Method and apparatus for tracking a transported item while accommodating communication gaps

A computer implemented method of communicating potential sensed problems occurring in conjunction with a transportation vehicle proceeding along a given route toward a predetermined destination comprising the steps of:

• monitoring a sensed condition via an electronic device associated with the transportation vehicle, the sensed value of which sensed condition could reach a critical limit value requiring notification to an authorized entity;
• accessing a database of wireless communication capability at a plurality of locations along said given route to be taken by said transportation vehicle;
• monitoring trends in the sensed value of said sensed condition toward said critical limit value;
• determining likely time of passage along said given route to a next upcoming location wherein wireless communication capability has been at least one of unreliable or nonexistent;
• and
• transmitting an advisory alert to said authorized entity when it is determined that a trend toward said critical limit value is likely to be reached if the sensed value continues changing at the same rate, where said critical limit value is determined to likely be reached at a location wherein wireless communication capability is at least one of unreliable or nonexistent.

A computer implemented method of wireless communication from a transportation vehicle:

• monitoring, via an electronic device, at least one sensed value affecting successful delivery of a product being transported to a given destination by the transportation vehicle;
• monitoring location of the transportation vehicle;
• monitoring latest obtainable data pertaining to network communication reliability characteristics of locations between the present location of the transportation vehicle and said given destination;
• comparing said at least one monitored sensed value with any predetermined critical values for that at least one sensed value;
• and
• transmitting an alert to an authorized entity when said at least one sensed value reaches a predetermined critical value.