Delivery services claim the holiday season not only sees an increase in the number of packages delivered, but also in the number of stolen packages. Thieves have been known to track and follow delivery trucks, such as UPS, FedEx and USPS vehicles, and swipe a package from a porch once it’s been delivered.
As you order packages from online, remember there are steps you can take to prevent your packages from being stolen.
- Require a signature. This ensures that you personally will receive your shipment and avoids the package being left on an unsupervised porch.
- Leave specific instructions. Create an account to make specific instructions like where to drop the package. You can also receive email alerts to let you know they have delivered your package.
- Deliver at work. Choose to have your package delivered to where you are (work) as opposed to where you aren’t (home). Workplaces often require signatures for packages, so this provides an extra layer of protection for your package.
- Invest in insurance. For valuable items, it may be a good option to invest in insurance for your shipment. Specific carriers have different insurance options, so be familiar with all your options before you have an item delivered.
- Customize a delivery. You have the choice to customize when and where you would like your item delivered. When you place your order, specify a specific time, (between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.) or a specific location (behind the shed, next to the garage) for delivery. This way you can decide when and where your package is delivered.
- Check with the carrier on specific options. With FedEx, you have the option to ship your package to the nearest FedEx Office location, where they will hold your package for up to five days and you can pick it up at your convenience. UPS offers UPS My Choice, which sends an email alert so you’ll know specifically when your package will be delivered.
With these steps, you can ensure that your package is delivered to you safely. However, if a package is stolen, it is best to report it. Contact the carrier company as well as the shipper to get a replacement item shipped. You can also file a police report with your local police department.
All of us at Erney Law hope you have a happy and safe holiday season. If you are in need of personal injury legal counsel, contact us today.
