Proof Of Delivery by India Post: Meaning, Process, and Benefits

Sanidhya Negi / August 3, 2024

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Most of the Indian population rely on courier services to send parcels. The two major modes of service are speed post and registered post, which facilitate the delivery of parcels. In this process, a document is also given that shows the proof of whether the product has reached its destination or not. This slip is known as proof of delivery (POD). It allows a sender to make sure that the parcel has reached the receiver’s location. 

In this blog, we’ll understand everything about India Post POD from the process of getting to its benefits and the applicable charges for obtaining it.

What is Proof of Delivery by India Post

Proof of Delivery or POD is a receipt or a slip that ensures that the parcel has been delivered to its recipient. This proof of delivery becomes crucial when two parties exchange legal or financial documents. For instance, if you’re a business owner dealing with claims of undelivered items through India Post, then POD becomes crucial. It also ensures the parcel that is delivered is correct and works as a bill of confirmation. India Post POD provides the recipient’s signature and delivery date, offering clear proof that the parcel was delivered.

Why Proof of Delivery is Required? 

India Post’s POD works as an additional layer of security to the whole process from dispatch to the delivery of the parcel. Here are some of its features:

• The exact details of the time and date of the delivery are recorded. 
• The beneficiary or the recipient signs it, making sure it has reached safely. 
• A QR code is scanned to confirm the delivery.
• Authenticity is ensured highly leaving no chance of faking the delivery.
• The contact details of the receiver are recorded for proof. 

Process of Obtaining POD 

The process of getting a Proof of Delivery starts right from booking a shipment through India Post. Let’s see what is the entire process of obtaining a POD.

Book a Shipment 

The first step of obtaining Proof of Delivery begins with booking a delivery through the India Post website and opting for POD while booking your shipment or parcel. You are required to purchase an envelope from the post office for your parcel and mention Registered Post or Speed Post on it. Also, write the sender’s and recipient’s details on the envelope.

Pack the Item 

After the booking process, you need to make sure that the deliverables are packed correctly. It is only the right packaging materials that will ensure safer delivery of the products. India Post provides a list of instructions regarding the packaging of items that vary from the type of parcel that is being shipped. 

Dispatching the Parcel 

The next thing that initiates after the packing is the parcel dispatching. After fixing all the labels related to shipping the parcels are ready to dispatch. These parcels are collected at the post office where they are booked and dispatched the parcels to the nearest office. When the parcel is dispatched you will be updated with the real-time tracking to check the current status of your parcel. You will be given a unique 13-digit consignment number that will help you to track your parcel.

Arranging Parcels 

It is believed to be the most crucial stage of the whole delivery process. India Post has many centers where the parcels are sorted to avoid any hindrance during the process. In this process, the parcels are arranged on the basis of their final delivery destination. By this, the process remains streamlined and makes sure that a quick and efficient delivery takes place. 

Transportation of the Consignment 

This phase is also known to be the transit phase from where the parcels are sent to their delivery location. Depending on the location and distance, India Post has facilitated different modes of transport. These modes are roadways, airways, railways, and waterways. It is also a choice of customers by which mode they want parcels to be sent. 

Delivery of Parcels 

Today, we know India Post as the most reliable courier service provider. They offer effective and efficient doorstep services. India Post ensures that the parcels are delivered timely and customers get a real-time tracking facility as well. Once the postman reaches the destination he hands over the parcel to the receiver and gets a signature for the confirmation. After that, the POD will be sent back to the sender’s address.

Benefits of Proof of Delivery 

India Post POD offers numerous benefits. Here are some of its key advantages:

• POD ensures full accountability between businesses and customers.
• It provides documented proof in the event of delivery issues, saving time spent resolving disputes.
• POD helps businesses comply with regulatory requirements.
• It allows businesses to conduct checks at various logistics points and detect fraudulent activities, such as incorrect addresses, customer unavailability, or fake delivery attempts.

Difference Between Paper and Electronic POD

There are two types of Proof of Delivery (POD) provided by India Post, one is Paper POD and the other is Electronic POD. An electronic proof of delivery by India Post is a digital document that customers sign when receiving a letter or parcel. This can be done through various methods such as electronic signatures, capturing images or videos during delivery, barcode scanning, or OTP verification.

On the other hand, a paper proof of delivery is a physical document that customers sign by hand upon receiving a letter or parcel. While this method provides a strong, legally binding confirmation of receipt, it requires physical handling and reconciliation at the operations hub or consolidation center.

What are the Applicable Charges for Proof of Delivery?

The importance of proof of delivery is not limited to the signature anymore. It is also very important in sales and the supply chain. For a Speed Post, the charge fee for the proof of delivery is INR 10 per article for Speed Post. The charge for the proof of delivery of registered post is INR 3 per article.

Conclusion 

Proof of Delivery (POD) by India Post is an essential service that provides reliable evidence of parcel receipt. Whether through paper or electronic methods, POD ensures transparency and accountability in the delivery process. It is particularly valuable for businesses and individuals who need to confirm that their shipments have reached their intended recipients. The detailed tracking and documentation offered by India Post’s POD system not only facilitate compliance with regulatory requirements but also help resolve delivery disputes efficiently. By offering both paper and electronic POD options, India Post caters to diverse customer needs and ensures a secure and reliable delivery experience.

FAQs 

Ques: What can I do If I have not received POD?
Ans: In the case when you have not received POD, you can register a complaint in the portal of India Post. Then you will receive a delivery slip from their office and you can get it printed and use it as proof of delivery. 

Ques: Proof of Delivery and Proof of Shipment are the same thing or different?
Ans: Proof of delivery is the confirmation receipt that works as a verification to ensure that the parcel has reached the destination, whereas proof of shipment is signed by the seller for the confirmation that he has dispatched the parcel. 

Ques: What are the details mentioned in the proof of delivery?
Ans: It contains details like- 

• Order information 
• Details of sender and receiver 
• Delivery details 
• List of items 
• Tracking number 

Ques: How many types of POD are available?
Ans: Only 2 types and these are:- 

• Paper proof of delivery 
• Electronic proof of delivery