I think at least they can first call you before they attempt to deliver the package. If you are not there, then just keep the package for the next day's delivery. This will avoid the delivery failure and save time of both sides.
As I understand it the van driver gets a computer generated route with delivery stops, their GPS then gives directions for the next stop. They enter delivery details and are tracked by a centralised computer.
Given this couldn't the central computer take the driver's current location and call/text the customer with an estimated delivery time that's going to likely be within a half-hour error window (closer I'd think in town). The logisticians must have a pretty good idea of the timing for a route after all.
So when you sign up you'd ask to be notified n hours before delivery. Once the route is calculated, with say n=1, if you're first drop then you'd have a call/text (1 hour) - (first leg duration) before the driver starts their round.
Wouldn't such a system reduce delivery failures, anyone know of a company that's tried such automated delivery notifications based on routing data? [and reverted?]
My FedEx driver used to call me 5-10 minutes before delivery. Was perfect to not miss a delivery due to being in the shower/down to the corner store for bread/etc. Or if I wasn't home he wouldn't even have to attempt the delivery.
Then they removed the drivers' cell phones as a "cost saving measure", and then the driver instead had to drive out to my place 2-3 times to make a delivery, wasting his time.
I think at least they can first call you before they attempt to deliver the package. If you are not there, then just keep the package for the next day's delivery. This will avoid the delivery failure and save time of both sides.