1. An automated notification system, comprising: means for monitoring travel data in connection with a mobile thing (MT) that is destined to pickup or deliver an item or service at a stop location; means for causing initiation of a notification communication session with a personal communications device (PCD) based upon the travel data; means for enabling the party associated with the PCD to indicate timing information during the notification communication session; and means for adjusting the schedule of the MT so that the MT arrives at the stop location for the pickup or delivery based upon the timing information.