How to Tell UPS to Leave a Package at the Door: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re expecting a package from UPS and want it left at your door? Essentially, you achieve this through UPS My Choice, a free (and paid, for premium features) service that gives you considerable control over your deliveries. The simplest way is to log in to your UPS My Choice account (or create one if you haven’t already), find the tracking information for your package, and then select the option to authorize release. This generally involves confirming that you’re willing to assume responsibility for the package if it’s lost or stolen. Alternatively, you can use the UPS InfoNotice left by the driver after an attempted delivery. This notice will contain instructions on how to authorize release for a subsequent delivery attempt. Now, let’s dive deeper into the nuances and explore all your options.
Understanding UPS Delivery Preferences
Getting your UPS packages delivered exactly where and how you want them requires a bit of strategic planning and familiarity with their systems. UPS, like other major carriers, aims for convenience, but they also prioritize the safety and security of your deliveries. Understanding their policies and the tools they offer is crucial for a seamless delivery experience.
Utilizing UPS My Choice
UPS My Choice is your primary tool for managing your deliveries. Think of it as your digital control panel. Here’s how to leverage it to instruct UPS to leave your package at the door:
Sign Up (If You Haven’t Already): Go to the UPS website and create a My Choice account. You’ll need to provide your address and verify your identity.
Track Your Package: Once logged in, enter your tracking number. The system will automatically identify packages destined for your address.
Request a Change: Look for the option to “Change Delivery.” This is where you can specify your delivery preferences.
Authorize Release: Among the options, you should find “Leave at Door.” Select this option, carefully read the disclaimer about assuming liability, and confirm your choice.
Specific Instructions (Optional): In some cases, you can provide more detailed instructions, such as “Leave behind the planter on the porch” or “Leave at side door if no one answers.”
Important Considerations:
- Signature Required: If the sender has designated the package as “Signature Required,” you might not be able to authorize release online. In these cases, you’ll need to be present to sign or explore alternative options like redirecting the package to a UPS Access Point (more on that later).
- Value of the Package: UPS may have policies against leaving high-value packages unattended, even with authorization.
- Neighborhood Safety: In areas with high rates of package theft, UPS drivers might use their discretion and refuse to leave packages unattended, even with authorization. This is for your protection, even if it seems inconvenient.
Leveraging the UPS InfoNotice
The dreaded UPS InfoNotice – that little slip of paper taped to your door after an attempted delivery. Don’t despair! It’s not just an announcement of failure; it’s an opportunity to reschedule or authorize release.
Locate the Notice: Find the UPS InfoNotice left by the driver.
Follow the Instructions: The notice will contain a tracking number and instructions on how to reschedule the delivery or authorize release. This usually involves going to the UPS website or calling their customer service line.
Authorize Release Online or by Phone: Using the tracking number from the InfoNotice, follow the prompts online or provide the information to the customer service representative to authorize the driver to leave the package on the next delivery attempt.
UPS Access Points: A Secure Alternative
If you’re uncomfortable with leaving packages unattended, consider using a UPS Access Point. These are local businesses (like pharmacies, grocery stores, or convenience stores) that act as secure drop-off and pick-up locations for your packages.
Redirect Your Package: Through UPS My Choice, you can redirect your package to a nearby UPS Access Point.
Pick Up at Your Convenience: You’ll receive a notification when your package arrives at the Access Point. You can then pick it up at your convenience during their business hours.
Secure and Reliable: Access Points offer a secure alternative to leaving packages at your door, especially if you’re frequently away from home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions about telling UPS to leave a package at your door:
1. Is UPS My Choice free?
Yes, the basic UPS My Choice service is free. However, they also offer a premium version, UPS My Choice Premium, for a yearly fee. The premium version provides additional features like unlimited free address changes and confirmed delivery windows. For simply authorizing release, the free version is usually sufficient.
2. What if the sender has specified “Signature Required”?
If the sender requires a signature, you typically cannot authorize release online or through the InfoNotice. You’ll either need to be present for the delivery or explore options like redirecting the package to a UPS Access Point where you can present identification for pickup. Contacting the sender to request a change in delivery requirements might also be possible, but it’s not always feasible.
3. How do I know if my package is eligible for “Leave at Door”?
Eligibility depends on several factors, including the sender’s instructions, the value of the package, and your location. The UPS system will typically indicate whether “Leave at Door” is an available option when you track your package through UPS My Choice.
4. Can I provide specific instructions for where to leave the package?
Yes, in many cases, UPS My Choice allows you to provide specific delivery instructions. This might include details like “Leave behind the blue flower pot” or “Leave at the back porch if no one is home.” However, the driver ultimately has the discretion to determine if the location is safe and secure.
5. What happens if my package is stolen after I authorize release?
By authorizing release, you are assuming responsibility for the package. UPS is generally not liable for theft or damage after the package has been delivered to the location you specified. It’s essential to consider the risk of theft in your area before authorizing release.
6. How long does it take for UPS My Choice changes to take effect?
Delivery changes usually take effect on the next delivery attempt. If you make changes after the driver has already attempted delivery for the day, the changes will apply to the next scheduled delivery.
7. Can I authorize release for all future deliveries?
Yes, UPS My Choice allows you to set default delivery preferences. You can specify that you want all eligible packages to be left at your door unless otherwise indicated by the sender.
8. What if I don’t have a UPS My Choice account?
While you can still use the UPS InfoNotice to authorize release, having a UPS My Choice account provides more control and convenience. It’s highly recommended for anyone who frequently receives UPS deliveries.
9. Is it safe to have packages left at the door?
The safety of leaving packages at the door depends on your location and circumstances. Consider the crime rate in your area, the visibility of your porch, and the value of the package. If you have concerns, consider using a UPS Access Point or requiring a signature for deliveries.
10. What if the UPS driver refuses to leave my package at the door, even though I authorized it?
UPS drivers have the discretion to refuse to leave packages unattended if they believe it’s not safe or secure. This could be due to factors like inclement weather, suspicious activity in the area, or concerns about package theft.
11. Can I change my delivery preferences after I’ve already authorized release?
Yes, you can usually modify your delivery preferences through UPS My Choice, even after you’ve authorized release. However, the changes may not take effect if the package is already out for delivery.
12. What are the benefits of using UPS Access Points?
UPS Access Points offer a secure and convenient alternative to home delivery. They provide a safe place for your packages to be held until you can pick them up, and they often have extended hours compared to standard delivery times. This is especially beneficial if you’re not home during the day or if you’re concerned about package theft.
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