Why Do Amazon Delivery Drivers Not Ring Your Bell?

Good question. In this densely populated city with numerous deliveries, one might wonder why it is so uncommon for delivery drivers to knock or ring the doorbell.
However, it's not as if the delivery people lack the time to do so. As I have observed, if the delivery people have the time to take a photo of the delivery at your door, which is not even verification of receipt, they certainly have the time to knock or ring the doorbell! In fact, I've had to specify this in the delivery instructions, and still, there are some individuals who refuse to do it. This seems more akin to stubbornness than anything else. Should they choose not to knock or ring, I reserve the right to not feel obligated to give them the tip they expect.

Given that when delivery drivers do knock or ring and the customer did not want them to, they become very vocal about it. They might complain about waking up the baby, disrupting their meeting, or even their nap. However, there is a simple solution if you specify it in the delivery instructions, we tend to follow it diligently. As a customer, I have specified it, and the drivers always knock at my door. Hopefully, this sheds some light on the matter.

Default Delivery Instructions

By default, most shipping agencies are allowed or instructed to leave the package at a doorstep or a common area. If they had to wait for people to answer the door, it would nearly double the amount of time it takes to run deliveries. This is a significant consideration that many logistics companies take into account to optimize their operations.

Amazon and Other Logistical Challenges

Amazon, for example, has slightly different practices. While they do not typically ring the doorbell, they might use alternative methods such as leaving a package at a doorstep or in a common area. This approach helps them maintain their speed and efficiency, which is crucial for customer satisfaction and meeting their aggressive delivery timelines.

Speed Cultures in Delivery Services

The culture of speed is prevalent in most delivery services. For instance, it is common for companies like UPS to optimize their routes to prefer right-hand turns over left-hand turns, as right-hand turns can result in faster passage through traffic, especially in areas where right turns can be made at red lights. This optimization contributes to the overall speed and efficiency of their delivery operations.

Other companies may not provide air conditioning in their trucks, which can be lethal in regions like Texas during hot months. However, this choice is made to save money on both equipment and fuel. Thus, leaving packages on the stoop remains the most efficient way to deliver goods, as it reduces the time drivers spend on each stop.

Ultimately, the decision not to ring the doorbell is rooted in efficiency and speed, which are critical to maintaining customer satisfaction and delivering goods quickly. However, it's always a good idea to specify your preferences in the delivery instructions to ensure a better experience for all parties involved.