What’s new?
We’re excited to introduce a new feature that gives you more flexibility in how packages are delivered: Alternative Delivery Locations.
With the new alternative_locations
array, you can now provide fallback delivery instructions such as leaving the package with a neighbour or in a safe place when an in-person handover is not possible. This reduces the need for courier-to-support contact and helps ensure successful deliveries even when your customer is not at home.
What’s the impact?
This feature helps reduce operational burden and improves the end-customer experience, as packages can still be delivered even when the recipient is absent based on their own instructions.
How does it work?
When creating a job, you can include the alternative_locations
array inside the delivery_options
object.
Currently, this array can contain only one object, which must include the following fields:
- type: the fallback delivery location, which can be either
neighbour
orsafe_place
- instructions: specific guidance for the courier
Example usage:
"delivery_options": {
"alternative_locations": [
{
"type": "neighbour",
"instructions": "Leave with the neighbour in apartment 3B"
}
]
}
OR
"delivery_options": {
"alternative_locations": [
{
"type": "safe_place",
"instructions": "Leave inside the blue box near the entrance"
}
]
}
Example implementation:
You can map these alternative locations on your side so that, when placing an order, the end-customer can select an alternative location (e.g. “leave with neighbour”) and add specific instructions. This way, your integration can automatically populate the alternative_locations
array in the job creation payload when relevant.
Please note the courier will always first attempt to deliver the package directly to the end-customer.
- If the end-customer is absent and an alternative location is provided, the courier will follow those instructions.
- If no alternative location is specified, the default in-person delivery process applies.
When will this change take place?
This feature is already live and available for use.
What’s next?
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