Tips for Safe Package Delivery
Package theft is a growing problem in the US; here’s how renters can protect their purchases. Please consider these steps when shipping or receiving packages at any time of year.
- Retrieve packages left outside your door or mailbox as soon as you can.
- Report any package theft to the police department, and check your rental insurance policy to see if the value of your package is reimbursable.
- Have your packages delivered to a secure off-site location provided by the carrier.
FedEx
With the Fedex Delivery Manager online tool, you can keep track of your packages, arrange to pick them up at a nearby location to keep gifts away from prying eyes, get delivery notifications and much more.
UPS
The UPS Access Point network including The UPS Store®, nearby retailers, and self-service lockers serve as convenient and secure locations to drop off and pick up packages. Simply give the Access Point™ location as the shipping address to your friends and family, or enter it as the shipping address in your online order.
Also, UPS offers a service called My Choice (the basic program is free) that gives you advance notice of delivery times and allows you to reroute packages to another address or reschedule deliveries for a future date. You can also activate a vacation setting to have packages held and delivered when you return home.
US Postal Service
The USPS has a variety of online tools to help you manage your packages and mail, from Informed Delivery to Package Intercept (you’ll need to create an account first). You can also leave a note on your mailbox informing the carrier to take the package to a local post office. Remember, you’ll need a valid photo ID to pick it up.
Amazon
With Amazon Hub, you can designate delivery to a nearby Amazon Locker (a self-service kiosk) or an Amazon Counter (retail stores, transit stations, etc.). During the checkout process, just select your preferred pickup location. You’ll receive a pickup code when the package is delivered. You then have 3 days to collect your package, after which package will be returned to Amazon.
