Freight commerce system and method

A method for operating a freight commerce system, comprising:

• receiving real-time data from a plurality of data devices via a communication network, wherein the data devices are located with goods or carriers;
• receiving preference data from carriers and shippers via the communication network;
• processing the real-time data from the plurality of data devices and the preference data from the carriers and shippers;
• and
• providing carriers and shippers with a recommendation list based at least in part on the real-time data and the preference data.

A shipping management system, comprising:

• a data collection system, comprising:
• a data collection device configured to obtain real-time data relating to a shipment load;
• a communication network configured to transmit the real-time data;
• and
• a central station configured to collect the real-time data;
• and
• a server configured to receive the real-time data, to receive preference information from carriers or shippers via the communication network, to process the real-time data and the preference information, to learn behavioral characteristics of the carriers or shippers based at least in part on the real-time data and the preference information, and to provide the carriers or shippers with a recommendation list based at least in part on the learned behavioral characteristics of the carriers or shippers.