Package Peril

Santa can tell if you’re awake or asleep, but delivery companies have no clue about whether you’re at home or work. That can be a pain if you need to sign for a package. Instead of coming home to a box of ski jackets with matching scarves ready for wrapping, there’s a soggy note on your door. “We were here. You weren’t. We’ve got your stuff. Happy Holidays!”

Before you gnaw a pine wreath in frustration, know that shipping companies aren’t conspiring to ruin your holiday. There are steps you can take to make receiving your packages easier.

The major delivery companies – FedEx, the U.S. Postal Service, DHL and UPS – say they must balance instructions from the folks who send against the needs of the folks who get.

When it comes to those annoying signature requirements, don’t blame the driver. The store, catalog or online retailers decide whether a signature is required.

Most vendors don’t require signatures during the holiday rush, said Jerry Hennessy, DHL director of customer-service operations.

But signatures still may be required if the shipped item is expensive. If you’re not home, the delivery service will hold the package at its closest center for a few days before returning the package to the sender.

Drivers use discretion about where to leave packages. Generally, drivers won’t leave packages in high-traffic areas, such as on college campuses or in buildings at major intersections or downtown areas, delivery companies said.

Carriers try to place boxes out of sight and protected from the weather. If it’s raining or snowing, some delivery people will put boxes in plastic bags. Residents can tell their mail carrier not to leave packages or where they want them to be left, said Victor Dubina, spokesman for the U.S. Postal Service.

Ask the online retailer, catalog or store which shipping company they use. For instance, L.L. Bean uses FedEx primarily, with the postal service and UPS as secondary carriers. Hershey’s ships via DHL; Wal-Mart uses DHL and other carriers.

Know which company is shipping your package, check the Web site to track your delivery, and remember – staying home to meet the UPS man is not a legitimate excuse to skip work.

Here are some other ways to make delivery easier:

•Have the gift delivered to your work address or the address of someone who is home during the day, such as a retired friend.

•Opt to pick up a shipment instead of having it delivered. Go online to find the center nearest you.

•If the driver leaves a slip on your door saying delivery was attempted, but the package was not delivered, read the information carefully. It will give you options for getting your package. If you sign the DHL door note, the driver will leave the package the next day unless it is expensive, Hennessy said.

•Get a tracking number when you order. Here’s a DHL tip: If you see that the package will be delivered on a day when you’re not home, leave a note on the door telling the driver it’s OK to leave it. “It saves them a trip going back,” Hennessy said.

•If you live in an apartment building, let the building manager know you are expecting a delivery.

•Frequent the shipper’s Web site. You can request delivery to another address or find the closest shipping center or other information to make shipping easier. The sites are: www.ups.com, www.usps.com, www.fedex.com and www.dhl-usa.com.