Post #257541 by karmalaundry on Thu, Sep 28, 2006 9:20 AM

On 2006-09-27 21:38, tikipedia wrote:
I believe UPS does not have a comprehenisve address error correction in their address database (but USPS does).

If you have an apartment number, or live on some odd street, like 1234 East Main Street #24, but your hut is addressd to 1234 E. Main Street Apt 24, then UPS' automated system may not be able to figure it out.

Like others have already said, you may want to contact UPS to find out what the scoop is.

Actually the system is pretty comprehensive. The codes that are generated for the automated shipper are based on the shipper and what information they put in, and in what data fields. If someone ships a package and it somehow doesn't have that information, the package gets moved aside and a sticker and new label is generated by someone at UPS handentering information. So, wrt to the automated sorting labels and their generation process for all intents and purposes, it still comes down to one point of failure.

As for the data correction system, they have an in-house system that run by a local (to the area of the town that the package is getting delivered to) who usually has at least several years experience, they also have a national database that they look stuff up in if they can't find anything on it.

And calling them is definitely a good way to get attention, the call will generate a concern that will get picked up by that center (the local office that only contains a few zip codes - UPS buildings usually have at least 6 in a bigger city) and they'll attempt to contact you. The only better way is to get the phone number for the center from a driver, but the center staff usually hates getting those calls as there's no documentation and it's out of the blue (to them).

Cheers,
Michael

• IT for UPS for 13 years, retired 02/06.