What delivery photos and tracking records reveal

A delivery photo connects a shipment to a place

FedEx's U.S. guide describes picture proof for residential U.S. and Canadian shipments. For shipments released without a signature, it says a tracking number can provide access without an account or login. It also describes photos of attempted deliveries. Read the status alongside the picture before deciding what happened. FedEx: delivery and attempted-delivery photos

UPS's proof-of-delivery support text says viewing a delivery photo requires the delivery ZIP code. Different carriers and tools can therefore ask for different information. A photograph's access rule should not be assumed to match an account dashboard's rule. UPS: delivery photo ZIP-code requirement

A GPS delivery record describes a scan location

FedEx's Canada page describes GPS proof for U.S. and Canadian deliveries. Account holders associated with the shipment can access a static map and coordinates where the package was marked delivered. Its footnote says the coordinates come from the courier's delivery scan and might not pinpoint the package's exact location. FedEx: U.S./Canada GPS scan location and access scope

Proof can reach email, notifications and a dashboard

UPS says delivery photos can appear in confirmation email, automatic notifications, tracking and My Choice. It also says My Choice members can view four months of past packages and scheduled deliveries, including deliveries for multiple associated addresses. That calendar window does not establish how long every underlying shipment record is retained. UPS: photo notifications and package history

Shipment records contain more than a tracking status

UPS's privacy notice lists sender, recipient and sometimes neighbor contact details, signatures, tracking numbers, access information and records documenting delivery. It says shipping information is shared with parties such as shippers, consignees, payers and recipients to perform services. The notice also warns that information on a package's exterior can be visible to others. UPS: shipment information, privacy requests and retention

A delivery message still needs independent verification

The FTC warns that a text about a missed delivery, postage problem or shipping preference can lead to a look-alike site that collects personal and financial information. It recommends checking the retailer or order account independently rather than using an unexpected message's link. A familiar carrier name alone does not authenticate the message. FTC: independently verify delivery messages