What happens if I'm not home when my equipment is delivered?Updated 2 months ago

Quick Answer

For standard shipping (UPS, FedEx, DHL), most deliveries don't require signatures - carriers will leave packages at your door. If you miss a delivery that requires a signature, the carrier will leave a door notice with instructions for redelivery or pickup. For freight shipments (large equipment), you must be present for the scheduled delivery appointment - the carrier calls you in advance to confirm a convenient time.

Standard Shipping Delivery (Small Items)

Most equipment shipped via UPS, FedEx, or DHL is delivered without requiring someone to be home.

Typical delivery procedure:

Driver delivers package to your address
Package left at front door, porch, or other safe location
Delivery confirmation photo may be taken (depending on carrier)
Tracking updated to "Delivered" with delivery location noted
You retrieve package when you arrive home

No signature required for most orders: Standard equipment orders typically don't require signatures. Carriers deliver and leave the package even if no one is home.

If Signature Is Required

Some shipments require a signature for high-value items or specific shipping methods.

First delivery attempt:

Driver attempts delivery at your address
Knocks or rings doorbell
If no one answers, driver cannot leave package
Driver leaves door notice/tag with instructions
Tracking updated to "Delivery Attempted" or "First Attempt"

What the door notice includes:

Tracking number
Delivery attempt date and time
Instructions for redelivery scheduling
Option to pick up at carrier facility
Driver's next attempt date (if applicable)

You have three options:

Option 1: Be home for next delivery attempt

Carriers typically make 3 delivery attempts
Attempts usually on consecutive business days
Check door notice or tracking for next attempt date
Be available during carrier's delivery hours (typically 9 AM - 7 PM)

Option 2: Schedule a specific redelivery

Visit carrier website using your tracking number
Select a specific delivery date when you'll be home
Some carriers allow selecting a delivery time window
Carrier delivers on your chosen date

Option 3: Pick up at carrier facility

UPS: Hold at UPS Customer Center or UPS Access Point
FedEx: Hold at FedEx Office or FedEx facility
DHL: Hold at DHL facility
Request hold via carrier website or by calling carrier
Bring photo ID and tracking number to pick up
Packages typically held for 5-7 days

How to Arrange Redelivery or Pickup

For UPS:

Visit UPS.com and enter your tracking number
Select "Change Delivery" or "Delivery Options"
Choose: Reschedule delivery, hold at location, or leave without signature (if allowed)
Or call 1-800-742-5877

For FedEx:

Visit FedEx.com and use "Delivery Manager"
Enter your tracking number
Select delivery preferences: reschedule, hold at FedEx location, or alternate address
Or call 1-800-463-3339

For DHL:

Visit DHL.com
Enter tracking number
Select delivery options
Or call 1-800-225-5345

Freight Shipments (Large Equipment)

Freight delivery works completely differently and always requires you to be present.

How freight delivery scheduling works:

Your order ships via freight carrier (The Custom Companies, Estes Express, or Daylight Transport)
Carrier contacts you by phone to schedule delivery appointment
You choose a convenient date/time when you'll be home
Carrier delivers on scheduled appointment date
You must be present to receive delivery

Critical: Provide valid phone number

When ordering large equipment, ensure your phone number is correct. From our shipping policy: "Customers must provide a valid phone number when ordering as the freight companies will not deliver without a scheduled appointment and they need to call you to make the appointment."

Consequences of missing freight delivery:

Storage fees: Charged to you if carrier can't reach you to schedule
Late delivery fees: Additional charges for warehouse storage
Possible return: Package may be returned to CENTR at your expense

Freight delivery service levels:

Curbside delivery: Carrier delivers to your curb/driveway - you move equipment inside
Inside delivery: Carrier brings equipment inside (depending on service level purchased)
Room of choice: Some service levels allow specifying delivery room (if applicable)

Safe Place Deliveries

For standard shipping without signature requirements, carriers may leave packages in various safe locations:

Common delivery locations:

Front porch or doorstep
Back door or side entrance
Behind pillars or planters
In carport or garage (if accessible)
Building office or mail room (apartments/condos)
With building concierge or management
Package locker (if building has one)

Tracking notes delivery location: Most carriers note where they left the package ("Left at front door", "Delivered to porch", etc.).

Providing Delivery Instructions

You can usually add delivery instructions to help drivers find safe delivery locations:

How to add instructions:

Create account on carrier website (UPS My Choice, FedEx Delivery Manager)
Add delivery preferences and instructions
Instructions apply to all future deliveries to your address

Example instructions:

"Leave packages at side door"
"Deliver to building office - Unit 123"
"Use gate code 1234 to access property"
"Leave on back porch out of weather"

Business Addresses

If shipping to a business address, be aware of business hours:

Delivery considerations:

Carriers deliver during business hours (usually 9 AM - 5 PM for businesses)
Ensure business is open when carrier attempts delivery
Notify reception/front desk to expect delivery
Some businesses require deliveries at specific loading docks or entrances
Package may be left with reception even without signature

After-hours delivery: If your business closes before typical carrier delivery times, consider:

Shipping to your home address instead
Holding package at carrier facility for pickup
Providing after-hours delivery instructions

Apartment and Condo Deliveries

Common scenarios:

Building with office/concierge: Package often left with building staff
Package room: Delivered to designated package room if building has one
Package locker: Placed in secure locker, you get access code
Unit door: Driver delivers to your specific unit door

Access issues: If driver can't access building (locked door, gate code needed):

Driver may leave door notice and attempt redelivery
Provide access instructions on carrier website
Add gate codes or entry instructions to delivery preferences

What If Delivery Is Missed Multiple Times?

After 3 failed delivery attempts:

Carrier typically returns package to sender (CENTR)
You'll see "Returned to Sender" status in tracking
Contact us immediately at [email protected]
We'll arrange reshipment or process return/refund

To avoid this:

Respond to first delivery attempt notice
Schedule redelivery or pickup immediately
Provide delivery instructions if access is an issue
Monitor tracking daily when package is out for delivery

Tracking "Out for Delivery" Status

When tracking shows "Out for Delivery," your package will arrive that day:

Delivery window: Usually 9 AM - 7 PM (carrier-dependent)
Cannot predict exact time: Drivers follow routes - could be morning or evening
Monitor tracking: Some carriers provide narrower delivery windows
Be available: If signature required, be home during delivery hours

International Deliveries

For deliveries to Canada or international addresses:

Delivery procedures vary by destination country's postal service
Customs may require additional information or payment before delivery
Duty/tax payment may be required at delivery
Signature requirements may differ from US deliveries
Contact international carrier if delivery attempt missed

Common Questions

Q: Can I change delivery to my workplace if I won't be home?

A: If you haven't shipped yet, contact us to update the address. If already shipped, contact the carrier about address changes (fees may apply, and changes may not be possible late in transit).

Q: What if my package says delivered but I wasn't home and can't find it?

A: Check all possible delivery locations, with neighbors, and building office. Wait 24 hours. If still not found, contact the carrier first for GPS coordinates, then contact us at [email protected] if package not located.

Q: Can I authorize the driver to leave the package even though signature is required?

A: Yes, usually through the carrier's website. Sign up for UPS My Choice or FedEx Delivery Manager to authorize "Release without signature" for specific deliveries.

Q: What if I'm on vacation when my package delivers?

A: Contact the carrier using your tracking number to hold the package until you return, or have it delivered to an alternate address where someone can receive it.

Still Need Help?

If you have questions about delivery procedures, missed deliveries, or need to arrange redelivery:

Contact the carrier first: They have the most control over delivery scheduling and can arrange redelivery or hold for pickup.

Contact CENTR at [email protected] if:

Package returned to sender after missed deliveries
You need to change delivery address before shipping
Carrier unable to resolve delivery issue
You have questions about freight delivery appointments

Include: Order number (#XXXX-C), tracking number, and description of delivery situation.

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