Customers’ delivery expectations have changed. The majority of customers expect packages in less than 24 hours. Some customers ask for same-day delivery, while others give a specific delivery time window. Drivers can use the electronic system to record customers’ delivery preferences to provide personalized service for future shipments. Key details such as the preferred time of delivery are updated in the system and can then be followed by any driver in your team. Also, drivers can record problems at the time of delivery, enabling the operations team to handle customer complaints effectively.
Proof of delivery can provide assurance to customers and businesses during the delivery process.
There are a number of different ways to provide Proof-of-Delivery, depending on the needs of the business and the type of delivery being made.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what POD is and some common methods for providing it.
What is Proof of Delivery (POD)
Proof of Delivery is a delivery receipt that confirms a package has been delivered to the recipient. Proof of delivery is an essential part of any shipping operation like BOL, it is also commonly referred to as POD or an E-POD for those delivered digitally.
POD is pronounced as P.O.D, rather than the POD in iPod. Now that we’ve cleared that up – and you won’t be making a fool of yourself in any logistics-related conversation – let’s move along and find out what exactly they are, who needs them, and why are they so important.
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Importance of Proof of Delivery (POD)
In any form of delivery or courier service, when products leave the warehouse and reach their final destination, proof of delivery solutions is vital as accountability is passed through the supply chain. This process becomes more crucial when legal and financial documents are to be exchanged between two parties.
The receiver of the delivered products will only sign if everything is in good and undamaged condition. Though usually signed by the person named on the address panel, this might not always be the case.
The only way to prove that a delivery was made
Just like receipts, proof of deliveries is an acknowledgment that a delivery is being received and taken into one’s possession. They are also used to facilitate deliveries as they normally contain information supplied by the carrier of the recipient’s name, the time and date of delivery, and other shipment delivery-related information.
This proof can come in handy in the event of a dispute between the sender and the recipient. In some cases, POD may be the only way to prove that a delivery was made.
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POD for Businesses or Customers
From a logistical standpoint, they can help businesses keep track of their shipments and ensure that products are delivered in a timely manner. By using picture Proof-of-Delivery, businesses can improve their overall shipping efficiency and performance.
For consumers, Proof-of-Delivery helps to provide a high standard of customer service by providing transparency and even more so with the implementation of E-PODs with live-tracking. These delivery receipts also allow consumers to resolve any dispute with the sender about their shipment.
At the end of the day, PODs provide peace of mind for both businesses and consumers alike. They offer a level of accountability and transparency that is essential in today’s world.
Advantages of POD for businesses
If you are a business owner, you can use POD to :
- Keep track of your shipments
- Ensure that products are delivered in a timely manner
- Improve your overall shipping efficiency and performance
What are the different types of proof of delivery?
The most common type of proof of delivery used is paper which is a signed copy of the Delivery Note / Delivery Order / Delivery Docket. It can get a tad confusing here with all the different types of documents, but you can expect that the Delivery Note, Delivery Order, and Deliver Docket are all serving similar functions and are similar in the information they contain.
The drivers will be given the paper documents and upon reaching the delivery address, will get the recipient to endorse the delivery with a signature.
Read more: What is appliance delivery in Canada
Electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD)
Another type of POD that you may have encountered using UPS / FedEx / DHL delivery is the electronic Proof-of-Delivery (ePOD). Instead of a paper document, the delivery driver will hand over a handheld device to sign on. After it will be emailed to you or you can download it from a tracking link.
Moving into the future, paper PODs will fast become a thing of the past as they are cumbersome for the drivers, inefficient in capturing vital onsite delivery information, and unable to provide real-time information back to the stakeholders.
How do I request Proof of Delivery?
You can request Proof of Delivery for applicable mailpieces by using the USPS Tracking® Tool at USPS.com®. Select Proof-of-Delivery and follow the provided directions to receive a Proof of Delivery email either with or without a delivery address.
If an item was delivered internationally, USPS does not have a POD for it. If such an item required a signature and if it is the policy of that country’s postal service, a POD for that foreign delivery can possibly be requested using the research process available through a USPS international agent. Call the Customer Care Center and provide your item’s USPS Tracking Number.
Note that you may see the POD request option before the item is delivered. You can submit the request, but you won’t receive the POD until shortly after the item has been delivered.
Access to Proof of Delivery is available for applicable mailpieces as long as the delivery information for such mailpieces is available.
Conclusion
Proof of deliveries is an essential part of any shipping operation, and choosing the right POD software is critical to ensuring that your POD process is efficient and effective. With the right POD software in place, you’ll be able to save time and money and provide your customers with the level of service they expect and deserve.
If you happen to be in the logistics industry or have a business with a delivery system, having the capability to provide E-PODs is a most definite must. Check out Detrack – a revolutionary 2-in-1 cloud-based vehicle tracking and real-time POD solution that works with just the use of Android or iOS phones.
