FYI RE: FedEx Delivery Signature Update (new signature policy)

I worked in supply at a major hospital(shipping and receiving) for  thirty years. " If it's smashed, broken or chipped, you know how it was shipped. FedEx. I've seen noticed on audio websites staying they don't ship FedEx because of the amount of damaged goods.

Very poor experience with FedEx/contractor on delivery of recent big$ purchase.  Item was delivered (and left in plain sight) without my signature as required.  I was away and learned of the delivery via email notification when I returned.  FedEx notification indicated I had signed for delivery; totally bogus claim as I not home at that time.

Item was left on its side, not flat (stable) resting on box bottom, and corners of outer box showed signs of distress.  Thankfully, item works well with no problems apparent, and no porch pirates were in the vicinity. 

I notified seller of FedEx's failure to provide service he paid for (per purchase agreement).  Seller planned to discuss with FedEx.

Seller was top notch from my initial contact all the way through this transaction, including well-protected item and double-boxed packaging. 

FedEx and other parcel delivery services (and their sub-contractors/agents) need to do better with handling, with obtaining recipient's signature as appropriate, etc.
 

What I'm talking about is the ISR.

The way I read this, they are asking that the recipient sign the keypad as was done pre-pandemic instead of having the driver put in your name for packages that are shipped signature required.  

"We will reinstate ... our physical signature requirements..."

Seems like weird timing with the current surge of cases...

If I understand the new policy correctly, no more  on line signature decline and recipient acceptance of package loss. Looks like Fedex didn't want to deal with hassles of recipients who took this avenue, lost their package and blamed Fedex.

The FedEX signature required option is usually used for high cost items over some dollar amount like $500 or greater).  Shippers have different price dollar amounts so please ask your shipper.  This is a security measure to ensure the package is delivered to the right person.   

I ALWAYS ask the shipper if a signature is required.  If yes, and I am NOT going to be home, I redirect the package's delivery to my local FedeX Office Printer & Ship Center.  They will hold the package for my pickup (maximum of 5 days).  Another option is I have another local store called The Box Stop that accepts both FedeX and UPS deliveries.   Please also check the FedEx web site to determine if a signature is or is not required so you know for sure.

Please be careful NOT TO DIRECT a UPS package to the FedeX Office Print & Ship Center since FedEX will NOT ACCEPT the UPS package.  This happened to me since the shipper shipped using UPS and was instructed to ship using FedEX (Whoops!).  

many times a seller will ship via signature required and there are many times that one won’t be home when the fedex guy delivers.      

should the seller try and work with the buyer and not ship the item with signature required attached to it?        or can the shipper setup the shipping date / time for when the buyer will be home ( which can be done)?

just saves a lot of aggravation