ABF Secures U.S. Patent for Electronic Shipment Planner Interface

ABF Freight System, Inc., 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. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, issued U.S. Patent Number 7,003,720 to ABF.

Shipment Planner and Shipment Snapshot energize the carrier's reporting system by allowing customers to view and manage shipments online through a simple calendar interface. According to customer preference, shipments 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. 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, ABF's director of e-systems and emerging technologies. "Through our ongoing assessment of customer needs, ABF continues to lead the industry in developing user-centric applications via Internet-based technology."