What if I can't sign for my package?

[gregshin]

Sometimes I work from home and I can catch my delivery driver to sign for packages...some days I have to visit customers.

What happens to my package if I can't sign for it? Does the new law state it has to returned to the shipper or can I pick it up at the UPS/FEDEX hub?

 

[Ryan Gosling]

theyll come back the next day usually. if you miss a 2nd time theyll hold it at a store. ymmv

 

[Negol]

theyll come back the next day usually. if you miss a 2nd time theyll hold it at a store. ymmv

What he said ^^^^

 

[ptmn2]

If USPS, you can pickup at the post office. Two times in a row last month I had to pick up at the post office.

Both times I was at home and available to sign for the parts packages, but both times my lazy mail man didn't even bother trying to bring my packages or knock on the door or ring the doorbell. The only thing he brought was the notice of adult signature required, pick up at post office, even though I was at home both times waiting.

I have cameras at the house to prove it, but it's not worth filing a complaint and supplying the video evidence for two reasons:
1. Post office won't fire him or suspend him, just a letter in his file despite two violations the same month.
2. If I file, they with do anything to him, but I'm sure he'll start "losing" my mail or jacking up my packages.

My mail man personifies the stereotype of the lazy government worker, which does NOT reflect the vast majority of diligent hardworking postal employees.

 

[iLuvLatinas]

I stopped risking either getting a good delivery driver who waits a couple seconds at the door or the bad one who knocks once then slaps the notice on the door. It sucks but I just have them hold at whichever is the closest facility to me.

 

[BubbaLa88]

FedEx has spots that hold the package they got their own name for it.
Recently had one done like that, it was in Walgreen near me.

 

[11thfinger]

If USPS, you can pickup at the post office. Two times in a row last month I had to pick up at the post office.

Both times I was at home and available to sign for the parts packages, but both times my lazy mail man didn't even bother trying to bring my packages or knock on the door or ring the doorbell. The only thing he brought was the notice of adult signature required, pick up at post office, even though I was at home both times waiting.

I have cameras at the house to prove it, but it's not worth filing a complaint and supplying the video evidence for two reasons:
1. Post office won't fire him or suspend him, just a letter in his file despite two violations the same month.
2. If I file, they with do anything to him, but I'm sure he'll start "losing" my mail or jacking up my packages.

My mail man personifies the stereotype of the lazy government worker, which does NOT reflect the vast majority of diligent hardworking postal employees.

My carrier mis delivered my sig required package to a house 5 blocks away. The supervisor admitted they messed up and told me exactly where it was delivered via the geolocation. Turns out it was a gang mailbox with ~20 slots so who knows who actually has it. I thought the person would be nice and either give it back to the post office or drop it off to my house but its been months and I still don't have it. The same carrier is still here on the same route months later...

 

[lactoast]

I've missed a few USPS signature required deliveries because their delivery estimates would get changed to arrive sooner. That's normally a nice thing, but not when I haven't made plans on being home to receive the package

 

[vplaza96]

USPS allows you to sign electronically via Informed Delivery.

 

[SDDAVE56]

If USPS, you can pickup at the post office. Two times in a row last month I had to pick up at the post office.

Both times I was at home and available to sign for the parts packages, but both times my lazy mail man didn't even bother trying to bring my packages or knock on the door or ring the doorbell. The only thing he brought was the notice of adult signature required, pick up at post office, even though I was at home both times waiting.

I have cameras at the house to prove it, but it's not worth filing a complaint and supplying the video evidence for two reasons:
1. Post office won't fire him or suspend him, just a letter in his file despite two violations the same month.
2. If I file, they with do anything to him, but I'm sure he'll start "losing" my mail or jacking up my packages.

My mail man personifies the stereotype of the lazy government worker, which does NOT reflect the vast majority of diligent hardworking postal employees.

That sucks.

Been pretty fortunate dealing with USPS over the years. But then there was a two year period of not so good luck. We started getting a lot of other peoples mail in or box. Something like 10-12 pieces of mail a week.

One day I go down to check our box, and see we have a new letter carrier, an Asian woman. After she was finished, I mentioned that to her. Well I guess you don't have to speak English, or read to get the job.

I grab my mail out of the box, and sure enough, a letter addressed to someone on a different street. I handed it to her, she muttered something, not in English, and drove off.

 

[gregshin]

So it seems like I shouldn't worry much about missing the drivers as I can pick up at the local station.

Was worried they would send it back to where I ordered it from.

 

[BubbaLa88]

Last order I waited a day,at the end of that day tracking showed next day, so I changed delivery to an approved drop off .

 

[davethebull]

The UPS phone app gives you the option to pick it up at a UPS store. They do charge a small fee for that option.

 

[DrJonesUSA]

I learned that "virtual addresses" are a thing......
Just like a P.O. Box, except it exists in another state (or country even) and then discreetly forwards mail to you.
Theoretically and in a book I once read, of course......

 

[M_N04H]

Has anyone used PO boxes for orders this year?

 

[.dC0m]

I ordered something from Bass Pro recently that was shipped via Fedex 2nd Day Air and required an signature. I missed it on the first day, and on the second day (wife was WFH), they didn't even attempt to redeliver. On the third day, they attempted but no one was home and by the 4th business day, it was already on its way back to Bass Pro.

I even tried logging into my Fedex account and requested a delivery at one of their pickup locations, but I am not sure if it was dictated by the sender - I was not allowed to make any changes or holds. Ended up having to call Bass Pro and they refunded/reordered using regular USPS Ground Advantage, which worked out with my wife's WFH schedule.

 

[BubbaLa88]

Friend of mine has had similar experiences with them.

I ordered something from Bass Pro recently that was shipped via Fedex 2nd Day Air and required an signature. I missed it on the first day, and on the second day (wife was WFH), they didn't even attempt to redeliver. On the third day, they attempted but no one was home and by the 4th business day, it was already on its way back to Bass Pro.

I even tried logging into my Fedex account and requested a delivery at one of their pickup locations, but I am not sure if it was dictated by the sender - I was not allowed to make any changes or holds. Ended up having to call Bass Pro and they refunded/reordered using regular USPS Ground Advantage, which worked out with my wife's WFH schedule.

 

[gorgothmog]

This will only work if you have a secure mailbox under lock and key:

Fill out a Standing Delivery Order form by printing it out from here: https://about.usps.com/forms/ps3801.pdf

Fill it out and give it to your local USPS office. Make sure you authorize all types of deliveries on the worksheet. You may need to talk to a clerk at the counter and show them your driver's license for initial setup of this workflow.

Then get a blank delivery form from the USPS and sign it with your signature, printed name, and address. Fold it or cut it so that only the outlined red square is in the mailbox so that the carrier can scan it. Tape it with clear packing tape so it doesn't fray or wear out.

This should effectively make it so that you are your own authorized agent, with a permanent signature there authorizing your packages to be delivered, even if you aren't present.