Standards Development

Scope

This document specifies new methods available to customers from the logistic transportation companies for safe secure and contactless delivery of postal items.

The methods specified in this document provides the senders and the receivers with a proof of receipt or proof that an attempt of delivery was made. It includes methods on how to deliver without having the customer to sign for the delivery.

More specifically, the methods specified in this document cover the process of last mile delivery of postal items, including home delivery and delivery at public places, residential buildings and corporate buildings.

This document describes all delivery methods, including those requiring physical contact, and rank them from a health and safety, and operational point of view

Purpose

Due to growing concerns regarding the safety and security of deliveries, Postal Operators and logistic companies have been forced to find new methods for delivering postal items to the recipients. The increasing volumes of parcels and a legitimate aspiration to more convenience also foster new delivery options where recipients do not need to be present at the point and time of delivery.

In particular, the pandemic has created the need for new delivery methods where the physical contacts between the deliverer and the recipient are minimized or even eliminated. On the other hand, the security and integrity of the goods shall be preserved, and sufficient information shall be collected to prove that the delivery actually took place, without requiring the physical signature of the recipient.

These new methods are relevant alternatives to the traditional handover of parcels. Though some of them may not offer the highest level of safety, security and convenience at the same time, they can be ranked according to those criteria. The terms “safety” and “security” shall be understood with respect to the people involved in the delivery and also the goods to be delivered. Then, a full contactless delivery may be the safest for these people, but not the most secure for the goods.

Also the perception of “convenience” may differ significantly from a deliverer or recipient point-of-view, or between recipients. Some will prefer home deliveries over anything, even in their absence, while others do not mind going to a parcel locker or another pick-up point where the goods are secured. Perceptions may also vary greatly from one country to another depending on local habits. These aspects will be taken into account to the greatest possible extend.

In summary, this TR will describe available methods that postal operators can use to ensure safe, secured and contactless delivery. It will also rank the different methods depending on which criteria is deemed to be the most important and thereby provide a solution for this.

Further input and discussions from CEN member bodies regarding methods to describe as well as their ranking, are needed.