This isn't really an A5 question but it relates to a database I'm building for a customer. It's a "has anyone else ever done this" question. (It's not a "how to" question because I've already done it.)
I'm hoping there is someone else out there who has had some experience working with shipping issues.
Briefly, here's the situation: I have a customer who ships over 2000 packages every month. They claim their request (explained below) is the same as what "everybody" does - at least the top 10-20% of shippers in the US - and, therefore, it should be a drop-in solution for about $500. (500 is my guess of what they expected.)
Here's what they want done: (assume 3 possible shipping companies.)
Start by determining the package weight based on the components to go in each box and enter that value in the database. (This is actually to be determined before the box is packed because labels need to be generated prior to packing so each box can be custom packed using 'ref' data on the label.) Then get a list of each shipper's prices and determine the lowest price shipper for each individual package based on the shipping zone, weight, and any special situations (extra charge / non-delivery) for specific zip codes. Basically, this means determining the lowest 'std' price then determining if any special pricing exists. If special pricing exists for the lowest price shipper, then the price must be checked for every shipper - including special situations for those other shippers. (The 'special' situations vary from shipper to shipper.)
Finally, after determining the shipper to be used, export a list of shipments which can be imported into the shipper's computer program to print labels and create a manifest for the driver.
My guess is that most companies determine a standard shipper for specific areas or package types/sizes and then only change if the customer requests special shipping or the standard shipper's program rejects a shipment because they don't deliver to that location.
Has anyone out there had shipping experience (database or otherwise) that might shed some light on this situation?
I'm hoping there is someone else out there who has had some experience working with shipping issues.
Briefly, here's the situation: I have a customer who ships over 2000 packages every month. They claim their request (explained below) is the same as what "everybody" does - at least the top 10-20% of shippers in the US - and, therefore, it should be a drop-in solution for about $500. (500 is my guess of what they expected.)
Here's what they want done: (assume 3 possible shipping companies.)
Start by determining the package weight based on the components to go in each box and enter that value in the database. (This is actually to be determined before the box is packed because labels need to be generated prior to packing so each box can be custom packed using 'ref' data on the label.) Then get a list of each shipper's prices and determine the lowest price shipper for each individual package based on the shipping zone, weight, and any special situations (extra charge / non-delivery) for specific zip codes. Basically, this means determining the lowest 'std' price then determining if any special pricing exists. If special pricing exists for the lowest price shipper, then the price must be checked for every shipper - including special situations for those other shippers. (The 'special' situations vary from shipper to shipper.)
Finally, after determining the shipper to be used, export a list of shipments which can be imported into the shipper's computer program to print labels and create a manifest for the driver.
My guess is that most companies determine a standard shipper for specific areas or package types/sizes and then only change if the customer requests special shipping or the standard shipper's program rejects a shipment because they don't deliver to that location.
Has anyone out there had shipping experience (database or otherwise) that might shed some light on this situation?
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