redelivering

Redelivery, or redelivering, is the process of delivering an item to a recipient after an initial delivery attempt has failed or upon request. It is a common practice in postal services, courier networks, and e-commerce fulfillment. While the term is most often used for physical parcels, it can also apply to other tangible shipments that require recipient acceptance.

Typical causes for redelivery include the recipient’s absence during the first attempt, an incorrect or incomplete address, safety or access restrictions, or the item being held at a carrier facility or customs. Some carriers impose a redelivery fee or require the item to be picked up at a designated location if several attempts fail. Policies vary by carrier and country.

Procedurally, after a failed delivery, the carrier usually leaves an attempted-delivery notice with instructions and a timeframe for rescheduling. The recipient can request redelivery to the same or another address or choose an alternate delivery method, such as a pickup point, locker, or neighbor delivery. Verification, such as an ID or a signature, may be required prior to redelivery.

Performance and operational considerations include limits on the number of redelivery attempts, implications for parcel return to sender, and environmental impact from additional transport. Redelivery success rates are a key metric in delivery performance and customer satisfaction.

Alternatives to repeated redelivery include holding at a carrier facility, using secure lockers, or arranging direct pickup. For merchants, transparent redelivery options and timely notifications can reduce friction and improve fulfillment outcomes.