FedEx Is Helping Porch Pirates
As online shopping increases during the holiday season, so too does its volume. While this offers convenience to consumers, it also invites porch pirates–individuals who steal packages left unattended on doorsteps–to come out of hiding and steal packages left behind by consumers. Unfortunately, shipping companies like FedEx may inadvertently contribute to this problem by leaving packages unprotected on doorsteps for too long.
Every year during the holidays, reports of stolen packages increase significantly. Law enforcement agencies around the nation often pledge increased patrols against this crime; yet it continues. Porch piracy flourishes by exploiting gaps in last mile delivery systems – consumers may not always be home when their packages arrive and this leaves them vulnerable to thieves looking for an opportunity.
FedEx, like other delivery services, experiences an increased demand during the holiday season. To accommodate this surge of packages and meet tight delivery deadlines, additional workers known as runners are employed – these temporary workers are charged with transporting packages quickly while under intense pressure to meet tight deadlines quickly and on schedule. While this system can increase speed significantly, it could potentially compromise security as deliveries move more quickly through their system.
Many reports from consumers point out problematic delivery practices, including packages placed in highly visible areas. Items are often left near streets, mailboxes or driveways–where they can easily be seen by passing cars and pedestrians. And lack of effort is being taken to secure packages. Instead of leaving packages in concealed or safe locations, some are dumped onto front lawns or left exposed on porches. And there is a failure to follow delivery instructions. Though many consumers provide specific delivery instructions, these are often forgotten during peak seasons and missed entirely.
Porch pirates find FedEx deliveries easier to target thanks to such practices, making the delivery service an asset for thefts.
Then there is the subject about the of lack of accountability. FedEx is often the source of consumer dissatisfaction due to their lack of accountability; when packages are stolen, typically it is the shipper–not FedEx–who pays the financial costs of replacing items stolen by thieves. As this setup creates no direct financial implications for FedEx in terms of stolen packages being delivered late, and customers have to deal with emotional and financial consequences of missing gifts, adding unnecessary stress into what should otherwise be an enjoyable holiday season.