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Tenacious Dyl · Jan 31, 2007, 01:17 PM

So, I recently decided to mount my three cinema diplays to one uniform-type vesa stand, I picked one out that I liked, and then ordered it, as well as the three adapters from apple (to let cinema displays have vesa 100x100).

Both Apple and the other company included FedEx ground, so I thought things were cool. The adapters from Apple had a estimated delivery of Wednesday (Today) and the Vesa Stand had an estimated delivery of Tuesday (Yesterday). The Stand comes in about noon, I pick it up, assemble it, and eagerly wait for the next day to get my adapters.

In between classes today, I checked the tracking number, and I get "Delivery Exception" "Couldn't locate address". This boggles my mind, as I used the EXACT same address for both packages, and had both packages on FedEx ground service. Not to mention, I live in a dorm (1,200 people) with a large entrance / lobby, with the street number in big metal letters above the entrance. The FedEx truck is here EVERY DAY, with various student's packages, but today, she/he simply "can't find" my address?

So the question is, do I wait and hope that tomorrow she/he rediscovers my building, or do I call them, and try to explain where it is, or what? I don't have a car or a bike, so getting out to wherever the FedEx building is that houses all the undelivered packages is rather hard.

GSixZero · Jan 31, 2007, 01:24 PM

It couldn't hurt to call customer service. Perhaps the address is printed incorrectly on the package?

Tenacious Dyl · Jan 31, 2007, 01:28 PM

Heh, Yeah, I'm on the line with Customer service right now, on hold for the time being. So far they can't figure out why it wasn't delivered. Sigh.

::maroma:: · Jan 31, 2007, 01:33 PM

I've often wondered, do FedEx/UPS/DHL drivers have GPS systems in their trucks? I would assume they do. If thats the case, I don't see how one driver would be able to find your place, and another could not. Unless of course, as GsixZero suggested, the address was printed wrong on the package.

Tenacious Dyl · Jan 31, 2007, 01:44 PM

I'm not sure, I assumed they had a nav system in the trucks, even perhaps pre-loaded with each location to drop the packages off that day.

Well, I ended up talking to THREE representatives, who the final finally admitted "We think that it was just put on a different / wrong truck, so tomorrow we will try to get it on the correct route. Thanks and have a good day." (hang up)

My tracking number now shows that it should be delivered tomorrow, but we'll see. Apple confirmed the address (its correct, and identical to the package that came yesterday), and the tracking number even shows its bound for Ann Arbor, but I guess they still put it on the wrong truck (hence the "Can't find address" message)

To date, this is the 2nd out of about 15 packages from FedEx that I've had issues with. Not too bad, a lot worse than UPS. UPS has never messed up an order (and I've ordered at least 40 items with their service in last 3 years or so) or put it on the wrong truck, but I did get some seagate HD's in a VERY smashed up box once.

Anyone know how they actually deliver / route the packages?

GSixZero · Jan 31, 2007, 01:54 PM

I'm sure your package is in Ann Arbor, but either didn't make it onto the truck for some reason, or got put on the wrong delivery truck. This stuff happens, I wouldn't worry about it too much.

Kenneth · Jan 31, 2007, 01:56 PM

Do you have a RA for help out?

Dakar² · Jan 31, 2007, 01:57 PM

Question is, was it the Fed or the Ex part that successfully found the dorm.

RAILhead · Jan 31, 2007, 02:01 PM

I'm still trying to figure out what "half of FedEx" is...

::maroma:: · Jan 31, 2007, 02:05 PM

Originally Posted by RAILhead

I'm still trying to figure out what "half of FedEx" is...

That would be 50% of FedEx.

nonhuman · Jan 31, 2007, 02:10 PM

Originally Posted by Dakar²

Question is, was it the Fed or the Ex part that successfully found the dorm.

Wouldn't it be either 'Fec' or 'lEx'?

Railroader · Jan 31, 2007, 02:10 PM

Split "d"

Dakar² · Jan 31, 2007, 02:11 PM

Yes, it was clever.

the_glassman · Jan 31, 2007, 02:12 PM

Originally Posted by ::maroma::

I've often wondered, do FedEx/UPS/DHL drivers have GPS systems in their trucks?

To answer this question. No GPS. Although UPS drivers have a system to tell them how to make their stops, in which order and not to take left turns.

::maroma:: · Jan 31, 2007, 03:02 PM

Originally Posted by the_glassman

To answer this question. No GPS. Although UPS drivers have a system to tell them how to make their stops, in which order and not to take left turns.

Interesting. I would never be able to do that job, as I am completely directionally impaired. I need a GPS in order to find my way home every day.

Nodnarb · Jan 31, 2007, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by the_glassman

To answer this question. No GPS. Although UPS drivers have a system to tell them how to make their stops, in which order and not to take left turns.

Do you have any evidence for this?

Because I remember talking to someone who worked at a delivery company (either UPS, Fed-Ex, DHL...can't remember which) but he was saying how everyday before they go on their runs, their entries are put through a computer system that maps the different points on a graph in order to find the fastest route in any specific order they want to go...he was explaining all the features they could do with the software...

However, once all the delieveries are put in the computer, I would assume it was linked to a GPS in the truck? Or do they just get a print out everyday of their different routes? Without a GPS, how would they know in what order to deliver the packages and where every single spot is?

Tenacious Dyl · Jan 31, 2007, 05:27 PM

The "half" part was obviously because I had two packages sent on fedex ground, and 1 was delivered and 1 was out on some other truck and labled as "Couldn't find address"

Kenneth: Ass.

In other news, a girl that I knew a couple years ago managed to pull out right into a UPS Truck with her Jeep, needless to say the UPS truck won, in fact it looked pretty tip top. The girl's jeep was totaled, the front axel was bent/snapped so that her front left tire's rim was parallel with the pavement. She was fine, but very shook up. Moral of the story? Don't mess with those trucks.

the_glassman · Jan 31, 2007, 06:49 PM

Originally Posted by Nodnarb

Do you have any evidence for this?

Because I remember talking to someone who worked at a delivery company (either UPS, Fed-Ex, DHL...can't remember which) but he was saying how everyday before they go on their runs, their entries are put through a computer system that maps the different points on a graph in order to find the fastest route in any specific order they want to go...he was explaining all the features they could do with the software...

However, once all the delieveries are put in the computer, I would assume it was linked to a GPS in the truck? Or do they just get a print out everyday of their different routes? Without a GPS, how would they know in what order to deliver the packages and where every single spot is?

UPS is upgrading to DIAD 5 that will include basic GPS functionality to make sure packages aren't misdelivered. FedEx has Powerpads in most locations (though some divisions use Blackberries) that don't support GPS at the moment. Like most computer related hardware they are up-datable via software and firmware updates to support GPS and other features at a later date.
UPS package loaders section load the trucks in the morning via a label that is printed out and applied to the package when the package is scanned in off the inbound truck. It goes down the belt and the label tells the loader which truck, which shelf and in which order to put the package.

FedEx ground is similar in this manner. FedEx Express uses the same principles but it's done slight different. I don't know enough about DHL to comment as I would imagine it's probably changed since the Airborne days.

Buckaroo · Jan 31, 2007, 09:43 PM

Pictures of your setup when it's done.

Tenacious Dyl · Feb 1, 2007, 11:07 AM

Will do! Everything's ready to go... and the package is labled delivered, I should have it after my next class.

Tenacious Dyl · Feb 1, 2007, 03:19 PM

Old Set-Up

Stand set-up

Up and running!

Set-up From Above

the_glassman · Feb 1, 2007, 03:25 PM

How do you afford all of this being a broke ass college student again? And I hope you have them secured and locked!

Nexus5 · Feb 1, 2007, 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by Tenacious Dyl

Old Set-Up

_some pictures_

Set-up From Above

Nice furniture! Fits perfectly to your set-up!

nexus5.

Gossamer · Feb 1, 2007, 03:42 PM

Is that a B&W G3 under your desk?

Tenacious Dyl · Feb 1, 2007, 03:46 PM

Yep, a nice old G3 just as back up. You can also probably spot the G4 to the left of the G5 (Bottom Left).

You'll also notice that I put part of a kitchen table in my closet, it works out great!

PS: Getting an apartment this summer / fall year... the Dorms are almost over!

Tenacious Dyl · Feb 1, 2007, 03:48 PM

Glassman: I have a couple jobs, I currently work for a Portrait Studio, and do web / video / photo work for them as well. I was also a supervisor at MSU (during the summer) as well as a Stage Technician at LCC over the summer. I'm able to rake in a good amount in the summers, and live off of that, and occasional online jobs during the school year. It's an alright cycle!

Tenacious Dyl · Feb 1, 2007, 04:08 PM

I had to do this! Each of the VESA hookups have rotation (and I'm using 2 ati video cards that support portrait) So I tried rotating all three, but didn't like it, and ended up with widescreen center (for games / movies) and portrait right and left for internet / itunes / etc.

Kenneth · Feb 1, 2007, 06:05 PM

Looks like we have the same APC BackUPS there.

Tenacious Dyl · Feb 1, 2007, 06:29 PM

Yeah! I thought about leaving it in storage, but it turns out the dorm's power is more than flaky, I'm really glad I brought it. The first semester alone, it kicked in 5 times, maybe 6. I just have it set to turn off if in 5 minutes power isn't restored, the G5 is too much of a power sucker to survive long.

Anyone else out there have ACD's set up Portrait? What do they think?

Railroader · Feb 1, 2007, 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by Tenacious Dyl

a Stage Technician at LCC over the summer.

I got my drafting degree there. It was a nice community college 17 years ago. They were very advanced in CADAM then.

I also was a proctor for the business dept. for a while there.

Gossamer · Feb 1, 2007, 06:48 PM

Not a whole lot of people can afford one, let alone three.

Eriamjh · Feb 1, 2007, 07:00 PM

Get a wireless keyboard!

charmdustio · Feb 1, 2007, 07:23 PM

What keyboard is that? comfortable?

brassplayersrock · Feb 1, 2007, 07:38 PM

Originally Posted by Eriamjh

Get a wireless keyboard!

i concur, the entire wire coming from the middle of the setup ruins the look of it, but if you're happy, who the hell cares ya know?

great setup though.

imagine three 30" monitors though, or the 30 in the middle and two 23" siding it. omg *drool*

Tenacious Dyl · Feb 1, 2007, 08:00 PM

Heh, I would love to use three 30's, or a 23 in the center or something, either way it won't happen until the summer at the earliest!

It's a Kensington Slim Type keyboard, I got in the trade for the G5 and couldn't be happier with it. It's got nice iTunes keys too, that work regardless of the app open (even if full screen) Also has the "shut down" button that the newer apple keyboards don't have.

I'll route the cable under the stand, and do some other small things, I've only had this set-up a little while!

brassplayersrock · Feb 1, 2007, 08:09 PM

i'll buy one of your spare 23'' when you get a 30''.

unless of course the new displays come out

Cadaver · Feb 1, 2007, 08:18 PM

Nice triple screen setup!

centerchannel68 · Feb 1, 2007, 08:25 PM

Dude. Sell some of that crap and put some money in stocks or retirement or something. Jeez.