Making sure that the goods are delivered from the sender to the customer is the ultimate goal in the trucking industry. Ensuring that goods in our expedited delivery reach their destination as fast as possible and in good condition, is of paramount importance. And at the end, there is the POD or proof of delivery, which is just as important, and the delivery isn’t complete until the customer signs it, confirming that they got the delivery. It is a document that has important information about the delivery, such as the name of the customer, the customer’s signature, and the time of delivery.
What is POD?
A proof of delivery, or POD for short, is a document that proves that the shipment has reached its final destination. The POD comes in various forms such as electronic, digital, or paper, depending on the buyer’s preference. It is an extremely important document, especially for the carriers, since it provides legal protection, and holds carriers accountable for the state of goods. The POD is issued at the point of delivery, and the person that carried out the delivery is the one responsible for obtaining the signature from the customer.
What Information Is Listed in POD?
The information that is found on the POD depends on the specific requirements of the shipment, but it will usually include the following:
- Name and contact information of the company that’s sending the goods.
- Name and contact information of the recipient.
- Description of the product that is delivered
- Date and time of delivery
- Signature of the recipient
- The condition of the goods that have been delivered ( damaged or in good condition )
- Location of the delivery
- Quantity of goods
- Type of transportation that carried out the delivery (truck, airplane, ship, etc.)
- Payment terms
- Carriers information
Why is Proof of Delivery so Important?
Now that we are acquainted with what a POD means, let us go over why it is such an important document. While it is a confirmation for the customers that the goods have been delivered, it is just as important for the companies since they can save funds by not issuing unnecessary refunds. The reason why it is so important is that both sides ( the sender and the recipient ), have several benefits from it.
How to Request a Proof of Delivery Document?
Nowadays, most businesses will provide a POD as a standard document without you having to make a request. If that is not the case, you will have to contact the company directly and get information on the procedure for getting a POD.
What’s the Difference between POD and BOL?
In the shipping industry, there are lots of documents that can be confusing. Such is the case with POD ( proof of delivery) and BOL ( bill of lading ). The key difference between the two is that the bill of lading is a legal document between the carrier and the shipper for the transportation of goods. On the other hand, the proof of delivery serves as a document that confirms that the delivery has been carried out and that the customer received it.
What are the Advantages of Using a POD?
POD is a vital document that offers numerous advantages both to the sender and to the receiving party. The first advantage is that it provides the business with proof that the package has been delivered, and provides a transaction record. Secondly, it provides all the necessary information that is crucial in resolving any disputes that might happen. Thirdly, it greatly improves inventory management since you can conveniently update stock, right after the delivery has been carried out. And last but not least, it improves customer loyalty by providing them with evidence of delivery, which in turn builds trust and satisfaction with the service provided.
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