address or telephone number 304, log-in details for logging into the application including a password 306, and payment information such as credit card details 308. In this particular example, the user information is stored in the user database 218 of the platform 202. A summary screen of the user information is exemplarily shown in Figure 3A.

[0082] Figure 3B illustrates an exemplary screen shot summarising information on previous transports. This information may also be stored in the user database 218 of the platform 202. As shown in Figure 3B, information in relation to two previous transports of loads is displayed: a first transport 310 in which three load items were delivered to two destinations and a second transport 312 in which two load items were delivered to one destination. In this example, the displayed information includes user information of the driver of the vehicle, vehicle information, location information and the time of delivery.

[0083] When a customer logs into the application on the customer computing device 210, a road map of a predefined area may be displayed on the customer computing device 210. The predefined area may, for example, be defined by a home address of the customer, by a previous pick-up location or by a current location of the customer using a GPS component of the customer computing device 210. An exemplary road map is illustrated in Figure 3C. In this particular example, two truck icons 314, 316 representing two available load transporting vehicles are displayed. According to some embodiments and as shown in Figure 3C, a filter 318 for the weight of transportable items may be applied to the road map, i.e. as shown in Figure 3C, only available vehicles are displayed that are capable of transporting a total weight of load items under 2 tonnes.

[0084] When the customer selects to request the transport of a load, the customer will be guided through a plurality of screens to finalise the request. In a first screen as shown in Figure 3D, the customer is asked to select a load transporting vehicle type from a number of available options. For example, the customer may be able to select from a utility vehicle (ute), a van, a pantech, a two man van, or another type of load transporting vehicle. The screen may show a vehicle name 320, logo 322, and a description 324 of each vehicle and what form of load the vehicles may be suited to transporting. [0085] Once a vehicle type is selected, a screen as shown in Figure 3E may be shown, prompting the customer to enter a load parameter such as the weight for the goods to be transported. The screen may allow the customer to select the weight by entering a numerical value or sliding a slider bar 326, for example, and may display logos 328 associated with the transport vehicles that are suited to the weight of goods selected. An alert may be displayed if the vehicle selected at screen 3D is not suitable for the weight of goods selected, and the customer may be prompted to adjust the weight, or to select an alternative vehicle.

[0086] The screen as shown in Figure 3F may then allow a customer to enter a further load parameter such as dimensions for the goods to be transported. The screen may allow the customer to select the dimensions by entering numerical values corresponding to the length, width and height of the goods into textboxes 330. An alert may be displayed if the vehicle selected at screen 3D is not suitable for the dimensions entered, and the customer may be prompted to adjust the dimensions, or to select an alternative vehicle.

[0087] Once the weight and dimensions of the goods have been determined, the customer is asked to enter at least one pick-up location of the load using a screen as shown in Figure 3G. The screen may allow a user to select a previously used address 332, their current address 334, or to enter a new address 336. The next screen shown in Figure 3H shows the entered pick-up location on a map 338 and asks the customer to confirm whether the pick-up location is correct. According to some embodiments, the user may be able to add multiple pickup locations, if there are multiple loads being picked up from different locations.

[0088] In the next screen as shown in Figure 31, the customer is asked to enter information of at least one desired destination by entering address details into fields 340. The details may include a phone number or other contact information, to allow notifications to be sent to the person to whom the goods are being delivered. For example, processor 112 may be configured to cause a text message or email to be sent to the delivery recipient when the goods are on their way, and/or as a confirmation that the goods have been delivered. Similar to the pick-up location, a map 342 showing the destination will be displayed in the next screen on the customer computing device as shown in Figure 3J. According to some embodiments, the user may be able to add multiple destination locations, if there are multiple loads being delivered to different locations. [0089] The customer is then prompted to enter further information describing the load to be transported as shown in an exemplary screen shot in Figure 3K. The information may for example include a number of items, a content or type of load, a brief description and a reference number. The customer may be able to enter the information using fields 344. For example, the customer may enter a description such as "3 seater couch".

[0090] According to some embodiments, a summary screen as shown in Figure 3L is then presented to the customer on the customer computing device 210 in which the customer can review the delivery information 346, elect to add another shipment for the delivery via option 348, or choose an available vehicle for the transport of the 3 seater couch via option 350.

[0091] The next screen relates to a vehicle selection screen as shown in Figure 3M. In this screen, a road map 352 is displayed with a plurality of icons representing available load transporting vehicles that match the load parameter and are available to transport the load from the pick-up location to the destination. Specifically, three icons 354, 356, 358 representing three available trucks are displayed. Each icon may further include a time to arrive at the pick-up location and a cost estimate for completing the transport.

[0092] In this example, only vehicles are displayed that match the load parameter. In this way, the application can ensure that the transport conforms with the relevant truck legislation, i.e. undersized trucks are not matched with loads that are too big or heavy to be transported with the truck. In addition, only vehicles are displayed that have indicated availability on the associated respondent computing device, for example by successfully logging into the dedicated application installed on the respondent computing device.

[0093] Furthermore, different icons are displayed on the location map for different truck types and sizes. In this way, a customer is able to select (a) a specific truck type to move the load; or (b) the cheapest truck; or (c) the closest truck.

[0094] Each icon is selectable and upon selection of an icon, further information in relation to the vehicle and the associated driver is made available to the customer as illustrated in Figure 3N. In this particular example, the customer selects icon 354 and the further information about the vehicle and the associated driver includes the following: a type of the vehicle 360, a payload 362, dimensions of the load transporting part of the vehicle 364 and additional information 366, such as the number of people available to complete the transport, an content items of the vehicle, such as a trolley and a trolley jack. [0095] Once the customer reviewed the further information, the customer is able to return to the vehicle selection screen of Figure 3M or request the selected vehicle as shown in Figure 30. In this way, the customer can make the final selection to ensure that a truck is booked that meets the legislation requirements. By selecting the trucking icon on the map it ensures that the customer can verify the truck type and truck dimensions and the driver qualifications (i.e. driver tickets and licence details, as well as driver rating). Furthermore, the selection may be made on equipment available with the selected vehicle and/or driver qualifications and capabilities. For example, a driver may have particular training in loading goods or specialisations such as a licence for a crane.

[0096] In an alternative embodiment , rather than allowing the customer to select a vehicle as shown in Figure 3M, the processor 112 is configured to automatically select the most suitable and available load transporting vehicle for the transport of the load based on the information provided with the request. In this embodiment, after reviewing a summary as shown in Figure 3L, a customer may be shown a cost estimate screen as shown in Figure 3P, showing an estimated range for the delivery in a graph 368, and may be prompted to agree to the estimated cost. As shown in Figure 3Q, a vehicle is then automatically matched by processor 112 to the customer's needs, such as by matching the load weight, dimensions, and pickup location to the capacity and location of available vehicles, and a customer may be able to access information regarding the goods being transported 370, the vehicle transporting the good 372, and the driver of the vehicle 374.

[0097] According to some embodiments, processor 112 may be configured to automatically select the closest vehicle which has the capacity to transport the load based on the load parameters supplied by the customer. If the selected vehicle is not available, processor 112 may be configured to then select the next closest vehicle, and continue this process until an available vehicle is selected. According to some embodiments, if there isn't a large enough supply of available vehicles, human operators may assist by contacting drivers of suitable vehicles to establish whether or not they can make the delivery, and then matching these manually to a customer request.

[0098] Once a vehicle is requested and the driver associated with the selected vehicle has accepted the request for the transport of the specified load, the customer is able to track the transport of the load. Exemplary tracking screens are illustrated in Figures 3R to 3T. In particular, Figure 3R depicts a screen shot illustrating the tracking of the current location of the selected vehicle by displaying the icon 376 on the road map. In this example, the screen shot further shows information indicative of the load parameter 378, the licence plate number 380 and the name of the driver 382. Furthermore, an estimated time to arrive at the pick-up location 384 may be displayed. Figure 3S illustrates a tracking screen indicating that the vehicle has arrived at the specified pick-up location and that the load items are loaded onto the truck. Figure 3T illustrates a further tracking screen indicating that the load items are being delivered at the specified destination. Figure 3U shows a summary screen indicating that the transport of the load item is completed. The screen further shows a map of the area to which the goods were delivered 386, information on the cost of the transport of the load 388 and facilitates to rate the driver of the vehicle 390. The cost of the transport may automatically be charged on the credit card that is associated with the customer profile and an invoice may be sent to the email address of the customer.

[0099] Figure 3V shows a further summary screen indicating the route the driver took for the transport of the load from the pick-up location and the destination.

[0100] Referring now to Figures 4A to 4H, there is illustrated exemplary screen shots from a driver interface of the application when the application is executed on the driver computing device 212.

[0101] Similar to the customer, a driver needs to proceed through a registration process in which the driver is asked to enter user information 402 and vehicle information which are stored at the user database 218 and the vehicle database 220. As mentioned above, in this particular example the respondent is also the driver of the vehicle. In this example, the registered driver is associated with two load transporting vehicles, one of the vehicles is awaiting approval through the platform 202 as illustrated in an exemplary profile screen shown in Figure 4A.

[0102] According to some embodiments, a driver may be able to toggle between being "online" and "offline". When the driver is "offline" they may not be able to receive any new jobs, and so may elect to set their status as offline when they are busy or aren't ready to receive any new jobs. When a driver is online, they may be able to receive new jobs through the application.

[0103] A summary screen as shown in Figure 4B illustrates previous transports of loads with the registered transporting vehicle. [0104] In Figure 4C, a screen shot is shown that is indicative of an invitation to accept a request for a transport of a load. In this example, the invitation includes information indicative of the load parameter, i.e. 3 seater couch, and the pick-up location, i.e. IKEA on 123 Londsdale Street. To transport the load, the driver of the vehicle needs to accept the invitation within 15 seconds as the invitation will expire within a short period of time.

[0105] If the driver accepts the invitation to transport the load, the driver is asked to proceed directly to the specified pick-up location. The driver may use a route that is suggested on the road map on the driver computing device.

[0106] In this particular example, acceptance of the invitation is the point in time for which the customer will be charged based on the following: (a) a flag fall rate; (b) time from accepting job until pickup; (c) loading time; or (d) time from pickup to drop off. An additional service fee may be added, such as 20% of the cost of transport.

[0107] The next screens shown in Figures 4D to 4H are indicative of status tracking screen shots. For example, once the driver arrived at the pick-up location, a screen as shown in Figure 4D is displayed on the driver computing device. The application facilitates the driver to confirm arrival at the pick-up location so that the customer can be notified by an alert.

[0108] Once the load items are loaded onto the vehicle, the next screen shown in Figure 4E enables the driver to confirm that loading is completed. In this particular example, three load items are loaded onto the vehicle, wherein the first two load items are delivered to a destination different to the third load items.

[0109] The driver is then asked to proceed to the specified one or more destinations and each time the driver arrives at a destination, the driver confirms the arrival at the destination and a POD will be signed as illustrated in Figures 4F, 4G and 4H. According to some embodiments, processor 112 may be configured to generate a suggested route for the driver to take between the one or more pick-up locations and the one or more drop-off locations Where there are multiple stops for the delivery, processor 112 may be configured to optimise a route including each of the pick-up and drop-off locations by selecting the most efficient available route between the plurality of locations. When the final delivery is made, an invoice will automatically issue and payment for the transport of the load is triggered. In this example, the credit card associated with the customer will automatically be charged with the costs for completing the transport. [0110] Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a flow chart illustrating a method 500 of arranging transport of a load in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] The method 500 comprises a step of receiving 502 through a communications network at a computer server, such as computer server 102 or platform 202, a request for transport of the load from a customer using a customer computing device. The customer computing device may for example be a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop or any other computing device having a network interface to communicate with the computer server via the communications network. The request comprises at least one pick-up location and may further comprise at least one desired destination, a load parameter indicative of the load to be transported and user information of the customer.

[0112] In step 504, a current location of a plurality of load transporting vehicles is determined. The plurality of load transporting vehicles may be selected based on availability, a vehicle parameter indicative of a size or dimension of the vehicle and/or the current location of each vehicle relative to the pick-up location of the load. Each load transporting vehicle being associated with a respondent computing device of a respondent who may or may not be the driver of the vehicle, as mentioned above.

[0113] Information indicative of the plurality of load transporting vehicles is then made available in step 506 to the customer computing device through the communications network. This information may include the current location, the vehicle parameter, user information on the respondent and/or the driver, vehicle information such as a licence plate number and a cost estimate for completing the request.

[0114] Step 508 relates to facilitating selection of one of the plurality of load transporting vehicles by the customer on the customer computing device. This step may be implemented by rendering a road map on the customer computing device in which each available vehicle is represented by a selectable icon. In one example, different icons are displayed for different vehicle parameters.

[0115] In response to the selection of the one load transporting vehicle, the method 500 comprises a step 510 of sending an invitation to accept the request for transporting the load to the respondent computing device associated with the selected vehicle. The invitation may expire within a predefined time period such as 15 seconds so that the respondent only has a relatively short time period to accept the invitation. If the invitation is declined or expires, step 508 may be repeated.

[0116] An alternative flow chart illustrating an alternative method 600 of arranging transport of a load in accordance with some embodiments is shown in Figure 6.

[0117] The method 600 comprises a step of receiving 602 through a communications network at a computer server, such as computer server 102 or platform 202, a request for transport of the load from a customer using a customer computing device. The customer computing device may for example be a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop or any other computing device having a network interface to communicate with the computer server via the communications network. The request comprises at least one pick-up location and may further comprise at least one desired destination, a load parameter indicative of the load to be transported and user information of the customer.

[0118] In step 604, a current location of a plurality of load transporting vehicles is determined. The plurality of load transporting vehicles may be selected based on availability, a vehicle parameter indicative of a size or dimension of the vehicle and/or the current location of each vehicle relative to the pick-up location of the load. Each load transporting vehicle is associated with a respondent computing device of a respondent who may or may not be the driver of the vehicle, as mentioned above.

[0119] At step 606, processor 112 automatically matches the customer request with an available vehicle based on the current location of the vehicle, and the vehicle parameters. For example, processor 112 may be configured to select a vehicle that is capable of safely carrying a load of the weight and dimensions stipulated by the customer, and may select the vehicle that is closest to the pickup location.

[0120] At step 608, a vehicle is automatically selected by processor 112 based on the matched vehicles identified at step 606.

[0121] In response to the selection at step 608 of the load transporting vehicle, the method 600 comprises a step 610 of sending an invitation to accept the request for transporting the load to the respondent computing device associated with the selected vehicle. The invitation may expire within a predefined time period such as 15 seconds so that the respondent only has a relatively short time period to accept the invitation. If the invitation is declined or expires, step 606 may be repeated. [0122] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A computer system for arranging transport of a load, the computer system comprising:

2. The computer system of claim 1 wherein the at least one vehicle parameter comprises one or more of the following: a maximum size of the load that is transportable by the vehicle; a maximum weight of the load that is transportable by the vehicle; a size of the load transporting portion of the vehicle; a type of the vehicle; and equipment available with the vehicle.

3. The computer system of claim 1 or 2 wherein the information made available on the customer computing device further includes one or more of the following: an estimate of costs for completing the transport of the load, identification information of the respondent, a driver and/or the associated load transporting vehicle, driver qualifications, and driver specialisations.

4. The computer system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the request for the transport of the load further includes information indicative of at least one desired destination.

5. The computer system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the request for the transport of the load further includes at least one load parameter indicative of the load to be transported.

6. The computer system of claim 5 wherein the processor is configured to select the plurality of load transporting vehicles by matching the at least one load parameter and the at least one vehicle parameter.

7. The computer system of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the at least one load parameter includes at least one of a weight of the load, dimensions of the load, number of items in the load, type of the load or description of the load.

8. The computer system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the processor is configured to select the plurality of load transporting vehicles within a predefined distance from the pick-up location and/or the at least one desired destination.

9. The computer system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the processor is configured to estimate the cost for the transport of the load.

10. The computer system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the processor is configured to determine the current location of each of the load transporting vehicles by communicating with a global positioning system (GPS) component of a driver computing device associated with a load transporting vehicle.

11. The computer system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the invitation to accept the request for the transport of the load expires within a predefined time period.

12. The computer system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the processor is configured to facilitate communications between the customer computing device and the respondent computing device associated with the selected vehicle.

13. The computer system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the processor is configured to track progress of the transport of the load by automatically communicating with the GPS component of the respondent computing device or a driver computing device associated with the selected load transporting vehicle.

14. The computer system of claim 13 wherein the processor is configured to communicated an alert to the customer computing device when the load transporting vehicle is within a predefined distance relative to the pick-up location and/or the desired destination.

15. The computer system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the processor is configured to facilitate signing off by the respondent using the respondent computing device once the transport of the load is completed.

16. The computer system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the processor makes the information indicative of the plurality of load transporting vehicles available to the user computing device by displaying a map, wherein each of the plurality of load transporting vehicles is represented by an icon on the map.

17. The computer system of claim 16 wherein the icon is selected from a plurality of icons and each icon is associated with a predefined vehicle parameter or range of vehicle parameters.

18. The computer system of claim 17 wherein each icon is selectable such that upon selection of an icon, further information in relation to the load transporting vehicle is made available on the customer computing device.

19. The computer system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the processor is configured to issue an invoice for the transport of the load and communicate the issued invoice to the customer computing device and/or the respondent computing device.

20. The computer system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the processor is configured to facilitate payment of the costs for the completed transport of the load.

21. A computer implemented method of arranging transport of a load, the method comprising:

22. A computer implemented method of arranging transport of a load, the method comprising: receiving, at a computer server, a request for the transport of the load from a customer computing device through a communications network, the request comprising information indicative of at least a pick-up location of the load;

23. A software application for arranging transport of a load, the software application when executed on a computer system performing the steps of the method of claim 21 or claim 22.

24. A computer system for arranging transport of a load, the computer system comprising:

determine a current location of a plurality of load transporting vehicles; automatically match the request for the transport of a load with an available load transporting vehicle that is capable of transporting the load by matching at least one load parameter with at least one vehicle parameter of each of the plurality of load transporting vehicles; and

based on the matching of the request, automatically select an available load transporting vehicle that is capable of transporting the load; and

25. The computer system of claim 24 wherein the at least one vehicle parameter comprises one or more of the following: a maximum size of the load that is transportable by the vehicle; a maximum weight of the load that is transportable by the vehicle; a size of the load transporting portion of the vehicle; a type of the vehicle; and equipment available with the vehicle.

26. The computer system of claim 24 or 25 further comprising making available on the customer computing device one or more of the following: an estimate of costs for completing the transport of the load, identification information of the respondent, a driver and/or the associated load transporting vehicle, driver qualifications, and driver specialisations.

27. The computer system of any one of claims 24 to 26 wherein the request for the transport of the load further includes information indicative of at least one desired destination.

28. The computer system of any one of claims 24 to 27 wherein the request for the transport of the load further includes at least one load parameter indicative of the load to be transported.

29. The computer system of claim 28, wherein the at least one load parameter includes at least one of a weight of the load, dimensions of the load, number of items in the load, type of the load or description of the load.

30. The computer system of any one of claims 24 to 29 wherein the processor is configured to automatically match the request for the transport of a load with an available load transporting vehicle within a predefined distance from the pick-up location and/or the at least one desired destination.

31. The computer system of any one of claims 24 to 30 wherein the processor is configured to estimate the cost for the transport of the load.

32. The computer system of any one of claims 24 to 31 wherein the processor is configured to determine the current location of each of the load transporting vehicles by communicating with a global positioning system (GPS) component of a driver computing device associated with a load transporting vehicle.

33. The computer system of any one of claims 24 to 32 wherein the invitation to accept the request for the transport of the load expires within a predefined time period.

34. The computer system of any one of claims 24 to 33 wherein the processor is configured to facilitate communications between the customer computing device and the respondent computing device associated with the selected vehicle.

35. The computer system of any one of claims 24 to 34 wherein the processor is configured to track progress of the transport of the load by automatically communicating with the GPS component of the respondent computing device or a driver computing device associated with the selected load transporting vehicle.

36. The computer system of claim 35 wherein the processor is configured to communicated an alert to the customer computing device when the load transporting vehicle is within a predefined distance relative to the pick-up location and/or the desired destination.

37. The computer system of any one of claims 24 to 36 wherein the processor is configured to facilitate signing off by the respondent using the respondent computing device once the transport of the load is completed.

38. The computer system of any one of claims 24 to 37 wherein the processor is configured to issue an invoice for the transport of the load and communicate the issued invoice to the customer computing device and/or the respondent computing device.

39. The computer system of any one of claims 24 to 38 wherein the processor is configured to facilitate payment of the costs for the completed transport of the load.