Proof of Delivery (POD) is collected by the driver from the recipient at the drop-off point, confirming the package was delivered successfully. It acts as a final verification step to ensure the order reached the correct person and location, supporting accountability and delivery accuracy. POD can be captured through digital signatures, photos, barcode scans, or short notes via the driver app.
Difference Between POP and POD
The main difference between POP (Proof of Pickup) and POD (Proof of Delivery) is the stage at which they are used. POP confirms that an order has been collected from the sender at the start of the delivery process, while POD confirms that the order has been delivered to the recipient at the end.
To learn more about Proof of Pickup (POP), please refer to this article.
Components of POD
Signature
Signatures have typically been a common method of authentication and are also used in the POD process. The signature is captured through the driver application, and the signer is the recipient of the order.
Photo
Using the driver application, you can capture and upload one or more photos as part of the POD process. Depending on your approach, these photos can feature the recipient with the package, just the package, or the drop-off environment.
Barcode Scan
Drivers can scan the barcode of one or multiple packages through the driver app to automatically capture delivery information. This updates the system in real-time, reducing manual entry and errors, and ensuring accurate tracking and reliable delivery records.
Notes
The driver application provides this option, as the driver may need to write a description for POD or drop-off.
To learn how to enable or require POD for a service, read this article.
How to View Recorded PODs
You can view the Proof of Delivery (POD) information by opening the order details page in the Dispatcher Panel and scrolling down to the Dropoff section. Click the Info button located on the right side of the drop-off address to access all submitted POD details. Any uploaded images can also be viewed and downloaded by clicking on them.
