Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

In a method for debiting shipping services on the basis of the respective transport service fee schedules of carriers, accounting operations of the services of various carriers are standardized and simplified by undertaking a central accounting, and the debiting of the services ensues individually or summed. A user program is loaded into a modified postage meter machine that has a printer and a telecommunication unit, at least one service fee table of a carrier being selectable therefrom. The weight or some other physical quantity of a shipment is entered the modified postage meter machine, and a service value is calculated therein in conjunction with the selected shipping parameters. The printer device of the modified postage meter machine prints out an identity ticket that contains the shipping parameters, at least including the shipping fee for the shipment. The information characterizing the shipment are intermediately stored in the modified postage meter machine and the implemented value identification of the shipment is transmitted via a telecommunication connection to a remote data center, either individually or summed. The data received in the data center are acquired, compiled and separately accounted for for each carrier with an accounting program and an invoice is prepared at the data center and is communicated to the consignor for payment. All steps involving storage or handling of funds or monetary credit associated with the shipping service take place exclusively at the data center.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim