# Proof of Delivery (POD)

> Proof of Delivery (POD) is the documented confirmation that goods were delivered to the recipient, typically captured as a signature, photo, or timestamped status at the delivery point.

POD closes the loop on a shipment: it confirms the goods arrived, in what condition, and when. It is essential for resolving disputes, releasing invoices, and demonstrating service levels to customers.

Digital POD captured on a driver app — signatures, photos, and notes attached to the delivery action — is instantly available to the office and the customer, replacing slow, lossy paper processes.

## Frequently asked questions

### What counts as proof of delivery?

A signature, a delivery photo, a scanned barcode, or a timestamped "delivered" status can all serve as POD. Digital POD captured in a driver app is the most reliable because it is timestamped, geotagged, and linked to the order.

### Is a photo enough for proof of delivery?

A geotagged, timestamped photo is strong evidence of delivery and is widely accepted, especially for unattended or contactless drop-offs. For high-value or disputed shipments a signature (or a signature plus photo) is more defensible, because it also captures who took receipt of the goods.

### What happens if the customer refuses to sign?

The driver records the refusal or exception in the app — usually with a photo and a note — which itself becomes the delivery record. Capturing the exception at the point of delivery, with time and location, protects the carrier in any later dispute over whether and how the goods arrived.

### How long should POD records be kept?

Retention is driven by contract terms and local commercial and tax law, but keeping POD for several years is common practice because it underpins invoices and dispute defence. Digital POD stored against the shipment in a TMS makes long-term retention and instant retrieval trivial compared with paper.

### Is e-CMR the same as proof of delivery?

No. An e-CMR is the digital consignment note (the transport contract and goods record) for road freight; POD is the confirmation that delivery took place. In practice the signed e-CMR at the delivery stop often serves as the POD, but POD can also be captured independently as a signature, photo, or status.


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Canonical page: https://transportial.com/en/glossary/proof-of-delivery