Computerized System for Transporting Cargo

A computerized system for selecting a cargo carrier and arranging transportation for cargo, the system comprising:

• a host computer system having access to data of each of a plurality of cargo carriers, the data representing cargo transportation options available from each of the cargo carriers;
• internet access means connecting the host computer system to a user;
• means in the host computer system for prompting the user for and receiving from the user information concerning cargo to be transported and transportation preferences;
• means in the host computer system for comparing the user information with the available cargo transportation options and sending to the user at least one of the available cargo transportation options best matching the user information;
• and
• means in the host computer for supplying security information to a user and to provide automated submittal of security information to appropriate authorities.

A system for arranging for cargo transportation by a selected cargo carrier comprising the steps of:

• providing a host computer system;
• linking cargo carrier computer systems of a plurality of marine, air, and land cargo carriers to the host computer system, each cargo carrier computer system having data representing cargo transportation options available from the associated cargo carrier including departure, arrival and space availability information;
• accessing the host computer system through an internet connection;
• transmitting information from a user to the host computer system about cargo that is to be transported and transportation preferences;
• comparing in the host computer system the user information and the available cargo transportation options and sending to the user at least one of the available cargo transportation options best matching the user information;
• having the user select at least one cargo carrier and at least one cargo transportation option and conveying that selection to the host computer;
• and
• preparing and transmitting required security information from the host computer to appropriate authorities.

An on-line interactive system for selecting a cargo carrier and booking transportation of cargo comprising the steps of:

• providing a host computer system;
• linking cargo carrier computer systems of a plurality of marine, air, and land cargo carriers to the host computer system, each cargo carrier computer system having data representing cargo transportation options available from the associated cargo carrier;
• accessing the host computer system through an internet connection;
• transmitting query information over the internet connection from the host computer system to a user requesting information about cargo that is to be transported, the query information being based upon the available cargo transportation options;
• transmitting user information over the internet connection from the user to the host computer system responding to the query information, the user information including selection of at least one transportation preference based upon the cargo transportation options available;
• and
• transmitting from the host computer to appropriate authorities security information based on the selection of the at least one transportation preference.