What does POD (Proof of Delivery) mean? | time:matters (2024)

A Proof of Delivery (POD) is a document that serves as written evidence of the proper delivery of a shipment. The carrier issues the document, which must be acknowledged by the recipient to confirm the correct delivery of the goods. Damage, incompleteness or non-delivery can thus be recorded or excluded with legal certainty.

Proof of delivery is often particularly important for urgent shipments. In the case of personal transport, e.g. by onboard courier, written proof of delivery is then concluded upon delivery, so that there is no legal doubt about the proper delivery of the shipment.