Delivery and logistics
Proof of Delivery Explained
Proof of delivery is the record that a parcel reached its recipient. Learn about signatures, photos and location data and why shops rely on them.
Updated 14 October 2026 · 3 min read
Proof of delivery, often shortened to POD, is the evidence that a parcel was handed over or left at the agreed place. It protects the buyer, the seller and the carrier when someone says the parcel never arrived.
Common forms of proof
- Signature. The recipient signs on paper or a handheld screen.
- Name and time. The courier records who accepted the parcel and when.
- Photo. The driver photographs the parcel at the door or safe place.
- Code or PIN. The recipient gives a one-time code to confirm receipt.
- Location stamp. Some systems record where the driver was when the status changed.
Which of these is used depends on the carrier, the shipment type and the seller's choice.
Why it matters
- Disputes. If a customer reports a missing parcel, the record shows what the carrier did.
- Payments. Some contracts release payment after confirmed delivery.
- Quality. Sellers can see where drivers experience problems.
Limits of proof
A photo shows a parcel at a door but not necessarily the right door. A signature can be from a neighbour or a guard. Location stamps are approximate. For this reason proof works best when the intended destination is also clear: an unambiguous address and, where available, an exact drop point. See why precise drop points matter.
Where location helps
If an order carries latitude and longitude, a seller can compare the point where the delivery was recorded with the intended point. The UPCS WordPress / WooCommerce plugin saves the UPCS code, latitude and longitude with the order, and the PrestaShop and OpenCart add-ons attach the location; see how a UPCS code can be added to an order. This is only a reference. UPCS does not create or verify proof of delivery.
For recipients
- Check the parcel before signing, where practical.
- Report damage or a wrong item quickly.
- Say if you want a photo instead of a signature, if the carrier offers it.
Related
Proof matters most in cash orders; see cash on delivery and address confirmation. For what happens when delivery does not occur, see failed delivery attempts explained.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as proof of delivery?
Common forms are a signature, a photo of the parcel at the drop point, a recipient name, a timestamp and, in some systems, the location where the handover was recorded.
Does a UPCS code provide proof of delivery?
No. UPCS identifies a location. A carrier may use it as a reference point, but proof of delivery is created by the carrier's own process.