22 Aug What is Scheduled Delivery?
Both personal and professional lives often involve shipping packages. So, it’s essential to ensure they arrive safely. Using the “Signature Required” option from carriers like UPS can improve shipment security. This service ensures a shipment has reached the recipient. It won’t be sent until a signature is acquired. But there are some things to keep in mind when using this service. Know when it’s required, how it affects distribution, and what happens if the recipient isn’t present. Knowing when and how to use “Signature Required” can help. It can improve shipping choices.
When to Use Signature Required with Your UPS Shipping
The “Signature Required” service is not always required. But, it’s useful for some shipments. In general, use this option for valuable goods and private documents. It’s important to verify the recipient’s identity. For example, asking for a signature on a delivery of valuable items, like legal documents or jewels, helps to ensure it isn’t lost or left unattended. Companies that ship items at risk of theft often use this service. It adds security for items that must meet legal or regulatory standards.
You can also use the “Signature Required” service. It’s for mailing to areas with frequent package theft, or “porch piracy.” Since the package won’t be left out in the open in these situations, needing a signature can discourage theft. Also, requiring a signature for deliveries to a company address with multiple recipients can ensure the item goes to the right person. It can also reduce internal loss or misplacement.
What Packages Need to Be Signed For?
Not every package needs a signature. It’s usually based on its value, sensitivity, and destination. Packages with expensive items, like jewelry and electronics, need signatures the most. Signatures reduce the risk of theft and misdelivery. As such, they are important for valuable goods, which are often targeted by thieves.
Sensitive documents, like contracts and court papers, may also need signing upon delivery, along with expensive goods. It lowers the risk of private info falling into the wrong hands. It does this by ensuring the documents go to the intended recipient. Some companies require signatures to ensure proper handling of perishable shipments. This extra step protects fragile goods during transit, from origin to destination.
Also, some UPS shipments, like those via UPS Worldwide Express Plus® or UPS Next Day Air® Early, need a signature. They require it automatically. These services often involve urgent shipments. It’s crucial to confirm their delivery. Also, if you’re shipping abroad, some nations require a signature for high-value shipments or certain goods.
Does UPS Require a Signature Before Delivery?
It is not mandatory for UPS to demand a signature on every delivery. Whether or not the shipper has chosen the “Signature Required” option, the amount of the shipment, and the shipping service utilized will all affect whether or not a signature is required. UPS will make an effort to get a signature if one is needed before delivering the package. Two examples of the different levels of signature confirmation are “Adult Signature Required” and “Direct Signature Required.” The first guarantees delivery to an adult (21 or older). The second allows anyone at the delivery location to sign for the package.
What Happens if You Are Not Home for UPS Signature?
UPS will not leave a package at your door for you to sign for if you are not home. They will leave a UPS InfoNotice®. It alerts you about the delivery attempt. There will be directions on what to do next in the message. UPS will usually try to deliver the package three times. If it fails, it will hold the package for a short time. Then, it will return it to the sender if it gets no further instructions.
How to Take Action After Receiving a UPS InfoNotice
You can also take action with the InfoNotice to guarantee that you receive your package. You can ask UPS to hold the package at a nearby UPS Access PointTM or UPS Customer Center. You can also reschedule the delivery for a time when you’ll be available. In some cases, you can approve the release of the package without a signature, but this is usually not available for high-value items.
Can You Leave a UPS Note if a Signature is Required?
If a signature is necessary, a note to the UPS driver usually does not work. It asks him to leave the box without a signature. A message from the recipient usually won’t override the sender’s signature requirements. UPS drivers must follow those requirements. UPS won’t release a package without a signature if it needs one.
How to Arrange UPS Deliveries When You’re Not Home
If you are aware that you won’t be home to accept an item, there are ways to arrange for deliveries. Using the UPS My Choice® service to pre-sign allows you to sign for the package before delivery. This authorizes its release. Not all parcels can use this option. It won’t work for those needing an adult signature or with other special requirements. But, for other deliveries, it can be a useful fix.
Another option is to send the box to a neighbor or a UPS Access PointTM. Someone must be ready to sign for it. You can contact UPS customer support or use the UPS My Choice® platform to make these changes.
Conclusion
It is a calculated move. It can better protect your delivery when you require a signature for UPS shipments. It is most useful for confidential data, expensive goods, and shipments to areas with package theft. Knowing when to use this service can help your shipping decisions. You should also know which packages need a signature and how the procedure works. The benefits of ensuring your delivery reaches its recipient often outweigh the inconvenience. A required signature can sometimes cause missed deliveries and extra steps for both the shipper and the recipient.