NL2020749B1

NL2020749B1 - A method for managing road transport of goods

Info

Publication number: NL2020749B1
Application number: NL2020749A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Togtema Hans
Original assignee: Collect&Go B V
Priority date: 2017-04-11
Filing date: 2018-04-11
Publication date: 2021-09-23
Also published as: NL2020749A

Abstract

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for managing road transport of goods, said method comprising the steps of allowing a driver of a transportation 5 vehicle to access an electronic platform comprising a multitude of electronic consignment notes, allowing said driver to retrieve an electronic consignment note from said platform, allowing said driver to assign himself to said consignment note, providing instructions to said driver concerning transport and/or delivery of said goods towards the receiver, gathering tracing information during transport of said goods 10 from said sender to said receiver, and legally transferring said goods to said receiver. In a second aspect, the present invention concerns a computer-based system for executing said method.

Description

A METHOD FOR MANAGING ROAD TRANSPORT OF GOODS Technical field The invention pertains to the technical field of methods and computer-based systems for managing road transport of goods.

Background in business-to-business transport of goods by professional carriers (e.g. truck drivers), senders of ihese goods are printing consignment notes on a regular basis. They do so, because such transport must always be accompanied by a consignment note that is properly filled-in and duly signed. At any time during transport, the driver should be able to present this consignment note for verification. Absence of the consignment note is seen as an economic offence, and is usually fined.

Typically, such a consignment note comprises different parts of carbonless paper: one for the sender of the goods, one for the receiver, one for the carrier, and possibly one for a possible second carrier. A disadvantage of this paper-version consignment note is that it does not allow for a streamlined transfer of the data enclosed between the parties involved. Moreover, it is time-consuming to complete the consignment note by hand.

DE 198 30 777 discloses a data transmission and data processing method relating to the transportation of goods by a transport firm. In particular, each transportation vehicle is provided with a mobile communication system, for instance with a mobile phone. In a similar fashion, the transport firm itself has a central communication system, allowing it to exchange data with the individual transportation vehicles. For instance, data can be transferred from the transport firm to a transportation vehicle, on the basis of which a consignment note is generated and printed out in the transportation vehicle itself. Ultimately, upon transfer of goods to the receiver, the consignment note is signed by the latter, after which the consignment note (including the receiver signature) is scanned in and immediately sent back to the transport firm. This makes exchange of information between the parties involved much faster and far more efficient.

The process may be digitalized entirely, by use of electronic-version consignment notes. Senders of goods could opt for linking their computer systems with the transport firm's computer system. This way, drivers could indirectly be provided with an electronic-version consignment note, for instance via the transport firm planning department. The consignment note can then be consulted by the driver on an electronic device, such as a tablet, mobile phone or on-board computer.

However, it is not necessarily so that employing an electronic-version consignment note ensures a more streamlined transfer of information. All depends on the efficiency, work load and goodwill of the planning department, in making available the consignment notes to the drivers.

There is a need in the art for a working method that massively promotes the use of electronic consignment notes, thereby boosting the digitalization of the transport sector. Preferably, said method ensures an optimized exchange of information between the parties involved. In particular, the driver should per definition be provided with an electronic-version consignment note.

Summary of the invention in a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for managing road transport of goods, said method comprising the steps of: - allowing a driver of a transportation vehicle to access an electronic platform comprising a multitude of electronic consignment notes, whereby each consignment note relates to goods to be transported from a sender to a receiver, - allowing said driver to retrieve, via a consignment reference number that is attributed to him, an electronic consignment note from said platform, and allowing said driver to assign himself to said consignment note, via a driver electronic signature, whereby the related goods are legally transferred to said driver, and/or to an employer of said driver, - providing instructions to said driver concerning transport and/or delivery of said goods towards the receiver, which instructions at least comprise information about a receiving location, - gathering tracing information, at least during transport of said goods from said sender to said receiver, which tracing information is consultable for the sender and/or for the receiver in real time, and - receiving a receiver electronic signature, upon delivery of said goods at said receiving location, whereby said goods are legally transferred to said receiver.

Preferably, the driver thereby acts on behalf of a transportation firm.

A major advantage is that this method is a driver-centered method, whereby the drivers are enabled to take action in digitalizing the transport sector, by shifting towards electronic-version consignment notes rather than printed-version consignment notes. The drivers themselves indeed have the most to gain with this digitalization, since it is them who need to handle the consignment notes from sender to receiver. In the method as set out above, the driver is per definition provided with an electronic-version consignment note: he can only assign himself to a given transportation job, by assigning himself to the (electronic-version) consignment note relating thereto. Advantageously, this method greatly favors the use of electronic consignment notes. An advantage of employing electronic signatures is that the complete consignment note cycle can be digitalized.

An advantage of the receiver having access to tracing information is that the receiver can then make a better estimation on the actual arrival of the transportation vehicle for delivering the goods. If such tracing information is also gathered prior to picking up the goods at the sender location, and consultable by said sender, then the sender has a similar advantage. This could advantageously result in shorter waiting times for picking up and for receiving the goods, since there is an improved coordination of all parties involved. Preferably, geofencing technology is employed to this end. For instance, according to a non-limiting example, an alert message is dispatched to sender and/or receiver, as soon as the transportation vehicle enters a virtual perimeter surrounding the sender and receiver location respectively. This will further improve the coordination between the parties involved.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a system for managing road transport of goods between a sender and a receiver, said system comprising: - a server, which server comprises an account database, a consignment note database, and a tracing database, and which server is configured to exchange data with a mobile user device, which user device comprises a screen, an input apparatus, a tracing module and a wireless communication module, - a computer program product, which computer program product comprises instructions for handling driver account registration and/or login on said system, and for registering electronic consignment notes on said server; in particular, said computer program product additionally comprises instructions for: - providing an electronic platform, which platform comprises consignment notes and is accessible to drivers that have logged in on the system via a driver account, which platform is further provided with a searching tool that allows said driver to retrieve a consignment note from said platform, via a consignment reference number, and for - receiving and registering tracing data from said mobile driver user device on said server.

Preferably, said system is configured for the implementation/execution of the method described above, whereby the same advantages can be repeated. Detailed description of the invention The present invention concerns a method and a system for managing road transport of goods. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention. As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings: “A”, “an”, and “the” as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, “a compartment” refers to one or more than one compartment.

“About” as used herein referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of +/- 20% or less, preferably +/-10% or less, more preferably +/-5% or less, even more preferably +/-1% or less, and still more preferably +/-0.1% or less of and from the specified value, in so far such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. However, it is to be understood that the value to which the modifier “about” refers is itself also specifically disclosed.

“Comprise”, “comprising”, and “comprises” and “comprised of” as used herein are synonymous with “include”, “including”, “includes” or “contain”, “containing”, *contains” and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.

The term “transportation vehicle” may refer to any vehicle for transport of cargo by road. In particular, yet without limitation, the term “transportation vehicle” comprises trucks, automobiles, and delivery vans.

The term “transportation job”, as used throughout this document, relates to goods that need to be transported from a sender to a receiver. Preferably, said goods are to be transported by road, via a transportation vehicle, whereby said transportation job is performed by a “driver” of said transportation vehicle.

Preferably, said driver acts on behalf of a transportation firm.

According to the state of the art, it is the transportation firm planning department that attributes transportation jobs to the drivers.

In any case, such transport must always be accompanied by a consignment 5 note.

Each transportation job of specific goods, from a specific sender to a specific receiver, is therefore uniquely linked to a specific consignment note.

The “sender location” is the location where the goods are to be picked up by the driver, for their transport towards the receiver.

The sender can be an individual, yet preferably, the sender is a company.

For instance, the goods can be picked up at a company depot, said depot being the sender location.

The “receiver location” is the location where the goods are to be delivered.

The receiver can be and individual, yet preferably, the receiver is a company.

For instance, the goods are to be delivered at a company depot, which depot is then the receiver location.

Sender and receiver locations are typically provided with bays for loading/unloading the goods.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints. in a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for managing road transport of goods, said method comprising the steps of: - allowing a driver of a transportation vehicle to access an electronic platform comprising a multitude of electronic consignment notes, whereby each consignment note relates to goods to be transported from a sender to a receiver, - allowing said driver to retrieve, via a consignment reference number that was attributed to him, an electronic consignment note from said platform, and allowing said driver to assign himself to said consignment note, via a driver electronic signature, whereby the related goods are legally transferred to said driver, - providing instructions to said driver concerning transport and/or delivery of said goods towards the receiver, which instructions at least comprise information about a receiving location, - gathering tracing information, at least during transport of said goods from said sender to said receiver, which tracing information is consultable for the sender and/or for the receiver in real time, and - receiving a receiver electronic signature, upon delivery of said goods at said receiving location, whereby said goods are legally transferred to said receiver.

Preferably, said driver acts on behalf of a transportation firm.

A major advantage is that this method is a driver-centered method, whereby the drivers are enabled to take action in digitalizing the transport sector, by shifting towards electronic-version consignment notes rather than printed-version consignment notes.

The drivers themselves indeed have the most to gain with this digitalization, since it is them who need to handle the consignment notes from sender to receiver. in the method as set out above, the driver is per definition provided with an electronic-version consignment note: he can only assign himself to a given transportation job, by assigning himself to the (electronic-version) consignment note relating thereto.

Advantageously, this method greatly favors the use of electronic consignment notes, thereby reducing the administrative load.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, said method is a computer-implemented method.

By assigning himself to a certain consignment note (Dutch: vrachtbrief), the driver assigns himself to the transportation job corresponding thereto.

Generally he does so at the sending location, upon transferal of the goods from sender to driver, and after having verified the commodity information (Dutch: goedereninformatie). Said transfer of goods is then legally confirmed by means of the above-mentioned, driver electronic signature.

In this respect, the term “legal transfer of goods” is meant to also comprise the transferal of the corresponding responsibilities for said goods, from the sender to the driver and/or to the employer of said driver, in accordance with the applicable legislation.

Most preferably, however, the driver acts on behalf of a transportation firm.

In such cases, the driver legally confirms said transfer of goods, by means of the aforementioned electronic signature, and by order of the transportation firm.

It is then the transportation firm that takes up certain responsibilities for said goods, especially during transport, and in accordance with the applicable legislation.

Starting from this moment, up until delivery of the goods at the receiving location, the driver and/or the transport firm are responsible for the goods.

The driver electronic signature thus legally confirms the transfer of this responsibility.

It is equally possible for the driver to provisionally assign himself to a transportation job, prior to picking up the goods.

When suited or at any agreed time, the driver then makes his way to the sending location, for effectively picking up the goods.

Only upon the actual transferal of the goods from sender to driver, said provisional assignment is then legally confirmed, by means of a driver electronic signature.

Just as the driver, also the sender has to supplement the consignment note with his signature, which signature is preferably also an electronic signature.

Upon delivery of the goods at the receiver location, the receiver traditionally inspects the goods and subsequently adds his signature to the consignment note.

In the present method, a receiver electronic signature will be registered. In any case, the receiver signature legally confirms the ultimate transfer of the goods, form the driver and/or driver employer to the receiver. The term “electronic signature”, as used herein, should be understood in the broadest of senses as an electronic sound, symbol, or process, attached to or logically associated with a contract or other record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record. More preferably, an “electronic signature” should be understood as a signature that consists of one or more letters, characters, numbers or other symbols in digital form incorporated in, attached to or associated with an electronic document. Even more preferably, said electronic signature is thereby such that: - it is unique to the person making the signature, - the technology or process used to make the signature is under the sole control of the person making the signature; - the technology or process can be used to identify the person using the technology or process; and - the electronic signature can be linked with an electronic document in such a way that it can be used to determine whether the electronic document has been changed since the electronic signature was incorporated in, attached to or associated with the electronic document. Most preferably, the electronic signature appearance is a visual manifestation of the signer's signature on the electronic document. An electronic signature appearance can include graphic elements and textual elements.

For example, the electronic signature appearance can include an image of the signer's handwritten signature and text indicating the date the electronic document was signed. Because an electronic document cannot be altered after it has been electronically signed without invalidating the electronic signature, the signer cannot alter the electronic signature appearance after signing the electronic document. If the signer is not satisfied with the appearance of the electronic signature on the electronic document, then the signer would have to effectively re-sign another copy of the electronic document, using an electronic signature appearance satisfactory to the signer.

In another embodiment, the electronic signature can relate to a graphical code, for instance to a QR code or a barcode that is carried by the signer (e.g. on a badge) or that is at least present at the signing location, at the moment of signing. According to a non-limiting embodiment, the driver electronic signature relates to a QR code that is present on a driver badge, and which is carried by the driver at all times.

Preferably, it is the sender who draws up the electronic consignment note, and thereby chooses a suitable electronic signature protocol that is to be followed by sender, driver, and/or by receiver, preferably by all three of them, and more preferably at least by the sender and/or the driver. Said electronic signature protocol should of course be recognized officially for its use in conjunction with electronic consignment notes, by the competent authorities. An advantage of employing electronic signatures is that the complete consignment note cycle can be digitalized. In some states however, the competent inspecting authorities still require a printed-version consignment note. In such cases, the sender delivers a printed-version consignment note to the driver, via a print function. In an alternative, preferred embodiment of the present method and system, the transportation vehicle is provided with a printing device, which printing device is suitable for printing out a printed-version consignment note, based upon the electronic-version consignment note.

According to the method as set out above, the driver is allowed to retrieve an electronic consignment note from said electronic platform, by means of a consighment reference number that was attributed to him. To this end, said platform preferably provides a search tool, enabling the driver to perform a search on the basis of consignment reference numbers. For instance, the planning department of the corresponding transport firm then provides their drivers with consignment reference numbers (related to transportation jobs), on the basis of which said search can be performed. Preferably, the driver can only access those consignment note(s) of which he has the corresponding consignment reference number. This ensures a higher degree of confidentiality. Research (Source: Eurostat Data) shows that the average load factor for trucks in the EU is just above 50%. This means that nearly 50% of the trucks have excess capacity available during transportation.

The Paris agreement aims at a 50% reduction by 2050, of the worldwide CO: emission related to transport. One possible strategy for achieving this goal is to make the transport sector more efficient.

Such an efficiency gain could be achieved by increasing the Joad factor of transportation means, such as containers and trucks.

As has been mentioned above, it is preferred that the driver can only access consignment notes via the consignment reference numbers corresponding thereto. it is the planning department that supplies the drivers with these consignment notes.

However, it is equally possible to at least partly hand over the planning arrangements to the drivers themselves.

This could be done via a method that deviates slightly from the method as set out above, whereby the driver is additionally allowed to retrieve electronic consignment notes by means of other information.

For instance, said information can comprise information about the volume and/or mass of the goods to which said consignment note relates.

Depending on the available capacity, the driver can then decide on picking up additional goods, possibly between additional senders and receivers.

This alternative method, which method is even more driver-centered, results in higher load factors.

This avoids redundant transportation of goods using only partially-filled transportation vehicles.

Tracing information is automatically gathered, at least during transport of said goods from said sender to said receiver.

Moreover, this tracing information is consultable for said sender and/or for said receiver in real time.

Preferably, the tracing information comprises information on the location of the transportation vehicle, which information is updated at regular instances.

An advantage of the receiver having access to tracing information is that the receiver can then make a better estimation on the actual time of arrival of the transportation vehicle for delivering the goods. if such tracing information is also gathered prior to picking up the goods at the sender location, and consultable by said sender, then the sender has a similar advantage.

This could advantageously result in shorter waiting times for picking up and for receiving the goods, since there is an improved coordination of all parties involved.

Preferably, geofencing technology is employed to this end.

For instance, according to a non-limiting example, an alert message is dispatched to sender and/or receiver, as soon as the transportation vehicle enters a virtual perimeter surrounding the sender and receiver location respectively.

This will further improve the coordination between the parties involved.

In a further or alternative embodiment of the method, the driver electronic signature comprises information relating to a driver graphical code, preferably to a QR code or barcode.

in a further or alternative embodiment of the method, said method further comprises the step of receiving a sender electronic signature, which sender electronic signature relates to a sender graphical code, and during which step the driver collects an image of said sender graphical code, using a mobile driver user device. Preferably, said graphical code is specific for the sending company, and more preferably, said code is specific for the person handling the dispatch of goods at the sending location. Preferably, said “mobile driver user device” is as described below, in relation to the system according to the second aspect of the invention. Preferably, one or both of the above-mentioned graphical codes are visually presented at the signing location. Even more preferably, this graphical code is comprised by an object (e.g. by a badge) that is carried by the signer.

in a further or alternative embodiment of the method, also the receiver electronic signature can comprise information relating to a receiver graphical code, preferably to a QR code or bar code. Upon inspection and/or approval of the received goods, the receiver will then present this graphical code to the driver, on the basis of which a receiver electronic signature is generated. According to a preferred embodiment of the method, this entails the driver collecting an image (either analog or digital) of the above-mentioned graphical code, using his mobile driver user device. Latter image then serves as basis for the receiver electronic signature. The receiver electronic signature is either generated by the driver user device or by the system as described hereunder. In any case, the receiver electronic signature is added to the electronic consignment note. The goods are thereby legally transferred from the driver towards the receiver (or receiving company). An advantage is that this procedure renders the method even more driver-centered, since the equipment required for collecting the receiver electronic signature is in the hands of the driver.

In a further or alternative embodiment of the method, said driver has a unique driver account, via which account said driver is allowed to access said electronic platform. Preferably, said access is secured. For instance, the driver has to provide user credentials for being able to log in on his account. An advantage is that it is possible to limit the present method to a circle of trusted drivers, trusted senders, and/or trusted receivers. As such, the senders can offer their transportation jobs within a trusted network. Preferably, upon completion of his transportation job, the driver is attributed a score by another party involved, for instance by the receiver. This score data is added to the driver user account information. More preferably, such a score can be attributed by any party involved to any other party involved, on the basis of a {personal} evaluation of the performance of the latter party.

In a further or alternative embodiment of the method, said driver account is created during a one-time driver registration step. During said driver registration step, driver registration information is received and registered as user account information. Said driver registration information comprises information chosen from the group of the driver's name, driver contact information, driver's license information, information on the transportation vehicle or vehicles that are operated by said driver, and the preferred language of the driver. Preferably, during said driver registration step, the identity of the driver is validated using a social network account, an e-mail account, an ID-card, a passport, and/or using a driver's license. Preferably, at least some information is thereby uploaded to system described hereunder. Such information could for instance be chosen from the group comprising: the driver’s first name, the driver’s last name, and the driver's telephone number. in first further embodiment, during said driver registration step, said driver electronic signature is generated, which signature is from now on appointed to said driver account. Each time the driver assigns himself to a consighment note, said electronic signature is automatically called upon and reproduced on the electronic consignment note. However, in a second further embodiment, alternative to the first, said driver electronic signature can be generated on the basis of a touch screen driver signature entry, iris recognition and/or on the basis of face recognition. Each time when the driver assigns himself to a consignment note, this assignment should then be validated by means of said touch screen driver signature entry, said iris recognition procedure and/or said face recognition procedure respectively. Alternatively, this validation procedure may be performed by employing any other validation technique, known in the state of the art. For instance, this validation procedure could alternatively be performed by means of a voice recognition procedure. Preferably, also the senders and/or the receivers have sender and receiver accounts respectively, via which accounts they can gain access to the electronic platform and system. More preferably, the senders in particular have such a user account. Preferably, also the senders and/or the receivers can generate a (sender/receiver) electronic signature, which signature is optionally coupled to their sender/receiver account, in case they have one. These electronic signatures may be of the same type and they may be generated in the same way as described for the driver above. Preferably, however, it is possible to generate a receiver electronic signature on the basis of a receiver graphical code.

In a further or alternative embodiment of the method, the sender and/or the receiver have a sender/receiver account, via which said sender/receiver are allowed to access said electronic platform. Preferably, each of the users (senders, drivers, and/or receivers) can each access only user-specific parts of the electronic platform. For instance, a sender at least has access to all information about transportation jobs offered by him, on the platform. Additionally, he has access to at least his own personal profile on some account database. in a similar fashion, the receiver at least has access to all information about transportation jobs relating to goods that are being sent to him, and to his own personal profile on the account database. The driver at least has access to his own personal profile on the account database, and to (parts of) the information relating to transportation jobs he is assigned to. in a further or alternative embodiment of the method, a sender makes a request for transporting goods to a receiver, by adding the consignment note related to said transportation job to said electronic platform. A transportation vehicle driver is now able to assign himself to the transportation job related thereto, by assigning himself to said consignment note, in a way that is described above. As such, said driver is per definition provided with an electronic-version consignment note. It is preferred that a plurality of different senders each offer at least one transportation job (and thus at least one consignment note) on the platform. Each transportation job thereby entails picking up job-specific goods at the job-specific sender location, and transporting and delivering these goods at a job-specific receiver location. This advantageously allows for a far more efficient collaboration between a plurality of sender firms and transportation firms. Preferably, also individual drivers can make use of the method/system. The sender, driver, and/or receiver may choose to provide additional information, which information is traditionally not a part of a consignment note, yet could be relevant anyways. For instance, the sender could provide information on the loading bay at which the goods are to be picked-up, and/or he could provide an electronic image of the goods. Similarly, the receiver could provide information on the unloading bay at which the goods are to be unloaded. The present method allows for generating a consignment note electronic dossier, which dossier relates to the corresponding transportation job, and which dossier comprises consignment note information and any other information that could be relevant. As such, the consignment note electronic dossier is promoted to an electronic information carrier. The system automatically gathers/calculates relevant data, which data is then registered in the relevant dossier, and which data/information is communicated to the relevant users/accounts. For instance, such data could comprise the transport vehicle load factor. Additionally, each party to the transportation chain can add planning information to this carrier. The kind of information that is shown, and to what extent it is disclosed, is completely at the discretion of the party sharing the information. Preferably, it is possible for the latter party, to restrict the access to said information to only certain parties. Preferably, a question path is generated, on the basis of information that is comprised by the consignment note electronic dossier. Said question path will guide the driver, by providing him with instructions as specified throughout this document. it is further preferred that at least one task status report is generated automatically, at least during transport, and electronically dispatched to at least the sender and/or the receiver of the goods. Optionally, similar task status reports are dispatched to other relevant parties, such as the government, in case of transport of hazardous materials. This ensures an optimal flow of information between the parties that are relevant for the transportation job. in a further or alternative embodiment of the method, the sender and/or the receiver confirm an insurance of the goods during transport. Preferably the sender and/or receiver add insurance information to the consignment note, on the electronic platform. The goods related to said consignment note are thereby insured during transport, based on their economic value and on the value of the transportation job. Preferably, said insurance is automatically activated, as soon as it is validated by sender and/or receiver, by means of a sender/receiver electronic signature.

in a further or alternative embodiment of the method, the sender and/or receiver, relating to a specific consignment note, define data access rights and authentications. These rights and authentications are added to the electronic platform, and are required for other users when accessing said consignment note (or said consignment note electronic dossier) on said electronic platform. More preferably, only users that are involved in ar related to the specific transportation job can access consignment note information. Different user groups (e.g. truck drivers, dock employees, finance employees, government officials) are now able to only view data that is relevant to their job role and responsibilities related thereto.

Preferably, one or more people chosen from the group comprising senders, receivers, planners, and drivers each have their own user profile on the above-mentioned electronic platform, and an electronic signature related thereto.

Preferably, the sender and/or receiver of specific goods (related to a specific transportation job, a specific consignment note, and a specific consignment note electronic dossier) can thereby define the data access rights and authentications, required for the other users when consulting said dossier. in a further or alternative embodiment of the method, the above-mentioned instructions comprise gps navigation instructions.

Advantageously, a possible route to be followed is thereby calculated and subsequently suggested to the driver.

Preferably, the length of said suggested route is at short as possible.

Preferably, said route also takes into account the nature of the goods (e.g. in case of hazardous loads), and at least the maximum authorized mass, the height and the width of the transportation vehicle that is employed, in regard of any legal limitations that are implied along sections of said route.

To this end, a driver operating different transportation vehicles, using one and the same driver account, may be asked to select the transportation vehicle that is to be used for the specific transportation job he is (provisionally or officially/legally) assigning himself to.

In a further or alternative embodiment of the method, said instructions comprise information about a loading and/or an unloading bay at which said goods are to be loaded and unloaded respectively.

Latter information can be respectively provided by the sender and receiver of the goods. in a further or alternative embodiment of the method, said instructions comprise instructions or suggestions for optimizing the assignment of said driver to a consignment note.

Preferably, the driver is thereby automatically provided with a consignment reference number, or with location-based instructions.

Said reference number or location based instructions relate to a transportation job that is optimal, in view of, for instance, further transportation jobs that will be performed by said driver.

Preferably, one or more pieces of information, comprised by the consignment note electronic dossier, can be used by the sender as an authentication check on the transportation vehicle driver's credentials via a four way database check on company (e.g.

EORI), vehicle (e.g. license plate), identity (e.g. driver's license) and time window and geographical position (e.g. geofencing). Such information can further comprise the above-mentioned instructions and/or suggestions. Such information could also comprise track and trace data.

Preferably, when the driver arrives at the sending and receiving location, he can log in on the electronic platform, by means of any of the above-mentioned validation technologies, for instance by means of voice recognition. Preferably, the driver says out loud at least the assignment reference number he was provided with, after which said driver is automatically validated (by means of voice recognition technology) and subsequently assigned to said consignment note. in a further or alternative embodiment of the method, said instructions comprise suggestions for transporting additional goods, along a route between said sender and said receiver, from an additional sender to an additional receiver. Since the information therefore required is available at a central location, in the form of electronic consignment notes, it is possible to generate such suggestions. Preferably, at least a suggested route for the original transportation job, as well as the remaining transport vehicle capacity during said original transportation job, is thereby tested for their compatibility with additional transportation jobs of the platform, which transport jobs are not assigned as of yet. Possibly, the suggested route from sender to receiver, passing by said additional sender(s) and receiver(s), implies a detour with respect to the originally suggested route, directly from the original sender to the original receiver. Preferably, the computer system executing the present method makes a cost- effectiveness estimation thereof, prior to making suggestions for transporting additional goods. Via this method, a driver can thus offer the remaining available capacity of his transportation vehicle to senders that offer transportation jobs. Drivers and senders thereby meet each other virtually on the above-mentioned electronic platform.

In a further or alternative embodiment of the method, one or more of the above- mentioned instructions are updated in real time during transport. For instance, it is preferably possible for the receiver to give instructions and/or to change the instructions about the unloading bay at which the goods are to be unloaded, while said goods are in fact already under way. Preferably, a message is thereby dispatched to the driver. In a similar fashion, it may be possible for the sender to give instructions and/or to change the instructions about the loading bay at which the goods are to be picked up, while the driver is in fact already on his way towards the sending location.

Preferably, a message is thereby dispatched to the driver.

As mentioned above, tracing information is gathered during transport of the goods.

By combining said tracing information with information about the remaining capacity in the transportation vehicle, and with the suggested route towards the receiver, it is possible to make further suggestions on transporting additional goods, as described above, during transport. it is even possible to generate last-minute instructions for picking up additional goods.

Advantageously, this provides for a highly dynamic method, in which the load factor can be optimized. in a further or alternative embodiment of the method, said tracing information comprises information about the physical conditions under which said goods are transported.

This is especially relevant in case of cooled transport.

By automatically guaranteeing that an adequate temperature of the goods was maintained during transport, a higher level of trust between is established between the parties involved. in a further or alternative embodiment of the method, invoices relating to said transport job and/or invoices of the sender are automatically generated, upon the legal transfer of said goods to said receiver.

It is further preferred that subsequently said invoices are automatically dispatched.

This renders the transport process more efficient, in particular the administrative aspect thereof. in a further or alternative embodiment of the method, the transportation vehicle is an automated transportation vehicle.

The term “automated” relates to an ability of the transportation vehicle to move independently from a physical presence of a human operator or staff. in other words, the transportation vehicle may be controlled remotely and may even autonomously move or drive.

Thereby, the automated transportation vehicle may be controlled, for instance, by a centralized control system.

Preferably however, a driver is still present in such an automated transportation vehicle.

First of all, this is for reasons of safety and for compliance with law.

However, the driver is thereby appointed new tasks, such as acting as an ambassador for the sender and/or transport firm, while taking decisions on picking up and delivering additional goods along the route, as described above.

Also, the driver is important in legally transferring goods between sender(s) and receiver(s), by means of electronic signatures, as described above.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a system for managing road transport of goods between a sender and a receiver, said system comprising: - a server, which server comprises a driver account database, a consignment note database, and a tracing database, and which server is configured to exchange data with a mobile driver user device, which user device comprises a screen, an input apparatus, a tracing module and a wireless communication module, - a computer program product, which computer program product comprises instructions for handling driver account registration and/or login on said system, and for registering electronic consignment notes on said server; in particular, said computer program product additionally comprises instructions for: - providing an electronic platform, which platform comprises consignment notes and is accessible to a driver that has logged in on the system via a driver account, which platform is further provided with a searching tool that allows said driver to retrieve a consignment note from said platform, via a consignment reference number, and for - receiving and registering tracing data from said mobile user device on said server.

The driver account database is suitable for registering driver account information, the consignment note database is suitable for registering consignment note information (or data), and the tracing database is suitable for storing tracing information (or data). Preferably, the system comprises one or more account databases, whereby said databases comprise the driver account database, and whereby said databases are further suitable for registering sender and/or receiver account information. Said computer program product thereby comprises further instructions for handling sender and/or receiver account registration and/or login on said system. Preferably, one or more of the above-mentioned databases are cloud databases, such that a user can additionally access these databases online, provided that said user has the data access rights therefore required. In a preferred embodiment of the method and/or the system, the driver account database is at least accessible for a sender of goods, via his sender account. Said sender is thereby able to go through at least a part of said driver account database, and to consult at least a part of said driver account information, on the basis of which said sender can select a driver for transporting his goods. Preferably, said consultable driver account information at least comprises the above-mentioned score, for evaluating the driver performance during at least one, previous transportation job. More preferably, however, said consultable driver account information comprises information chosen from the group comprising the driver score, the total capacity of the transportation vehicle, the currently remaining capacity in the transportation vehicle, the current location of the driver and/or the transportation vehicle, and the current destiny of the driver (e.g. the receiver location corresponding to the transportation job that is currently performed). The driver account information in general, can additionally comprise further features, as specified higher in this document. One or more of the latter features may be consultable. in further or alternative embodiments of the method and the system, said driver database is at least partly accessible by senders and/or receivers of goods, via their sender and receiver account respectively.

The “mobile driver user device”, as used herein, refers to a mobile device comprising a processor, and suitable for executing instructions on the processor. A non-limiting list of examples of such devices comprises a laptop, a smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch, and an on-board computer that is provided in the transportation vehicle itself. Preferably, the mobile driver user user device belongs to the driver and/or to the transport firm. Preferably, the mobile driver user device is present near the driver and/or in the transportation vehicle, at least during transport. Similarly, the sender may also have a “mobile sender user device”, for accessing the electronic platform. In a preferred embodiment, said mobile driver user device is suitable for receiving a receiver graphical code, such as a QR code, for instance in accordance with the above- described method. Throughout this document, the term “server” should be seen as comprising a computing system, said computing system comprising a processing unit, a communication module and a tangible, non-transitory, machine readable medium. The expression “server configured for” should be seen as abbreviating the expression “server comprising suitable hardware for”, as well as “the tangible, non-transitory, machine readable medium comprising a server set of instructions for”. The expression “registration on the server of” should be seen as abbreviating “storage of data on the tangible, non-transitory, machine readable medium, which data is at least partly based on”. Without additional explanation, these abbreviations are understood as such by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In addition to the above abbreviations, other abbreviations will be used throughout this document, which abbreviations are construed by a person with ordinary skill in the art as comprising the use of well- known technical means. For instance, sending/receiving data towards/from the server requires the use of the server communication module.

“Wireless communication” as used herein refers to any analog or digital data communication between computing devices. Wireless communication is not limited by the used protocol. A non-limiting list of examples of data communication technologies comprises 2G, 3G, 3GPP, 4G, 5G, 6LowPAN, Bluetooth, Bluetooth 4.0, Bluetooth 4.1, Bluetooth 4.2, Bluetooth 5, Bluetooth Low-Energy, CDMA, CDMA2000, Cellular, EDGE, EDGE Evolution, Ethernet, EV-DO, Flash-OFDM, GPRS, 15 GSM, HIPERMAN, HSPA, iBurst, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.119, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.15.4, IEEE 802.15.4, IEEE 802.15.4-2006, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.16-2009, IEEE 802.16m, IEEE 802.20, Internet, 1Pv4, IPv6, LAN, LoRaWAN, Low Rate WPAN, LTE, Near Field Communication, Neul, RTT, Sigfox, Thread, UMTS, UMTS W-CDMA, UMTS-TDD, USB, UWB, WAN, Weightless, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, 20 Wireless USB, WLAN, WWAN, ZigBee, and Z-Wave. Preferably, said wireless communication comprises Wi- Fi technology, which Wi-Fi technology is preferably subjected to IEEE standards.

Preferably, said system is configured for the implementation/execution of the method as described above, whereby the same advantages can be repeated. in a further or alternative embodiment of the system, said system additionally comprises one or more, stationary user devices at the sender and/or receiver location, which user devices comprise a screen, an input apparatus, and a communication module, and whereby said server is configured for exchanging data with said user devices. In particular, the system accepts input from drivers, senders, and/or receivers that have logged in on the system, via said stationary user device. This is in particular the case for the drivers and/or the senders. By requiring that certain information, for instance a receiver signature, must be fed to the system via a stationary user device, the safety of the system can be increased. Alternatively, it is possible to execute all legal actions, such as the exchange of electronic signatures, solely at the stationary user devices at the sender and/or receiver location, rather than via the mobile driver user device. This allows for a more secure method and system. The present invention may thereto be described by the following embodiments:

1. A method for managing road transport of goods, said method comprising the steps of:

- allowing a driver of a transportation vehicle to access an electronic platform comprising a multitude of electronic consignment notes, whereby each consignment note relates to goods to be transported from a sender to a receiver, - allowing said driver to retrieve, via a consignment reference number that is attributed to him, an electronic consignment note from said platform, and allowing said driver to assign himself to said consignment note, via a driver electronic signature, whereby the related goods are legally transferred to said driver and/or to an employer of said driver, - providing instructions to said driver concerning transport and/or delivery of said goods towards the receiver, which instructions at least comprise information about a receiving location, - gathering tracing information, at least during transport of said goods from said sender to said receiver, which tracing information is consultable for the sender and/or for the receiver in real time, and - receiving a receiver electronic signature, upon delivery of said goods at said receiving location, whereby said goods are legally transferred to said receiver.

2. The method according to previous embodiment 1, characterized in that said method is a computer-implemented method.

3. The method according to any of embodiments 1 and 2, characterized in that said driver electronic signature comprises information relating to a driver graphical code, preferably to a QR code or barcode.

4. The method according to any of embodiments 1 up to 3, characterized in that, said method further comprises the step of receiving a sender electronic signature, which sender electronic signature comprises information relating to a sender graphical code, and whereby the driver collects an image of said sender graphical code, using a mobile driver user device.

5. The method according to any of embodiments 1 up to 4, characterized in that said driver has a unique driver account, via which account said driver is allowed to access said electronic platform.

6. The method according to previous embodiment 5, characterized in that said driver account is created during a one-time driver registration step.

7. The method according to previous embodiment 6, characterized in that, during said driver registration step, the driver identity is validated using a social network account, an e-mail account, and/or using a driver’s license.

8. The method according to any of embodiments 6 and 7, characterized in that, during said driver registration step, said driver electronic signature is generated, which signature is appointed to said driver account.

9. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, characterized in that the sender and/or the receiver have a sender/receiver account, via which said sender/receiver is allowed to access said electronic platform.

10. The method according to previous embodiment 9, characterized in that a sender makes a request for transporting goods to a receiver, comprising the addition of the consignment note related to said request to said electronic platform.

11. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, characterized in that said instructions comprise gps navigation instructions.

12. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, characterized in that said instructions comprise information about a loading and/or an unloading bay at which said goods are to be loaded and unloaded respectively.

13. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, characterized in that said instructions comprise instructions or suggestions for optimizing the assignment of said driver to a consignment note.

14. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, characterized in that said instructions comprise instructions or suggestions for transporting additional goods, along a route between said sender and said receiver, from an additional sender to an additional receiver.

15. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, characterized in that said instructions are updated in real time during transport.

16. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, characterized in that said tracing information comprises information about the physical conditions under which said goods are transported.

17. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, characterized in that, upon the legal transfer of said goods to said receiver, invoices relating to said transport, and/or invoices of the sender are automatically generated.

18. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, characterized in that said transportation vehicle is an automated transportation vehicle.

19. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, characterized in that the sender and/or the receiver confirm an insurance of the goods during transport, by means of an electronic signature.

20. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, characterized in that the sender and/or receiver relating to a specific consignment note, define data access rights, which data access rights are required for other users when accessing said consignment note on said electronic platform.

21. A system for managing road transport of goods between a sender and a receiver, said system comprising: - a server, which server comprises a driver account database, a consignment note database, and a tracing database, and which server is configured to exchange data with a mobile driver user device, which user device comprises a screen, an input apparatus, a tracing module and a wireless communication module, - a computer program product, which computer program product comprises instructions for handling driver account registration and/or login on said system, and for registering electronic consignment notes on said server, characterized in that said computer program product further comprises instructions for: - providing an electronic platform, which platform comprises consignment notes and is accessible to a driver that has logged in on the system via a driver account, which platform is further provided with a searching tool that allows said driver to retrieve a consignment note from said platform, via a consignment reference number, and for - receiving and registering tracing data from said mobile user device on said server.

22. The system according to the previous embodiment, characterized in that said system additionally comprises one or more, stationary user devices at the sender and/or receiver location, which user devices comprise a screen, an input apparatus, and a communication module, and whereby said server is configured for exchanging data with said user devices. Example 1: a method/ system for managing road transport of goods The aspects of the current invention will further be elucidated by means of an example, without being limited to this example.

Adriver of a transportation vehicle registers himself on the system for managing road transport of goods. He can do so online, via an electronic reception on his mobile driver user device, or at the sender location. A stationary user device is therefore provided at the sender location, which user interface communicates with the system. In any case, during this driver registration step, a unique driver account is created.

Registering information such as the driver's name, login credentials, the driver's license, license plate and other transportation vehicle specifications, and the preferred language of the driver are stored in the driver account database, and linked to the driver account. Preferably, the driver's identity is validated via a social media account, such as an account on Facebook, Linkedin, or via his Google+ account. This registration step is a one-time step that each driver needs to take, when using the system for the very first time. From now on, the driver can log in on the system via his driver account and login credentials. Once the driver is registered, he can alternatively login via his social media account. Transportation firms can invite their drivers for registering on the system. When having logged in on the system, the driver can assign himself to a transportation job of the electronic platform.

A sender of goods, on the other hand, offers a transportation job on the platform. He does so by uploading the corresponding electronic-version consignment note to the electronic platform (consignment note cloud). To this end, the Microsoft Azure cloud computing environment is employed. The act of uploading can be performed via a coupling between the computer system of the sender and the API of the system presently described. Alternatively, a csv-document comprising the (relevant) consignment note information is uploaded. The sender can thereby select a suitable electronic signature protocol.

Once he has logged in, the driver can access the electronic platform. Subsequently, he retrieves a specific electronic consignment note, via an order number that the sender or planning department of the transport firm has appointed to him. To this end, the system is provided with a search tool. The driver can now access the corresponding commodity information. When having approved said commodity information, he accepts the transfer of goods (from sender to driver). The electronic consignment note is thereby completed with driver data, either automatically or manually, and supplemented with a sender electronic signature and with a driver electronic signature, after which it is electronically dispatched to receiver and sender. The sender electronic signature can be collected in a number of ways, for instance as is described in examples 2 and 3. From now on, the goods are legally transferred from the sender to the driver and/or driver employer. The driver acts on behalf of a transport firm, such that the driver and/or the transport firm take up certain responsibilities for the goods, at least during transport, and in accordance with the applicable legislation.

Subsequently, a track and trace tracing system is activated. On regular time intervals, gps coordinates of the mobile driver user device are gathered and sent to the server. This way, the goods can be followed during transport. The receiver is made aware of the expected time of arrival. In particular, when the expected time of arrival lies within a preset amount of time, for instance within 30 minutes, a warning is sent to the receiver. At any time, during or prior to transport, the receiver can assign an unloading bay to the driver. Since the receiver can access the electronic consignment note via his receiver account, he is provided with the transportation vehicle license plate. The receiver computer system is provided with cameras that digitally recognize the driver's license plate. Said system causes the gates to open upon arrival.

For instance, the gates of the receiving facility can be provided with a camera system that digitally recognizes the driver license plate, after which the gates are automatically opened for the transportation vehicle. The transportation vehicle is driven towards the unloading bay that is specified, after which the goods are unloaded. After inspection of the delivered goods by the receiver, the consignment note is then supplemented with the receiver electronic signature, whereby the goods are legally transferred from driver and/or driver employer to receiver. The receiver electronic signature can be collected in a number of ways, for instance via any of examples 2 and 3.

Via an automatic coupling with computer systems of sender and transport firm, invoices of the sender and the transport firm are automatically generated and electronically dispatched towards the receiver. This is done via integration with the Ricoh docs platform.

Example 2: a way of collecting a sender or receiver electronic signature For collecting the sender/receiver electronic signature in the system, the sender/receiver physically addresses a stationary user device thereto provided at the sending/receiving location. He does so after inspection and/or approval of the loaded/received goods. This increases the safety of the system and method.

Example 2: another way of collecting a sender or receiver electronic signature The sender (being the person verifying the loading of the goods) and/or the receiver (being the person handling the reception of goods at the receiving company) has a badge that is provided with a sender/receiver-specific QR code. Upon approval of the loaded/ received goods, the senderreceiver will present this QR code to the driver. The driver, on the other hand, possesses a smartphone (qualifying as mobile driver user device) that he carries with him at all times. The driver now collects a digital image of the QR code that is presented to him, using his smartphone.

On the basis of this image, a sender/receiver electronic signature is generated.

Example 4: a driver registration step In a first step, the driver downloads an electronic application (according to the present invention) for managing road transport of goods.

He does so, by accessing with his smartphone to some electronic store.

The relevant software is then installed on his smartphone.

Subsequently, he accepts the terms and privacy policy.

In a next step, the driver can now register via a social network account {chosen from the group of Twitter and Facebook), via a Google+ account or via an e-mail account of his.

A driver user account is thereby generated, taking over some electronic information related to said driver (e.g. first name, last name, and telephone number) from any of the aforementioned accounts.

The driver then manually supplements this information with further information that is required, which information for instance relates to the transport company (e.g. company name and company address). It is supposed that the present invention is not restricted to any form of realization described previously and that some modifications can be added to the presented example without reappraisal of the appended claims.

Claims

Conclusions

A method for arranging road transport of goods, the method comprising the steps of: - granting a driver of a means of transport access to an electronic platform, the electronic platform comprising a plurality of electronic waybills, and wherein each waybill relates to goods to be transported from a sender to a recipient, - allowing the driver to find an electronic waybill on that platform, via a waybill reference number assigned to him, and allowing that driver to assign oneself to that consignment note, by means of an electronic signature, whereby the corresponding goods are legally transferred to the driver and/or to an employer of that driver, - providing instructions to that driver, which instructions are related with the transport and/or delivery of the goods to the recipient, namely the instructions include at least information relating to a receiving location, - the collection of tracking information, at least during the transport of the goods from the sender to the recipient, which tracking information can be consulted immediately by the sender and/or by the recipient, - receiving an electronic signature from the recipient, upon delivery of the goods to the receiving location, whereby the goods are legally transferred to the recipient.

The method according to the preceding claim 1, characterized in that the method is a computer-implemented method.

The method according to any of the preceding claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said driver's electronic signature comprises information related to a graphic code of the driver, preferably to a QR code or barcode.

The method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the method further comprises the step of receiving an electronic signature from the sender, the electronic signature comprising information related to a graphic code of the sender,

and wherein the driver creates an image of said sender graphic code, via a mobile driver user device.

The method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the driver has a unique driver account, through which driver account access is granted to the driver to said electronic platform.

The method according to the preceding claim 5, characterized in that the driver account is created during a one-time registration step for the driver.

The method according to the preceding claim 6, characterized in that, during said driver registration step, that driver's identity is validated by means of an account on a social network, an e-mail account and/or by means of a driver's license.

The method according to any one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that, during said driver registration step, an electronic signature of the driver is generated, which signature is assigned to said driver account.

The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sender and/or the receiver have a sender account or a receiver account, respectively, through which account access is granted to the sender/recipient to said electronic platform .

The method according to the preceding claim 9, characterized in that a sender makes a request for the transport of goods to a recipient, comprising adding to said electronic platform the bill of lading corresponding to that request.

The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said instructions comprise GPS navigation instructions.

The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said instructions comprise information in connection with a loading quay and/or an unloading quay, at which the goods are to be loaded and unloaded respectively.

The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said instructions, instructions or suggestions fall over for optimizing the assignment of said driver to a waybill.

The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said instructions comprise instructions or suggestions for transporting additional goods along a route between said sender and said receiver.

The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said instructions are updated instantaneously, during transport.

The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said tracking information comprises information about the physical conditions under which the goods are transported.

The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when the goods are legally handed over to the recipient, invoices are automatically drawn up with regard to the transport, and/or invoices are issued from the sender.

The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said transport means is an automated transport means.

The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sender and/or the receiver confirm an insurance of the goods during the transport, by means of an electronic signature.

The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sender and/or receiver define data access rights with respect to a specific waybill, which access rights are required for other users to access that waybill, on that electronic platform .

21. A system for arranging road transport of goods between a sender and a receiver, the system comprising: a server, said server comprising a driver account database, a freight ticket database and a tracking database, and wherein said server is configured to exchanging data with a mobile driver user device, the user device comprising a screen, an input device, a tracking module and a wireless communication module, - a computer program product, which computer program product comprises instructions for processing registration and/or login of drivers on the system, and for registering electronic waybills on the server, characterized in that the computer program product comprises instructions for: - providing an electronic platform, which electronic platform comprises waybills and providing access to a driver logged into the system, via a driver account, and which electronic platform further includes a search function, which search function allows the driver to find a waybill on that platform, via a waybill reference number, and to receive and record tracking data from that mobile user device, on that server.

The system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the system further comprises one or more stationary user devices, at the location of the sender and/or at the location of the receiver, which user devices comprise a screen, an input device and a communication module. , and wherein said server is configured for exchanging data with these user devices.