Devices, Systems and Methods for Wirelessly Routing a Vehicle

Abstract

The present invention automates the process of receiving transportation documentation and producing advance loading manifests therefrom to optimize load planning and dynamic product shipment and delivery control. Methods provide for receipt of the transportation documentation, initial preparation, and transmission of the documentation from on board a vehicle or while the vehicle is in transit.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device capable of collecting and transmitting shipping and vehicle information from a vehicle to a remote processor, the device comprising:
 at least one processor;   a memory;   an input device configured to acquire user input data;   a global positioning satellite device for determining location information corresponding to a location of the device;   a user display screen;   a transmission device, wherein the at least one processor, the memory, the transmission device, the input device, and the global positioning satellite device are in proximity of the vehicle; and   executable instructions stored on the memory, the executable instructions executable by the at least one processor and configured to:
 display an electronic form on the user display, wherein the electronic form is configured to allow a user to input shipping information using the input device, wherein the shipping information is related to at least one package being transported on a vehicle; 
 receive vehicle information from a vehicle main computer associated with the vehicle and the global positioning satellite device; 
 using the transmission device, wirelessly transmit the shipping information and vehicle information to a remote processor while the at the least one package is en route to a terminal. 
   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic form is configured as an electronic bill of lading, wherein a first user inputs information related to at least one package being transported on the vehicle. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the electronic form is further configured to receive verification input from a second user related to the at least one package being transported on the vehicle. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 using the transmission device, wirelessly receive updated route information data from a remote processor, the updated route information data based at least in part on the shipping information, the vehicle information, or combinations thereof; and   cause the user display screen to display a graphical representation of the updated route information data.   
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the vehicle information received from the vehicle main computer comprises at least one of: engine temperature, oil pressure, fluid levels, tire pressure, weather condition information, speed of travel, direction of travel, and vehicle location. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic form is further configured to receive comments from the user. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the comments correspond to the at least one package being transported on the vehicle. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the comments correspond to one or more conditions of the vehicle. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the comments comprise at least one of: remarks, details, error notations, corrections, and weather conditions. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the input device comprises a keyboard. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the input device comprises computer screen and a wand. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the input device comprises a device capable of receiving spoken words and performing a voice recognition operation.