METHOD FOR BROKERING EXCESS CARRIER CAPACITY

摘要

The invention is a method for brokering carrier capacity. The method comprises a dual path; one path that allows entry into a data processing system of available carrier capacity which is comprised of a list of parameters which define that capacity, and the second path which allows access to that capacity. Each entry point to the system has data entry means for either entering carrier capacity or entering a request for available routes,or both. Available capacity entries are confirmed, saved in a transportation database, and assigned a pre-transaction code. Path two involves entering a request for available capacity by defining a requested route based upon a list of parameters. The system compares available capacity with the requested route to determine whether or not a match exists. The system operator selects an appropriate matched entry which must then be confirmed. Upon confirmation, selected matches are saved to a transaction database and assigned a transaction code. If no match is determined, then the requested route data is saved to a request database. A request database locator program is then activated for the purpose of querying the transportation database at pre-determined intervals to determine if a matching capacity has been subsequently entered. If a matching capacity has been subsequently entered, then a prompt is sent to the requesting site indicating that a match has been found and that confirmation is required; otherwise, the request database locator program will continue to query the transportation database until the routine is terminated.