Delivery Photo

A delivery photo is a picture taken by the delivery driver showing where a package was placed upon delivery. This visual proof of delivery has become standard practice, helping reduce “where’s my package” inquiries and disputes about whether packages were actually delivered.

How Delivery Photos Work

Driver Process

1. Driver arrives at delivery address
2. Places package at location
3. Takes photo with scanner/phone
4. Photo uploads to tracking system
5. Customer notified with image

What Photos Show

• Package at delivery location
• Surrounding area for context
• Door, porch, or mailroom
• Timestamp embedded
• GPS coordinates captured

Carriers Offering Delivery Photos

Amazon

• Standard on all deliveries
• In-app and email notification
• Part of tracking details
• Required for drivers

FedEx

• Picture Proof of Delivery
• Available on most services
• Automatic capture
• In tracking details

UPS

• Photo on Delivery
• Expanding availability
• Shown in tracking
• Notification option

USPS

• Informed Delivery
• Available for many packages
• In tracking details
• Growing implementation

Viewing Delivery Photos

Where to Find Them

Example Notification

Your package was delivered!
📍 123 Main Street
🕐 2:34 PM

[Photo showing package at front door]

Delivered: Front Door

Benefits of Delivery Photos

For Recipients

• Know exactly where package is
• Find hidden packages
• Evidence for missing claims
• Peace of mind
• Immediate notification

For Carriers

• Reduced “where is it” calls
• Proof against false claims
• Driver accountability
• Better customer experience
• Dispute resolution

For Shippers/Sellers

• Proof of fulfillment
• Reduced claim disputes
• Customer communication
• Theft deterrent
• Service quality metric

Privacy Considerations

What Photos May Show

• Home exterior
• Surrounding property
• Neighbors’ properties
• Potentially personal items

Opt-Out Options

• Some carriers allow opt-out
• Contact carrier for preferences
• May affect delivery options
• Privacy vs. proof trade-off

When Photos Help

Dispute Resolution

Customer: "I never received my package"
Carrier: "Here's the delivery photo"
Photo shows: Package at front door

Result: Customer finds package behind
        planter, resolves dispute

Finding Packages

• Photo shows exact location
• Hidden from street view
• Behind furniture/plants
• Alternate locations

Theft Investigation

• Time stamp evidence
• Last known location
• Police reports
• Insurance claims

Delivery Photo Quality

Good Photo Characteristics

• Package clearly visible
• Address/house number shown
• Adequate lighting
• Recognizable location
• Not blurry

Common Issues

Photo + Other Verification

Combined Evidence

• Photo (visual proof)
• GPS coordinates (location)
• Timestamp (when)
• Driver ID (who)
• Signature (if required)

Multi-Factor Delivery Proof

Delivered to: 123 Main St
Time: 2:34 PM EST
GPS: 40.7128° N, 74.0060° W
Driver: Route 234
Photo: [Image attached]

Issues with Delivery Photos

Not Always Conclusive

• Photo before theft
• Wrong address photographed
• Poor quality
• Delayed upload

Dispute Handling

1. Review photo carefully
2. Check GPS coordinates
3. Compare to your address
4. Contact carrier if mismatch
5. File claim if needed

Requesting Photos

If Not Automatic

• Check carrier policies
• Some services don’t include
• May require specific service level
• Ask at shipping time

For Businesses

• Can specify POD requirements
• Build into shipping instructions
• Important for high-value
• Customer satisfaction tool

Delivery Photos and Claims

Using Photos in Claims

For missing package claim:

1. Check tracking + photo
2. If no photo: Easier claim
3. If photo shows delivery:
   - Check exact location
   - Verify address
   - Report theft if applicable
4. Provide to carrier/seller

Photo as Evidence

• Supports carrier’s position
• But doesn’t prevent theft
• Time between photo and theft
• Still valid claim if stolen after