subject: Always Obtain A Proof Of Delivery [print this page] When you're shipping with any Phoenix delivery service, you're always going to have a lot of options that you need to specify on any shipment. If you have an account with them, sometimes you'll be able to set up a kind of blanket account preference so that they know that you require some services on every single delivery that you ship with them. One thing that you should use this for is a proof of delivery. You should always get a proof of delivery on every single shipment that you send, and if you can simply request that they provide you this service automatically, it saves you the time of having to specify this every time you ship with them.
There are many different kinds of proof of delivery that you can get from a courier company. The most basic of these is simply getting the form which the customer signs when the delivery is made mailed to you. This usually happens (if you're an account holder) whenever your usually mail out is for your billing period. They will include your relevant PODs at that time, unless you have indicated a need for receiving them earlier.
If you need faster proof of delivery, most courier companies offer you the option of having the proof of delivery document faxed to you. This provides you with fairly quick service, but technology has allowed couriers to now provide an even faster option, which is known as the instant proof of delivery.
This is accomplished using the handheld units that drivers carry with them on the job all the time now. In addition to using these units to bar code scan packages and as GPS tracking devices, they also allow the drivers in many cases to electronically capture the signature of the client as a proof of delivery. They can then instantly email you a proof of delivery right from the delivery site which even includes your customer's signature.
This is typically the best way to go. That way, you have the security of the instant POD in case there is any kind of immediate dispute about the shipment, but you can also receive the paper copy later so that you have something permanent for your records. The main reason that you need these documents is to protect yourself from any arguments that may arise about the delivery at a later date, so it can be helpful to have as much documentation as possible.
