ABF secures patent for shipment planning interface

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ABF Freight System has secured a U.S. patent directed to its Electronic Shipment Planner, an Internet-based technology available through the carrier’s website. This technology powers ABF’s Shipment Planner and Shipment Snapshot applications and helps ABF customers manage and track shipments through a calendar interface.

Shipment Planner and Shipment Snapshot are designed to allow customers using the carrier’s reporting system to view and manage shipments online through a calendar interface. According to customer preference, shipments can appear on the calendar by pickup date, due/delivery date or appointment date. Customers choose the types of shipments and the shipment information to be displayed, and the items are hyperlinked to additional shipment detail. Customers also can customize the calendar to manage business and personal schedules.

“This patent exemplifies ABF’s focus on developing innovative technological solutions that our customers find distinctly usable, saving them time and money,” says Michael Newcity, director of e-systems and emerging technologies for Fort Smith, Ark.-based ABF.