Overview
Some delivery locations require additional information for successful delivery—such as gate codes, access instructions, or business details.
Carriers do not always have a reliable way to receive or use this information after a shipment is already in transit, so it’s critical to provide it before shipment whenever possible.
What Are Delivery Instructions
Delivery instructiuons are information that the carrier requires in order to delivery the package to its intended recipient. Common examples include:
- Gate or entry codes
- Apartment, suite, or unit numbers
- Business name (for commercial deliveries)
- Delivery notes (e.g., “leave at back entrance”)
- Recipient phone number
Best Practice: Provide Before Shipment
The most reliable way to ensure successful delivery is to include all required details at the time the order is placed.
Recommended Fields
- Address Line 1: Street address
- Address Line 2: Apartment / suite / unit / gate code
- Company Name: Required for many business deliveries
- Phone Number: Strongly recommended
👉 If this information is missing at the time of shipment, delivery issues are much more likely.
Can You Add Instructions After Shipment?
Short Answer: Sometimes, but not reliably
Once a shipment is in transit:
- Carriers may not receive or apply updated instructions
- Changes are often limited to address corrections or intercepts
- General delivery notes (like gate codes) are not consistently supported
What To Do If Instructions Are Missing
1. Contact Your Customer
Ask for:
- Complete address details
- Gate code or access instructions
- Phone number
2. Try Carrier Tools (If Available)
UPS
- UPS My Choice may allow:
- Delivery instructions
- Access point redirection
- Not guaranteed to apply to all shipments
FedEx
- FedEx Delivery Manager may allow:
- Adding delivery preferences
- Works best when the recipient sets this up directly
USPS
- Limited ability to add delivery instructions after shipment
- Typically relies on:
- Existing address details
- Physical delivery notices
Important Limitations
- Carriers prioritize address data over notes
- Drivers may not see or follow special instructions
- Some locations (apartments, gated communities) require:
- Customer presence, or
- Pickup from a local facility
If Delivery Fails
If the carrier cannot access the location:
- Delivery will be attempted again, or
- The package may be:
- Held for pickup, or
- Returned to sender
Best Practices
- Always collect complete delivery details upfront
- Require:
- Apartment/unit numbers
- Business names (for commercial addresses)
- Phone numbers
- Avoid relying on “delivery notes” to solve access issues
- Communicate with customers proactively if anything looks incomplete
Handled’s Role
Handled ships orders based on the information provided at the time of fulfillment.
- We can assist with carrier coordination where possible
- However:
- We cannot guarantee delivery instructions will be applied after shipment
- Carrier systems and driver workflows ultimately control delivery execution
When to Contact Handled
Reach out to support@handledcommerce.com if:
- A shipment has failed due to access issues
- You need help determining next steps (redelivery, pickup, reshipment)
- You’re unsure whether updated information can be applied
Key Takeaways
- Delivery instructions are most effective when provided before shipment
- Adding them after shipment is limited and unreliable
- Missing access details often lead to:
- Failed delivery attempts
- Pickup holds
- Returns to sender