Importance

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Abstract

A logistics node receives a purchase order from a customer. The logistics node selects an appropriate carrier to transport products specified in the purchase order and conveys shipping instructions to the selected carrier. The logistics node also coordinates the shipment by interacting with a source node (associated with a supplier of the products) and a destination node (associated with the recipient of the products). According to one exemplary feature, the logistics node provides an interface that permits users involved in the distribution chain to track the status of the shipments without having to enter tracking codes that are unique to individual carriers. According to another exemplary feature, the interface allows a user to access multiple 'levels' of information regarding a shipment, including information pertaining to an individual product within a shipment containing multiple products. According to another exemplary feature, the interface allows a user to change the priority status associated with particular products that have already been presented for shipment. According to another exemplary feature, the interface provides different 'views' for use by different respective users. Each of the views provides a corresponding different set of tools for use in interacting with the freight managing service.

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First Claim