An automated notification system, comprising: one or more transceivers designed to communicate data; one or more memories; one or more processors; and computer program code stored in the one or more memories and executed by the one or more processors, the computer program code comprising: code that enables a first party associated with a personal communication device (PCD) to input or select authentication information for use in connection with a subsequent notification communication session involving advance notice of a delivery or pickup of a good or service at a stop location by a mobile thing (MT); code that causes storage of the authentication information; code that monitors location or travel information in connection with the MT; code that causes initiation of the notification communication session to the PCD with the one or more transceivers, in advance of arrival of the MT at the stop location, based at least in part upon the location or travel information associated with the MT; code that, during the notification communication session, provides the authentication information to the PCD that indicates to the first party that the notification communication session was initiated by an authorized source; and code that, during the notification communication session, enables the first party to select whether or not to engage in a communication session with a second party having access to particulars of the pickup or delivery. view more