Patent attributes
Systems and methods for the intermodal delivery of materials within an at least substantially autonomous carrier traveling along a delivery path. The carrier may dock with a transit vehicle or engage directly with a railway to travel along a transit line while making a delivery. The carrier may also be suitable for securably storing materials therein, such as where a plurality of carriers stop at a storage hub located substantially near and/or along the delivery path. The storage hub may include a charging station for the carriers, and serve as a portable warehouse for both materials and carriers. When adequately charged, the carrier may deliver materials to their final destinations. Or, the materials may be transferred to a load transporter to facilitate first- and/or last-mile delivery.