The scenario is always the same: You’re waiting anxiously for an important package, which UPS or FedEx confidently tells you will arrive by “end of day.” You wait all day, watching for the package, only to discover that the delivery driver claims they tried to deliver the package, but no one was home.
Why you’re getting “delivery attempted” notices
The logistics behind getting your Amazon package from a fulfillment center halfway around the country (or the world) to your door are incredibly complex, so it’s not terribly surprising that there will be occasional hiccups. The “attempted delivery” sticker serves a vital function: It lets you know that your package is being handled, and gives a warning that you’ll need to be home to receive it. Usually, you get a few delivery attempts before the package is returned to the shipper.
While it’s rare that a driver would lie about trying to deliver your package, it’s not impossible. Drivers have heavy schedules to adhere to, and falling behind usually isn’t acceptable. Drivers typically have a bit of discretion when it comes to attempting deliveries—they can refuse to enter unsafe areas or properties, for example. And not all drivers care about the reputation of the parent company; while most drivers working for United Parcel Service (UPS) work directly for them, most of the drivers working for Fed Ex Ground are actually third-party hires, which means they might be more motivated to keep up with their route schedule and get home than ensuring everyone gets their package as quickly as possible.
One of the most maddening things about missed “attempted delivery” notices is that you’ll often get a photo of your house as proof that the driver was physically there. This is often necessary for the driver, as their location is tracked, so they can’t simply claim to have been there. But as his person notes in their video, these photos are often taken from the truck as it drives by, allowing the driver to save a minute or two while documenting a delivery “attempt.”
What to do if you keep getting “delivery attempted” notices
There’s no magic bullet for ensuring your package shows up as promised. But there are some steps you should take that can help:
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Sign up for alerts. UPS, FedEx, and other shippers let you sign up for delivery updates via text, email, or app. This way, you’ll get a notice that a delivery was attempted just a few seconds after the driver scans the package. That might enable you to rush outside to catch a driver who’s simply confused, but it also means you can take action immediately.
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Complain. Contact the delivery company and lodge a complaint. Make sure you have all the details, like the tracking number and the date and time of the attempted delivery. Creating a record with customer service is an essential, if frustrating, step. Being able to do this immediately after the attempted delivery notice helps buttress your case, since you’re clearly home, waiting for the package.
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Capture footage. Some consumers have reported that submitting video that shows drivers going past their house at the time a delivery attempt was supposedly made has resulted in refunds and expedited delivery responses.
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Re-route. If your main priority is to get your hands on your package, you can usually contact the shipping company and have them re-route the package to a pickup location near you. This isn’t as convenient as having it dropped at your door, but usually ensures you actually get it.
Some frustrated folks have suggested that contacting customer service immediately after receiving an attempted delivery notice and claiming that the package is an urgent one can help, as these sorts of claims will usually be escalated to a supervisor automatically. That seems ethically sketchy, but might be effective if you’re desperate.