XPost: rec.arts.sf.written, rec.arts.sf.science   
   From: jclarkeusenet@cox.net   
      
   In article , bap@shrdlu.com says...   
   >   
   > On 17/01/14 00:35, J. Clarke wrote:   
   >   
   >   
   > >> Perfect application for a pod system. If your fridge forgets to order   
   > >> the milk you can just order it online. It should be delivered in less   
   > >> time than it takes to drive to the store.   
   > >   
   > > Since it takes me zero time to drive to the store that I am passing on   
   > > the way from work, how will this help?  And how much will the individual   
   > > pod delivery add to the cost?   
   >   
   > That's certainly true now. With a pod system in place that local store   
   > probably won't be there, there wouldn't be enough trade to justify it.   
      
   So your justification for your pod system is that it can be used to   
   destroy the retail industry as we know it?   
      
   > As to cost, the closest we have ti it right now is the postal system. So   
   > my best guess is that a pod delivery will probably cost about the same   
   > as posting a letter. Having all of your weekly groceries delivered in   
   > one shipment might cost twice that.   
      
   The postal system is nothing at all like "pod delivery".  The postal   
   system amortizes the cost of driver and vehicle over many, many daily   
   deliveries on a single route.  You are using the vehicle for single   
   deliveries.   
      
   Further, the postal system does not deliver from reefer to refrigerator,   
   it delivers from door to door and does not do well with perishable   
   items.   
      
   The gas to drive to the post office costs ten times what one pays for   
   having a letter delivered across the country.  This is why your "pod"   
   system of individual deliveries is never going to match that rate.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)