The life of a delivery driver isn’t just a blur of addresses, time windows, and traffic jams. Behind the scenes, notes left by drivers—sometimes humorous, sometimes petty, and sometimes serious—can take on lives of their own. These notes don’t just vanish into thin air; they often end up in systems used by employers, customers, and even courts. In a world increasingly driven by online orders and doorstep drop-offs, the paper trail of what a driver says can have real consequences.
From complaints to confessions, here are seven types of delivery driver notes you’ve probably never seen—but that could come back to bite you.
1. “Customer Seems Suspicious”
Delivery drivers often make quick judgments about the neighborhoods and people they encounter. A note saying “customer seems suspicious” might seem like a simple flag, but it can snowball. These notes may influence future service, leading to unnecessary scrutiny or even delivery refusal. Companies using AI or driver feedback to assess risk could take this at face value, affecting customer standing without evidence. Worse, in legal disputes, such vague remarks can be twisted to suggest a pattern of behavior.
2. “House Looks Abandoned or Unsafe”
Notes about property conditions may sound like cautious reporting, but they can carry unintended weight. If a driver writes that a house “looks abandoned,” that may end up influencing insurers, landlords, or delivery policies. A misread situation—like an overgrown yard or dim lighting—might suggest neglect when none exists. These assumptions could even be used to deny service or justify higher delivery fees in some systems. It’s a subtle judgment with potential legal or financial fallout.
3. “Customer Was Aggressive”
Describing a customer as aggressive may seem reasonable after a tense encounter, but it doesn’t always reflect the full context. These kinds of notes can paint an unfair portrait, especially when there’s no video or audio to back them up. The label can stick, impacting future deliveries or even leading to banned accounts. In legal cases involving disputes or claims, such remarks may be cited as evidence of ongoing hostility. It’s a single sentence that can tilt the balance of credibility.
4. “Requested to Be Left with a Minor”
Leaving packages with a child might happen out of necessity or customer instruction but noting it in writing can raise red flags. A comment like “left with child, per request” might be seen later as a breach of protocol. Companies might use this to discipline drivers or shield themselves from liability. If a package goes missing or damage is claimed, that note could become evidence of mishandling. It might even bring legal attention to the household’s supervision practices.
5. “Smelled Strong Odor (Weed, Alcohol, etc.)”
Even casual comments about odors can trigger complications. A note about smelling alcohol or weed might be seen as documenting illegal activity or an unsafe environment. These remarks could find their way into customer files, possibly affecting services or drawing scrutiny from landlords or authorities. For the driver, it could be seen as profiling or stepping out of professional bounds. Either way, it adds tension to a delivery situation that’s supposed to be routine.
6. “Customer Filming Delivery”
It’s increasingly common for customers to film deliveries for safety or confirmation, but not all drivers welcome it. A note stating “customer was filming me” can suggest discomfort, suspicion, or even hostility. If the footage is ever used in a dispute, the note could add context—or bias—to the interpretation. Some platforms track customer behavior, and this could flag the person as problematic. What was meant as security can spiral into miscommunication and mistrust.
7. “Dog Loose on Property”
Animals are a frequent hazard in delivery work, and dogs in particular can provoke strong reactions. A note like “dog loose, almost attacked” could affect more than just the driver’s next visit. It might trigger a formal report, leading to city citations or service restrictions for the customer. Insurance companies might use such notes in claims involving property or injury. One comment about a pet can ripple through bureaucratic systems in ways few realize.
These Notes Travel Farther Than You Think
Notes made by delivery drivers are often informal, spur-of-the-moment records, but they don’t disappear. They can be attached to profiles, trigger policy changes, or surface in disputes where credibility is everything. In a data-driven age, even a few words typed into a tablet can carry legal and personal consequences. Recognizing the power of these notes helps both drivers and customers navigate delivery interactions more carefully.
Have you ever seen or heard of a delivery note that seemed unfair or odd? Share your thoughts below—we want to hear your take.
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The post 7 Delivery Driver Notes You’ve Never Seen But Could Be Used Against You appeared first on Everybody Loves Your Money.
