What is a Proof of Delivery (POD) and when to sign it?

Imagine: finally, you have received the long-awaited package. At that moment you are ready to sign everything, just to open the package as soon as possible. And here you need to stop. First, check what's inside the box, and only then put a signature on the documents that the courier gives you.

POD delivery: what is it and why is it needed.

What does proof of delivery (POD) mean?

This is a document that the client signs when receiving the order, confirming that everything is alright with the parcel.

POD usually contains:

• Time and date of delivery;

• Full name of the recipient;

• Client's signature.

 The document looks like a receipt, but its purpose is to prove that the courier delivered the parcel to the recipient in good condition.

Why is it important to sign a POD?

The POD can be just a paper, as well as one on a tablet. But the main thing is your signature, which confirms the fact of timely delivery and the good condition of the parcel.

Any damage /lost compensation procedure begins with the Confirmation of Delivery. If the client has signed it, means he was satisfied with everything - both the quality of the packaging and the condition of the contents.

Who must sign the Delivery Confirmation for the parcel?

The person indicated as the recipient on the package. 

If the specified recipient is unable to receive the delivery, he has the right to ask another person on his behalf. But be sure to warn him about the importance of checking the package before signing the POD. 

Many courier companies offer you to sign up online before the delivery of your package. They'll just leave it at your door. 

Attention! You need to be extremely careful when someone asks you to sign for a delivery on their behalf.

Deliveries received by anyone other than the stated recipient fall into the gray area. In this case, it is extremely difficult to prove anything about the state of the packaging.

If you had another person receiving your package, the sender may refuse to compensate for damage, saying that it was you who entrusted the verification and signing of the POD to another person. But you have all legal rights to claim the compensation.

What to check before signing a POD?

Any damage to the packaging and its contents. If you sign the document before verification, it will be difficult to claim damages compensation.

If the sender did not pack the parcel well enough, check the box in the right place (there is a special box on the POD). Otherwise, courier companies may deny your claims.

If you do not have time to check the parcel or the courier refuses to do so, you can simply write “not verified” next to the signature. But it doesn’t guarantee that your claim will be accepted by the shipping company. 

Signing a POD document.

Can the courier prohibit opening the parcel?

In most cases, the courier allows the recipient to examine the parcel before signing the Delivery Confirmation. However, you may be denied in some cases:

• Couriers have limited time to deliver huge quantities of packages.

• They are afraid that they will have to take responsibility for any damage.

Some courier services have their own rules. For example, the recipient can open the parcel only if the sender has permitted to do so.

We recommend that you always insist on opening the package and checking it, especially when there is obvious visible damage.

To avoid any problem, use Alleclick. In that case, you can always check the contents of the package and protect yourself from unnecessary risks.