Delivery Difficulties

January 12th, 2023.

So, after the initial sticker shock of the mechanical components from a few days ago, we came to terms with the necessity of purchasing these parts. It helped that we found method of getting our 3D printed components free thanks to the wonderful student resources at the University of Waterloo (saving $250 CAD), and we replaced one of our two carbon fiber body sheets with PC (saving $150 CAD). And, in case you're worried, we did redo the math to make sure the PC was ok.

And thus, the parts were ordered. Now, to just sit and wait for them to be delivered.

Part 1: My Mistake

There are days I feel kinda smart. I mean, going to the University of Waterloo, being in my fourth year of engineering, building a drone for my capstone. Y'know, all smart-ish things. Then there are days where I'm harshly reminded that I am a 22-year-old student who still has a lot to learn about being an adult.

Today was one of those latter days.

One of mechanical components we had ordered was a three-foot long carbon fiber tube used to fabricate the drone's arms. Another component was the two-foot long carbon fiber rod used to fabricate the drone's legs. How I expected the poor delivery team to fit both these components into my nice, little, 6"x2"x6" Canada Post box, I have absolutely no idea.

So, I went on a nice, hour-long side quest to find the nearest Purolator shipping center for my ignorance.

Part 2: Birth of BRD Energy Solutions

Being in one of the latter type of days mentioned earlier, I did not think my adulting skills could be humbled any further. But fun fact, they could, and they did.

When you order parts from McMaster-Carr, in the delivery section where you put your name and address, they also offer you a spot to put your organization (which is optional). I had forgotten that when I had ordered the mechanical components, I had filled in the organization space in the hopes that it would help streamline the delivery process but also as just a little bit of fun.

This was the birth of BRD Energy Solutions.

What I hadn't considered, and what added to the humbling of my adulting skills, was that McMaster-Carr would then ship the parts to someone at BRD Energy Solutions; a non-existent organization based out of my Waterloo apartment.

And so, when I arrived at the Purolator shipping center and gave them the tracking number for my deliveries, they promptly asked if I was an employee of BRD Energy Solutions and whether I could prove it.

Perhaps I should stop attempting to be an adult for the rest of the day and just stay home...