Delivery Pro-Tips

Navigating a delivery can present unique challenges depending on the delivery location and dwelling type (i.e. apartment, house, college campus). Review the tips below to help you successfully make a delivery.



General tips for delivery:

  • Secure packages in a covered area of your vehicle, such as the backseat or covered truck bed. 
  • Follow laws and regulations. Steer clear of accessible parking, fire lanes, private parking, and tow-away zones, and keep quarters on hand in case you can only find metered parking.
  • Use your hazard lights, as needed, to alert other vehicles that you are stopping and/or parking. 
  • Verify that the address is correct and matches the address on the package. 
  • Check the app for specific delivery instructions. 
  • Handle the packages with care and avoid tossing or dropping to ensure no items are damaged during the delivery process. 
  • Avoid placing packages in the recipient’s mailbox or in front of garage doors to prevent accidental damage. 
  • If you experience any issue at delivery such as needing a gate code or entry to a building, utilize the in-app messaging feature to contact the customer. This should be done before initiating a return in the app.
  • Safely exit the delivery location, avoiding any contact with the recipient's property, etc.


Delivering to downtown areas:

  • Look for designated parking areas for delivery. Buildings in downtown areas often have designated parking for deliveries. 
  • Consider making a sign for your car that says “Delivery vehicle, will return in 2 minutes” so it can easily be identified as a delivery vehicle.
  • If needed, utilize a call box to gain entrance to an apartment building. 
  • Utilize the in-app messaging feature to contact the customer about delivery issues such as needing access to the building or instructions on where to safely leave the package(s). This should be done before initiating a return in the app.
  • In case there are any issues with delivery location access, do not tap Drop off in the app until you have located the exact drop-off location for the package.  

Delivering to houses:

  • Place the package in a safe space, protected from weather or other elements, near the main door of the house. 
  • Minimize package visibility from the roadway.
  • Use walkways to get to the front door to avoid walking on the recipient’s grass. 
  • If you encounter any delivery issues such as needing instructions on where to safely leave the package(s), utilize the in-app messaging feature to contact the customer. This should be done before initiating a return in the app.

Delivering to apartments:

  • Look for the apartment complex’s site map, when available, to identify where the recipient lives.
  • Locate the entry of the recipient’s building.
  • If there is a call box, utilize the in-app messaging feature to contact the customer or contact the leasing office to gain access to the building or apartment property. This should be done before initiating a return in the app.
  • Avoid leaving packages at the recipient’s front door or in an unsecured space. 
  • Locate the mailroom.
    • If you need access to the mailroom, contact the leasing office. 
    • Locate the designated space for the recipient’s packages within the mailroom.
    • Utilize package lockers when available.
  • In case there are any issues with delivery location access, do not tap Drop off in the app until you have located the exact drop-off location for the package.  


Delivering to businesses: 

  • Locate the package delivery entrance of the building.
    • This is most often found at the back of a building near the shipping or receiving area.
    • If there is not a specific entrance, locate the entry point at the front of the building.
  • Communicate to a company representative that you are delivering a Target.com package.
  • Give the package to the representative, or locate the designated package delivery space.
  • In case there are any issues with delivery location access, do not tap Drop off in the app until you have located the exact drop-off location for the package.  
  • If you encounter any issues at delivery such as needing an access code or instructions on where to safely leave the package(s), use the in-app messaging feature to contact the customer. This should be done before initiating a return in the app.

Delivering to colleges, universities, and schools:

  • Look for directional signage for package drop-off locations and follow the instructions provided for delivery.
    • When applicable, locate the university mailroom location or another designated drop-off location.
  • If you encounter any issues at delivery such as needing an access code or instructions on where to safely leave the package(s), use the in-app messaging feature to contact the customer. This should be done before initiating a return in the app.

If you are ever unable to complete a delivery, keep any undeliverable packages secure in your vehicle until all deliveries are complete. After your last delivery, return to the sortation center to complete the return. Packages that have not been delivered should be returned to the sortation center no later than one hour after the close of the route's delivery window. For example: If a route's delivery window ends at 8 p.m., any undeliverable packages should be returned by 9 p.m. Drivers should not keep packages overnight.

Last updated on January 4th, 2024

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