Where should goods wait after a missed delivery slot?

Set the waiting location, timestamps and product owner for failed deliveries in advance. Base re-delivery on records and quality approval.

6 October 2023Updated 23 September 2026

Short answer

If delivery is refused, record where the goods remain, whether cooling continues, and any alarm or door-opening events. On return to the depot, add the receipt reading and recipient. Re-delivery or disposition should follow review by the quality lead.

After a missed slot, the driver should not have to guess what to do with the goods. Set the waiting location, custodian and escalation contact in the procedure.

Record scheduled and actual times, product lot, waiting location, refrigeration-unit status and any alarm or opening. For goods returned to the depot, add the recipient and reading.

Do not use a fixed waiting duration or generic temperature threshold. Re-delivery and product disposition must follow product requirements and an authorised quality decision.

Sources and correction policy for this article

Topics:Risk and emergencies Transport and routing Retail operations

E-commerce & last mile →