What Happens if I’m Not Home for a Package? In 2024

TL;DR

• UPS: If no signature is required, they may leave the package in a safe spot. For signed packages, you can sign online or redirect delivery.
• DHL: If you’re not home, they’ll leave a calling card for pickup or redelivery to a new address.
• DPD: You can reschedule, request a neighbor to accept it, or have it sent to a DPD pickup shop.
• FedEx: They’ll leave a notice for rescheduling or drop it off at a neighbor’s place if you authorize it.

Due to the growing selection of online offers, online shopping has drastically grown and become the number one choice for many of us. However, an apparent downside of online shopping is having to be physically present when the package is being delivered to your address. So, what other alternatives when you are not at home to receive a package?

With Eurosender you can online shipment from almost any e-commerce site and marketplace and with our extensive line of courier services partners, we will make sure you get your order on time and at the desired address.

Despite our hardest efforts, sometimes we just cannot predict everything our day might bring. Errands, emergencies, and kinds of other life situations tend to disrupt our plans, sometimes resulting in us not being at home to receive a package we’ve ordered. So, what happens when you’re not home to receive a package?

Not at home to receive a package with courier companies

Will UPS deliver my package if I am not at home?

If you’ve chosen UPS as your courier company, you will have a few options at your disposal. If your shipment does not require a signature, it can be left in a safe place, out of sight and out of the weather, at the driver’s discretion. This could include the front porch, side door, back porch, garage area, or with a neighbour or leasing office (which would be noted in a yellow UPS notice left by the driver).

If your package has to be signed for, UPS offers you an option to sign online for eligible packages before a scheduled delivery. Or, if you prefer, you can redirect the package to another location where someone can sign on your behalf.

Will DHL deliver my package if I am not at home?

If you’re not available to receive the package shipped with DHL, a calling card will be left at the address. The card will inform you that DHL tried to deliver the package. Then you can either collect the parcel from your local DHL Service Point or arrange another delivery. When you arrange another delivery, this can be to an alternative address.

Will DPD deliver my package if I am not at home?

There are a few options for your delivery if you know you’re not going to be at home. You can be proactive and choose a different delivery day or request for your parcel to be left with a neighbour, at a safe place or it can be taken to a local DPD pickup shop.

If you haven’t arranged with DPD beforehand, your order will be held at your local delivery office and you will be left a notice.

Will FedEx deliver my package if I am not at home?

If you’ve chosen FedEx as your courier company and you’re not going to be at home to sign for the package, you will be left a notice at your door. Check the notice to see if the package was delivered to a neighbouring address or for the date of the next delivery attempt.

Alternatively, provide FedEx with a signed confirmation that authorizes them to leave your package at a safe spot if you’re not at the delivery address.

Not at home to receive a package from postal services

Will Royal mail deliver my package if I am not at home?

If nobody was in when Royal Mail attempted to deliver a package to your address, they will leave a red so-called ‘something for you’ card. The card will explain why Royal mail couldn’t deliver the package and show you how to collect your item or arrange a redelivery.

They will also leave a red card if they’ve left your package with a neighbour, or at a prearranged safe location.

Hopefully, if you’ve been wondering how do you get a package when not at home, now you have more information and you’re aware of the alternatives that courier companies offer.

Arrange courier delivery with Eurosender

Thanks to Eurosender, arranging parcel delivery is easy and affordable. You can book courier delivery to your doorstep in just a few clicks and have your shipment delivered to the location of your choice.

Still have questions?

Check our articles that answer the most common questions about shipping.