摘要 |
<p>A process for statistically sampling the handling quality of parcel shipping carriers. The process includes: associating a data recorder with a parcel (100); shipping the parcel with a parcel carrier (102); sampling physical conditions encountered by the parcel during shipment with the recorder (104); processing the data to summarize the handling quality during shipment (106). During shipping, the parcel is tracked to determine its location at particular times. The sampled physical conditions encountered may include impact, vibration, temperature change, humidity change, atmospheric pressure, compression, electromagnetic radiation, and magnetic fields. The physical parameters may be statistically analyzed to provide useful information concerning the carrier's handling quality. This information may be disseminated to consumers via passive or interactive Internet web sites so that the consumers may compare and select carriers that provide the most efficient handling quality.</p> |