Remember last time you had goods delivered to your door? We’re pretty sure you had to sign something, be it on a clipboard, or a digital device. Your signature is the proof of delivery, the goods reached the right person.
Proof of Delivery is a very important element of the last-mile delivery process, to serve customers on time. The delivery process would be incomplete without supportive documents that can help your team validate the delivery. This last step has become easier and more convenient with the help of digital tools and many companies have started the transition.
What is Proof of Delivery?
In simple words, Proof of Delivery, PoD for short, is an element that confirms the recipient has received the package. There’s always a chance the parcel won’t make it to the recipient. The proof of delivery acts as a contractual binding between the sender and recipient that the delivery happens in good condition.
Why Proof of Delivery is important?
PoD is important for delivery companies because it acts as an accountability measure the package deliverability. This is especially important in the case of sensitive services when the package must be intact upon delivery. Another benefit of implementing PoD into your delivery process is it facilitates the collection of other important documents: notes and comments from customers.
Proof of Delivery or Bill of Lading?
There are two distinct concepts: proof of delivery and bill of lading. They are both important and serve different scopes.
The Bill of Lading is the signature of the carrier that confirms they received the goods from the sender. The Proof of Delivery confirms the recipient got the goods from the carrier. Implementing both Proof of Delivery and Bill of Lading establishes a process that helps you be less liable in case of missing and/or damaged goods.
Types of Proof of Delivery
- Paper proof of delivery
- Electronic Proof of Delivery
This is the traditional type, where the recipients physically sign they received the goods. With this method, the driver usually gets a list with all deliveries and client data. Before giving the package, they ask the recipient to sign in a designated column or somewhere on the row with their name. The problem with the traditional method is it is tedious and inefficient. Data must be transferred manually into the database and carriers can’t give real-time data. With the emergence of electronic devices, carriers switch to digital PoD.
Instead of pen and paper, carriers hand recipients a digital device to sign electronically. This reduces time spent searching for the recipient’s name, as can be collected much quicker. Using Logistia’s PoD feature, the customer receives via email the signature and the photography. The benefit is customer transparency across the delivery operations.
First used by Amazon, taking a photo of the package after leaving it at the delivery address is another great way to improve customer satisfaction. The photo is sent to the customer via email, so they can find it easily when they arrive home. If customers aren’t at home, they can always share the picture with a person they trust, to collect the package before their arrival.
Benefits of using Proof of Delivery in your delivery process
Implementing an ePOD system can have a positive impact on your business. Not only reduces costs but will boost your NPS and your overall operational efficiency.
- Reduce customer disputes
- Improve accuracy
- Boost NPS scores from customers
- Provide faster service
- Improve sustainability goals by reducing paper
Use Logistia Route Planner to capture the signature and the photo in just a few clicks.
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