211–220 of 245 posts
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This isn't a tragedy of the commons issue. It's a quality of service issue. Either TVs are getting better service for free, or bikes aren't getting the service that they pay for.
Part of me thinks that the bikes are getting smashed up because people don't like cyclists.
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This isn't a tragedy of the commons issue. It's a quality of service issue. Either TVs are getting better service for free, or bikes aren't getting the service that they pay for.
Part of me thinks that the bikes are getting smashed up because people don't like cyclists.
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I strongly contend that there very likely has not been a decline in the give-a-damn factor. My experience is that it really hasn't ever been too high. Just look at cartoons 50 years ago, and packages getting wrecked en route is a staple joke; the jokes were rarely obscure, but often topical. There is always a few great operators, but mostly you just fix you processes so people default to failure less. Hence hacks lik…
Good luck trying to automate a system where the vehicle has to unload a package of anywhere from envelope size to a 90" TV. It has to bring this across a driveway of varying shape or size, or even no drive way at all, bringing it inside an apartment complex or condo. It has to realize the correct address or room, collect a signature, or realize that no human being is present to sign for it. Then it returns the item t…
Smarter mailboxes where you literally address the mail to an electronic physical mailbox, which digitally signs the receipt.
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When we make a new box, we throw it about 20 feet across the warehouse to simulate the UPS/Fedex treatment. As a manufacturer, I can assure you that they try really hard to not pay your damage claims unless it can survive that. It would be great if someone could disrupt the duopoly of bad service.
Well, if you really want to ensure they pay damage claims you must ship your packaged product to UPS Chicago testing facility (or approved ISTA testing facility) to get your Packaging approved to ensure it's adequate for the application. I work in Packaging design and love problem solving. Any startups that need custom Packaging designed (design is usually free as value added service to get the mfg contract) feel fre…
Earlier quoted context omitted.
When we make a new box, we throw it about 20 feet across the warehouse to simulate the UPS/Fedex treatment. As a manufacturer, I can assure you that they try really hard to not pay your damage claims unless it can survive that. It would be great if someone could disrupt the duopoly of bad service.
Well, if you really want to ensure they pay damage claims you must ship your packaged product to UPS Chicago testing facility (or approved ISTA testing facility) to get your Packaging approved to ensure it's adequate for the application. I work in Packaging design and love problem solving. Any startups that need custom Packaging designed (design is usually free as value added service to get the mfg contract) feel fre…
If you want your contact details to be public you need to put them into the "about:" box in your profile.
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Yeah, I get that. But it turns out that they're wrong. Are you suggesting that shippers try not to break things purely out of courtesy? Maybe, but I think incentives aren't aligned such that that can go a long way. With no other feedback, they want to get their job done quickly so that they can move on to the next, and get paid for moving more things. If they're doing this purely out of courtesy, then yes, I could un…
Shippers huck stuff around with little regard for the contents, particularly if they aren't blazoned all over with fragile/biohazard stickers. Fedex and UPS tend to be just about one-half step above the folks handling baggage at the airport, and how many times have you seen those people wing around suit-cases like they were throwing the hammer in the Olympics, and seeing just how far back they can toss from and still…
I literally can't think of more than maybe 1 or 2 in all that time that have ever been damaged.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Good luck trying to automate a system where the vehicle has to unload a package of anywhere from envelope size to a 90" TV. It has to bring this across a driveway of varying shape or size, or even no drive way at all, bringing it inside an apartment complex or condo. It has to realize the correct address or room, collect a signature, or realize that no human being is present to sign for it. Then it returns the item t…
I think it likely that if we see a significant amount of automation in delivery, the last mile will eventually see it too. Right now, my neighborhood has grouped mailboxes[1], and anything more than a semi-flat package will not fix. Small boxes that don't fit are delivered to the shared larger compartment, which is locked, and the key is then left in your mailbox. When you use the key, it does not come out of the sha…
I used one in Denmark last week. I received an SMS saying delivery would be the next day, but I could reply to request delivery to the drop off point in a nearby supermarket instead of at my home. I did this.
I received another SMS with a collection code. A keypad on the set of lockers opened the lock on one of them, and I collected the package at a perfectly convenient time.
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Well, if you really want to ensure they pay damage claims you must ship your packaged product to UPS Chicago testing facility (or approved ISTA testing facility) to get your Packaging approved to ensure it's adequate for the application. I work in Packaging design and love problem solving. Any startups that need custom Packaging designed (design is usually free as value added service to get the mfg contract) feel fre…
The email address in your profile is not public. It's used (I think) by HN mods if they need to contact you. If you want your contact details to be public you need to put them into the "about:" box in your profile.
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My apartment door buzzer calls my phone. Generally they don't even attempt to buzz me , and then make me pick it up on the other side of the city.
Wow, cool. Where did you get that? Does it also have other features such as allowing you to talk to the person in front of the door?
I wonder if this works when flying :P
Most baggage is clothes etc, but the handlers understand a huge box with a bicycle drawn on the side.
(I've only flown twice with a bicycle. London Heathrow accepts a bike in a thick polythene bag, and SAS accept one with no bag at all. The bike wasn't damaged either time.)