A cargo optimizing device includes a rectangular frame having transverse forklift pockets; a rectangular deck housed within the rectangular frame; and stabilization rollers pivotally joined to the rectangular frame at opposing longitudinal ends. The rollers snugly engage with vertical channels of a corrugated shipping container sidewall in an extended position oblique to the rectangular frame and retract to an upright storage position abutting the rectangular frame. The cargo optimizing device forms a second stacking level in a shipping container which otherwise has an upper level of unused space. The device can be supported by legs or suspended by belts.

A cargo optimizing device includes a first and a second cargo platform pivotably attached to a center shaft. The first and second cargo platforms have transverse and longitudinal support members. When unfolded into a cargo support configuration, the device forms a planar cargo support. The device has a two-part platform frame in which the members are suspended and can be folded around the central shaft for storage. Support legs are pivotably attached to the frame and retractable rollers extend from the periphery. The device is modular: the transverse members slide to bridge to a second device. The frame and the attached longitudinal members have apertures aligned to accommodate the sliding transverse members. The cargo optimizing device forms a second stacking level in a shipping container which otherwise has an upper level of unused space. The device can be supported by legs or suspended by belts.

A container for delivering packages comprising a plurality of package storage modules, each module comprising an individually controlled access door on an external wall of the transport, wherein one or more packages are placed in at least some of the plurality of modules at a distribution point, wherein the container is configured to be transported to multiple delivery destinations, and wherein, upon arrival at each delivery destination, the appropriate access door receives a signal to allow access to the package intended for that delivery destination.

A system for delivering packages from a warehouse to end destinations, the system comprising a fleet of containers, each configured to be loaded at the warehouse with packages destined for drop off points at end destinations. A fleet of delivery vehicles are configured to transport the containers from the warehouse to an end destination. At least one delivery robot is carried with each container and the delivery robot is configured to carry at least one package from the container at the end destination to the drop off point.

A vehicle for delivering packages, comprising a tractor comprising a motor, a pair of front wheels, a rear wheel, and a rail between the pair of front wheels and the rear wheel, and a removable container comprising a space for storing packages where a bottom of the container is configured to fit over and mount to the rail.

A fleet for delivering packages comprising a first number of containers, each container comprising at least one compartment for receiving packages at a main distribution center. The container comprises a first attachment member on an outer surface and a second attachment member on an outer surface. The fleet comprises a second number of long-range transports, each long-range transport is configured to carry multiple containers from the main distribution center to an intermediate distribution center, each long-range transport comprising multiple first attachment receivers, whereby the multiple containers are attached to the long-range transports during transport from the main distribution center to the intermediate distribution center. The fleet comprises a third number of short-range tractors, each short-range tractor is configured to carry at least one container from the intermediate distribution center to delivery destinations for the packages in the container, each tractor comprising at least one second attachment receiver, whereby the at least one container is attached to the short-range tractor during transport from the intermediate distribution center to the delivery destinations and back to the intermediate distribution center. The third number is at least twice as large as the second number and wherein the first number is at least twice as large as the third number.

A system for delivering packages comprising a plurality of containers, each container having a plurality of package storage compartments and each compartment comprising an individually controlled access door on an external wall of the container. One or more packages are placed in at least some of the plurality of modules at a distribution center wherein the container is configured to be transported between the distribution center and a pickup location. Upon arrival at the pickup location, the container is parked and wherein recipients of the packages in the compartments of the container are notified of the arrival of the packages at the pickup location. Each recipient is provided access to the compartment containing the package intended for that recipient.

A system for delivering packages from a warehouse to end destinations, the system comprising a fleet of self-propelled long-range transports and a fleet of containers, each configured to be loaded at the warehouse with packages destined for end destinations. Each long-range transport is configured to be loaded with at least four of the loaded containers and transport the at least four of the loaded containers from the warehouse to one or more intermediate destinations. Upon arrival of one of the loaded long-range transports at one of the one or more intermediate destinations, at least one of the loaded containers is separated from the loaded long-range transport, whereupon the separated container delivers packages to end destinations proximate to the one of the one or more intermediate destinations. After delivery of at least some of the packages loaded thereon at the warehouse, the container is once again loaded on the long-range transport and returned to the warehouse to be loaded with more packages.

A multi-use package receptacle for deliveries to and pickups from a home or business, the receptacle comprising a first compartment for receiving a package delivered from a delivery service and a second compartment for receiving an item to be picked up by a pickup service. An access control unit configured to lock and unlock the first and second compartments, wherein the access control unit grants access to both the first and second compartments to a user associated with the home or business, and the access control unit grants access to the first compartment to a verified delivery service and grants access to the second compartment to a verified pickup service.

A beam, systems, and methods for increasing the use of cargo volume in a shipping container. An example beam is configured to be removably coupled to a track having a plurality of openings and coupled to a sidewall of a shipping container and thereby cantilevered to support cargo therein. The beam includes a housing extending between a first and second end. A bracket is coupled to the second end of the beam. And a connector coupled is to the beam's second end and arranged above the bracket. The connector has an engagement notch to engage with a first edge of a first opening in the track and has a latching tab configured to extend through the first opening adjacent to a second edge of the first opening. The connector is coupled to a latch having a spring-biased blocking plate configured to move from a first position to a second position.