Four Ways to Deal With Repeated ‘Delivery Attempted’ Messages When You’re Actually Home
The scenario is always the same: You’re anxiously awaiting an important package that UPS or FedEx confidently assures will arrive “by the end of the day.” You wait all day, looking for the package, only to discover that the delivery driver claims he tried to deliver the package, but no one was home.
Why are you getting “delivery attempted” notifications?
The logistics of getting your Amazon package from a fulfillment center on the other side of the country (or world) to your door are incredibly complex, so it’s no surprise that there will be occasional hiccups. The “delivery attempt” label serves an important function: it lets you know that your package is being processed and alerts you that you need to be home to receive it. You’ll typically get several delivery attempts before your package is returned to the sender.
While it’s rare for a driver to lie about trying to deliver your package, it’s not impossible. Drivers have tight schedules to adhere to, and falling behind is usually unacceptable. Drivers typically have some leeway when it comes to attempting deliveries — for example, they may refuse to enter unsafe areas or facilities. And not all drivers care about the parent company’s reputation; while most drivers who work for United Parcel Service (UPS) work directly for them, most drivers who work for Fed Ex Ground are actually third-party contractors , meaning they may be more motivated to keep their route on schedule and get home than to ensure everyone gets their package as quickly as possible.
One of the most annoying things about missed “delivery attempted” notifications is that you often get a photo of your home as proof that the driver was physically there. This is often necessary for the driver, as their location is being tracked, so they can’t just claim they were there. But as the man points out in his video , these photos are often taken from the truck as it passes by , saving the driver a minute or two documenting the “delivery attempted.”
What to do if you keep getting “delivery attempted” notifications
There is no magic bullet that will ensure your package arrives as promised. But there are a few steps you can take to 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. That way, you’ll be notified of a delivery attempt just seconds after the driver scans your package. This may allow you to rush out to catch a driver who’s just getting confused, but it also means you can take action immediately.
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Complain. Contact the delivery company and file a complaint. Make sure you have all the details, such as the tracking number, date and time of the delivery attempt. Creating a customer service record is an important, albeit unpleasant, step. Being able to do this immediately after being notified of an attempted delivery helps bolster your case, since you are clearly at home waiting for the package.
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Record footage: Some consumers have reported that sending video of drivers driving past their home during a supposed delivery attempt has resulted in refunds and faster delivery responses.
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Reroute. If your top priority is getting your package, you can usually contact the shipping company and ask them to reroute the package to a pickup location near you. This isn’t as convenient as having it delivered to your door, but it usually ensures that you actually get it.
Some frustrated people have suggested that contacting customer service immediately after receiving a notification of an attempted delivery and stating that the package is urgent may help, as such complaints are usually automatically escalated to a supervisor. This seems unethical, but can be effective if you are desperate.