Are you expecting a direct signature required package from a delivery service and you’re wondering what that is?
With the increased theft of packages before they reach the recipient, delivery services now use DSR to ensure the success rate of delivery.
However, what is the DSR method and how does it protect your package from theft?
This article explores the meaning of a direct signature required method, the packages that require them, and their importance.
What does it mean when a direct signature is required?
A Direct Signature Required (DSR) delivery is one that requires a signature from a person at the recipient’s address.
Direct signature deliveries go to the address listed on the mailing label rather than to a specific recipient.
In this situation, someone who lives or works there must be available to sign, and they must be authorized to do so. No remarks may be included, the package may not be left unattended, and neither guests nor neighbors may sign.
If it is for a business, there are no problems. However, if you are aware that it is a DSR and you cannot pick it up, have it kept for you at a holding facility.
You can choose to collect it at the station after delivery hours, but you’ll need a photo ID. You’ll also need your last name and address on the ID to match those on the package.
Additionally, the delivery person may attempt the delivery again if nobody is home.
What happens if the DSR recipient is not available?
If a direct signature is required to deliver the package, the driver will typically make a maximum of three tries.
This indicates that it will be delivered three times if no one is available to receive it before being returned. If there is a DSR label on the package, then the driver considers the product risky to deliver to an unknown recipient.
It also means that the driver cannot leave without a signature and verifying who signs.
In some cases, the delivery service might not automatically try again. In such cases, the package would be transported to a store nearby and kept for pickup instead.
What packages require a direct signature?
Many different types of shipments, such as legal shipments of alcohol, high-value packaged products, dangerous goods, hazardous chemicals, drugs, and weapons, mostly need direct signatures to be delivered.
If the sender requires that you sign for the package, you must do so. You can check the tracking details that were sent to you through email from the sender to determine whether your delivery requires a signature.
What are the benefits of a direct signature?
- They are far more efficient than electronic signatures in approving the reception of contracts and essential documents.
- It confirms that the sender did not deliver the letter, document, or product to the incorrect person or an underage person.
- It offers a higher success rate of package delivery, more security, and peace of mind, which can be advantageous to the sender and the recipient.
- The sender through DSR can ensure that the recipient of the package receives it and that the recipient’s privacy is not compromised depending on the contents of the package.
How do you resolve someone else receiving your package despite a direct signature required?
Start by filing a claim and let the delivery service make an attempt to try and recover the package.
Normally, a driver will ask for the package back to fix these errors. Allow the driver to try to recover the item for a few days before lodging a new complaint.
The delivery service could request that you report the theft of your goods to the authorities if the shipment cannot be recovered. You can also inquire with the delivery service about the amount they might pay you back for the box they “lost” due to their delivery error.
FAQs
Can a direct signature required package be signed electronically?
No, you cannot sign DSR packages electronically.
On deliveries where an adult or direct signature is required, electronic signatures are not permitted. However, If an indirect signature is needed to sign for the package, you can only do it using your phone or computer.
What is an indirect signature?
An indirect signature entails a package being signed by a recipient at the delivery address or from a person close by, like a neighbor or building manager.
Additionally, the recipient may agree to the shipment being released anonymously.
Do all packages require a signature?
Not all packages require a signature to be delivered.
A signature is required for all commercial, international, and regulated (drugs, alcohol, weapons, etc.) packages. Residential packages don’t unless the sender specifically asks for the recipient’s signature.
Conclusion
The use of a direct signature is often required by delivery services like UPS or FedEx in delivering sensitive packages to customers. These items may include documents, international packages, or regulated items like weapons.
Only people directly authorized by you that are living at your address are allowed to directly sign in your absence. This means that your building manager or neighbor will not be able to receive that package on your behalf.
Failure to receive a DSR package might mean the driver makes another trip to your place at a later date. However, it could also mean you have to go pick it up at the nearest location.
I hope you found this article helpful. You can also read about the difference between initials and a signature and if initials can serve as signatures.
Thanks for reading.
